When it is time to get a new car, more people are opting to trade in used cars rather than selling themselves. This is less of a headache, easier, and faster. But choosing this option requires a bit of knowing what to expect beforehand.

The blue book value on a used car is considered an opinion by most dealers today. Unless the car is in brand new condition, they are likely to put their own value on the car. They get their own idea and value from similar trade-ins and from auctions, where they get their other used cars. Dealers are only willing to give what they think is the value, not what the blue book tells them.

The value of your trade in can sometimes depend upon when you offer it. Other times it can depend upon the color of the car or the make and model. A dealer that already has several cars the same color and make as yours means your car’s value goes down. But if they are low on your make, model or color it becomes more interesting for them to pay you more.

The best thing to do is to treat your car as if you were selling it yourself. Curb value is everything and a dealer is going to look at the outside first. Checking out the paint, seeing what scratches and dings may be on the car. Then they’ll look under the hood, check fluids and the general appearance of the motor. Once inside the car, they’ll see how it feels, if everything is working and how clean it is. They’ll then give you an offer after they’ve taken it for a short test drive.

For most dealers, there is very little or no wiggle room with the offer they give. They may offer low and go up a price, but that is generally as far as they’ll go. You have to remember, this is what they do for a living and they already know what people are paying for a certain car. Their main goal is to make money, not just resell it, so they won’t offer ten thousand on a car that generally goes for a lot less.

It is important to do some homework beforehand so you are sure to get a fair price. Looking at what the dealer already has on the lot and what they are going for will give you an idea of things. Checking other auctions and even online to see what your type of car is selling for can help. Using a variety of methods to see selling prices will prepare you for what the dealer will offer you.

There is less paperwork, hassle, and time involved when you decide to trade in used cars rather then sell them. And, that is why many are choosing to do just that. Making sure to prepare and research before you go out will let you know what to expect. Always remember to try to negotiate when offered a price, chances are you will get something you can be happy with.

Jeff is an experience car appraiser for Trade In Solutions.

Author: Jeff Cartson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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