Getting the Most out of your Trade-in

Ford dealers really do want your trade-in. Reselling your car earns Ford dealerships in Ohio yet another customer and added profit. Most car shoppers look up their trade-in's value online at sites like Kelley Blue Book or the National Auto Dealers Association (NADA) pricing guides. Consider these as ballpark figures, because it's easy to overrate your car's condition and so many other factors determine what it is worth to the Ford dealership. It is important to keep in mind that resale values aren't an exact science. Different Ford dealers' assessments could vary by a couple hundred dollars to $1,000. The three biggest factors affecting your trade-in value are...

Car Condition

When it comes to condition, damage decreases the value because Ford dealers must pay the reconditioning cost. While repairs are underway, the Ford dealer's time and space are also wasted. These are very valuable resources to the Ford dealership. Good maintenance means higher trade-in value. Worn tires, belts, wipers, and hoses indicate slack maintenance, as does a lack of maintenance records. Original paint is a positive selling feature to a Ohio dealership because the manufacturer warranties only original paint for untimely peeling. Your car's cleanliness can also sweeten your deal. Pets and smoking can cause permanent interior damage and evidence of either will dramatically reduce the chance that the Ford dealer can resell the vehicle - which makes the car less valuable to a Ohio Ford dealer. Spending $150 on detailing the car before bringing it into the dealership is worth the $300 of trade-in value that will result.

Market Supply and Demand

Something that's not in your control at trade-in time is the overall market. Nonetheless, understanding how trade-in prices fluctuate may make accepting a lower-than-expected trade-in price easier. Some cars are in higher demand than others. If everyone in your region wants an SUV, your compact car may not trade as high because it will be harder for the Ohio Ford dealer to resell. The season also impacts demand. Convertibles receive a lower trade-in value in the fall and winter because Ohio Ford dealers may have to ship the car to a different region in order to sell it.

In areas where leasing is very popular, your late-model trade faces competition. And now, with a lot of low-mileage trade-ins being generated by attractive new car deals, most markets have an abundance of off-lease used vehicles. In many markets, leased vehicles have created a surplus of well-taken care of vehicles. You're used car or truck is competing against the 36-month vehicle that has all the warranties on it and all the maintenance.

The Dealership You Choose

Which Ohio Ford dealer you trade with can also make a difference, though the difference is less in large cities. If you trade at an Ohio Ford dealership that sells the same make, you will probably receive more for your trade because their customers will be looking for that kind of car on their lot. In major cities, the make of the dealership doesn't matter as much, If the dealership doesn't feel a particular car will sell on their lot, they may sell it at another lot or trade with another dealership.