How to Trade In Your Car Successfully

Trading in your car can be a great option if you’re looking to upgrade to the next model, or change from your current vehicle through a hassle-free process. A trade-in is a business transaction between you and the dealership, and understanding the business side of the deal can help you maximize your outcome. If you already have a relationship with your car dealership or preferred brand and don’t want to go through a third-party like an auction house or online site, trading in makes perfect sense.

If you’re considering going down the route of a car trade-in, it’s important to understand the trade-in process so you know what to expect. In this blog, we’ll cover a few tips and tricks to make sure that you get the best deal possible for your car, and walk away feeling happy with your trade.

Preparation and Research

When it comes to trading in your car, preparation and research are key to securing the best possible trade in valuation. Start by gathering all the essential documents related to your vehicle, especially the service history and, if available, a full service history. These records provide detailed information about the car’s maintenance, repairs, and overall care, which can make a significant difference in the value a dealership or buyer is willing to offer.

Next, take the time to research the current market to ensure you get an accurate valuation for your used car. Look up similar models, years, and conditions to see what prices they are fetching, and pay close attention to factors like mileage, age, and overall condition, as these can greatly affect your vehicle’s value. Online tools such as Cartell and Carzone are excellent resources in Ireland for checking used car prices, trade-in values, and private sale prices. 

It’s also important to review your vehicle’s history, including the number of previous owners and any outstanding finance. A car history check can provide detailed information about the vehicle’s past, helping you identify any issues that might impact the trade-in value. Being upfront and transparent about your car’s history can build trust with buyers and ensure a smoother process.

Before you visit the dealership, make sure your car is in its best possible condition. Clean the interior and exterior thoroughly, address any minor repairs, and take clear, high-quality pictures from multiple angles. Also make sure that your cars service history is in order, ensure it has had a recent service too. Be ready to provide additional details such as the vehicle’s registration, mileage, and date of first registration. The more complete and accurate the information you provide, the easier it will be for the dealership to offer a fair and competitive price.

You must provide paperwork, including proof of title and confirmation of no outstanding finance, to complete the purchase of your car.

By investing time in preparation and research, you can confidently approach the trade-in process, knowing you have all the necessary information to negotiate a fair deal. Keeping detailed records of your vehicle’s maintenance and history not only helps with your current trade-in but also adds value for future transactions. If you have your cars original handbook and have brought your car to an approved service centre they will have made sure that this record was filled out and stamped, showing not only your service history but that is was carried out in an brand approved centre. With the right approach, you’ll be well-positioned to sell your used vehicle or part exchange it for a new vehicle, ensuring you get the best value and drive away satisfied.

The Trade-In Process

The car trade-in process will vary from dealership to dealership, but for the most part, this is what you can expect from start to finish.

Pick up your new vehicle! The most exciting part of all - it’s time to take your new ride home. Drive your old car in, hand over the keys and head off with your new model.

Head to your chosen dealership. It’s time to make the trade! When you arrive, a team member will assist you during your visit. An inspection of your vehicle will be conducted to assess its condition. You may be asked to provide a copy of your vehicle's documents. The offer you receive may be subject to the results of the inspection. The dealership will then draw up the paperwork and arrange for the car you want to trade up to. You’ll be given a date to arrive and pick up your new vehicle.

Shop around. Different dealerships will be able to offer different deals, valuations will vary slightly and there will be different new cars to trade-in for depending on where you go. To make sure you’re making the right decision and for peace of mind, we always recommend checking in with a few local dealerships before making your final decision.

Decide whether you’d like to sell your vehicle outright to the dealership or trade-in for another car. If you are interested in selling your car outright, inform the dealership. Not all dealerships will offer the ability to sell your car directly without trading in for another model, so make sure to check in on this if you’re looking to make a quick sale. On the flipside, if you’d like to trade in for another model, let your dealership know this so they can help you to find a model you like and ensure it’s in stock for the trade-in.

Get in touch with your dealership. You can contact the dealership by phone or through their website. Many dealerships offer online forms where you may need to log in to their system to submit your details for a valuation. By submitting your information online, you agree to the dealership's data processing policies. After submitting your request, you will receive offers or further information from the dealership.

Tips to Get the Best Deal

If you want to make sure you’re getting top dollar for your trade-in vehicle, there are a few actions you can take to maximize your trade-in value. Here’s what we’d recommend considering before getting in touch with your dealership.

We’d always recommend having the details of your vehicle prepared beforehand, such as a service history, odometer readings and work completed. This will speed up the process significantly and save you and the appraiser time.

Previous ownership history affects a vehicle's resale value, with fewer owners typically increasing value.

The presence of outstanding mechanical issues will negatively affect the car's value.

Newer cars typically carry more value than older cars.

Lower mileage on the odometer increases the car's trade-in value.

Having a valid NCT and tax certificate increases a vehicle's value.

Be prepared to negotiate: Dealers need to on-sell the car so the price offered will be potentially less than a private sale, plus they have to take into account any repairs and include a warranty for the next owner. At the end of the day it’s your decision to sell and your responsibility to do your due diligence and negotiate a price you’re happy with. If you do not wish to trade in, simply selling your car is also an option.

Check third party valuation sites. Even if you’re not going to sell your car via a third party, it’s a good idea to get a feel for how much your vehicle is worth before you go into the dealership. Reputable sources include: Carzone, MyVehicle.ie and Motorcheck Their valuations are based on multiple criteria, including your vehicle's year, engine, and condition, and they use extensive data to provide accurate offers. They’re well worth paying for and will give you a confirmed market value that will put you in good standing for negotiations.

Check your car for current recalls. If a recall for your car has been issued, you can actually get this fixed for free at a local dealership, so make sure to get this done before trading in.

Make sure your car is well presented. A little goes a long way to help your car stand out, so always wash, clean, vacuum and tidy before driving into the dealership. We’d also recommend touching up any small repairs, addressing scratches, and ensuring the engine is in good condition as these are recommended steps to improve your vehicle's value. Be honest about any major work required. The dealer will check over your car thoroughly, so it’s better to be upfront about anything that needs fixing, as the final money you receive may be subject to the results of the inspection.

Timing is key. Most dealerships only have one designated person with the role of appraising potential trade-ins. That means that if you show up at peak times (like a weekend, or in particular Saturday afternoon) you could be in for a bit of a wait!