Car Trade In Value

Selling your car can be a stressful, time-consuming task. Or, it can be as simple as getting an online quote and bringing your car into a dealership. If you choose to trade in your car at Ewald CJDR of Oconomowoc, it is that easy! We are a used car dealership near you that focuses on convenience and fair pricing. Keep reading to find out what you should know about car trade-in value before bringing yours in.

What is the trade in value of my car?

Your car's trade-in value is the valuation that a dealership gives you when you decide to trade in your car. At Ewald CJDR, we use MaxAllowance Cash Offers to give you the best possible offer. When you sell us your car, Ewald will deduct its value from the amount you pay for your new car. 

What is trade vs. retail price?

The retail price of your car is slightly different from the car's trade-in value. Your car's trade-in value is typically less since the retail price includes a profit margin. Per Santam, the retail price is close to the replacement cost of your car. It is how much you would pay if you bought your car from a dealership.

How can I make my car worth more in trade-in value?

Luckily, you can boost your car's trade-in value pretty quickly. Check out these tips to get a better price on your car.

• Take care of maintenance and any mechanical issues. You're in good shape if you've been keeping up with scheduled maintenance. Make sure that there are no known mechanical problems with the car. That check engine light could cost you big, even if it's an easy fix.

• Get your car detailed. First impressions are everything. If your car is clean, it just looks better. Also, a clean car tends to give the impression that it is well-maintained.

• Fix any minor dents or scratches on the outside of the car. Little fixes can be cheap, but they could significantly boost your car's trade-in value! Again, the better your car looks, the better price you will get.

What do dealers use to determine trade value?

When dealers value your car, they look at a variety of things. Ewald CJDR's car buying experts are skilled at determining the accurate value of used cars in Waukesha. Here's what matters:

• Mileage: This is an obvious one. One of the first things used car buyers look at is mileage—the higher your mileage, the lower your car value.

• Condition: The better condition your car is in, the better price you will get for it. It may be worth fixing minor dents and scratches before trading in. And if you've always made time for regularly scheduled maintenance, you'll be in good shape.

• Make and model: The make and model of your car can affect the trade-in value in a few ways. If it is a prestigious brand, it will fetch a higher price. Or if it is a brand known for reliability, that can also bump up the price.

• Options or add-ons: If you chose some of the fancier options when you bought your car, you'd get money back for them when you trade in. Think of it as a higher return because you made a more considerable investment.

• Location: Location can make a big difference in your car's value. If you have a make or model in high demand in your area, you will get a better price. But if you're trying to sell a heavy-duty truck in a city, you might not get the value you could elsewhere.

Is it wise to trade in a car?

Absolutely! Trading in your car is a good idea for many reasons.

• You save so much time. That old saying that time is money is accurate in today's world. You probably don't have much extra time on your hands, so every minute you can save is important. Trading in will save you hours and hours!

• You will save money too! Wisconsin has a tax break on trade-ins. You only pay sales tax on the amount you pay for the new car. If you have thousands deducted from your old car, that will save you a nice chunk of change.

• If you are hesitant to trust a dealer's word on your car's trade in value, don't be. Ewald's MaxAllowance process is transparent. We base our decision on thousands of used cars in the area and our inventory. We are happy to talk you through it!

Well, that's it! That's everything there is to know about trading in your car. Okay, not quite. But if you still have questions, come on to Ewald CJDR of Oconomowoc today. We are happy to answer any questions you have throughout the process. And we promise always to give you an accurate trade-in value for your car and personal customer service!