Why General Maintenance Can Help Maintain Your Trade-In Value
How to Get the Most for Your Trade-In Vehicle
By Curry Frary
Auto Consultant – Tempe
When you’re planning to trade your vehicle for a new one, or just looking to sell for cash, how to get the most for your trade-in or car sale is top of mind. Appearance matters, so before visiting the dealership, give the vehicle a good cleaning inside and out, or have it professionally detailed.
The trade-in or resale value of your vehicle will depend on a number of factors. The largest considerations are age, mileage, fuel efficiency, interior and exterior condition, and how well the vehicle has been maintained. CarFax service and maintenance records (or lack of them) can also affect value when compared to the vehicle mileage.
How to get the most for your trade-in? Maximizing a car’s future resale or trade-in value begins with setting a regular maintenance schedule now. Investing in vehicle maintenance will pay off when it’s time for your next ride, which is why Auto House offers repair and maintenance services at our Tempe, Scottsdale, and Phoenix locations.
General Maintenance
Regular general maintenance is a must for reliability and can make the most of your future trade-in value. Be sure to review the manufacturers’ recommended maintenance schedule intervals in the owner’s manual, including for oil and filter changes.
Schedule regular maintenance appointments in advance, especially oil changes. Auto House offers mechanics you can trust and you can have your vehicle serviced at the recommended intervals at one of our service centers. Catching small problems early prevents them from becoming big ones, so follow your trusted mechanic’s guidance. Save all of your maintenance records, no matter how small, and don’t forget to update your CarFax report.
A vehicle that’s serviced regularly will experience less wear and tear on the engine and components and run more fuel-efficiently. Before accepting a vehicle for trade-in, dealerships will have the car inspected to determine its overall mechanical condition, which could lower the vehicle’s trade-in value.
When you go to trade-in or sell your car, your maintenance records can paint a clearer picture of how well you took care of it, especially for those who do their own oil changes at home. Every 3-6 months or recommended mileage interval have the following items serviced:
- Oil and filter change
- Top up or change fluids
- Tire pressure check
- Rotate and balance tires every six months
- Flush the transmission fluid
- Check the brakes and lights
- Check or change wiper blades
- Check belts, hoses, and spark plugs
- Change cabin air filters
- Keep the car clean, inside and out
A car is a big investment, so think of regular maintenance and repairs as one, too. Take care of your car, and it’ll take care of you. Schedule a service with Auto House Repair & Maintenance.
Auto House also offers the industry’s highest possible trade-in or cash value. Get a KBB Instant Cash Offer online, over the phone, or in one of our three indoor showrooms. We’ll even come to your house to buy your car – no trip to the dealership needed! If you like the offer, we’ll cut you a check right on the spot – you won’t have to wait to get cash for your car.
Get an Instant Cash Offer Online