Why is my car trade in value so low?

Choosing a car trade in near you is a fantastic way to save money when you buy a new car. For customers trading cars, getting the best possible car trade in value is paramount. The condition of your car will play a major role in determining the trade in value. While there are many things you can do to keep your vehicle in great condition, there are also actions to avoid if you hope to preserve your car's value. Let's review what to avoid if you'd like to receive a high car trade in value!

1. Smoking in your car

If you bring a car for trade in near you and the interior reeks of cigarette smoke, you can expect the value to take a hit. Everyone knows that smoking inside your car causes an unpleasant odor. What's less apparent, is how difficult the smell of cigarette smoke is to erase. Because of the chemical additives in cigarettes, the smell bonds to the interior materials of your vehicle. This odor is almost impossible to remove entirely. To get the best vehicle trade in value, don't smoke in your car. Opt for the nicotine patches, lozenges, or gum.

2. Skipping regular maintenance appointments

Today, most Milwaukee used cars are sold with complete vehicle service records. The maintenance history is the first thing that used car buyers check on a model of interest. When it comes time to value your car, the service history will be very influential. In order to receive a better deal when you trade cars, make sure your service records are up to date.

3. Accruing too many miles for the vehicle's age

Every time your odometer reading passes a mileage milestone, your car trade in value can decline. The first major milestone is between 30,000 - 40,000 miles, which is when most new cars have their first scheduled service. The second occurs at the 60-70,000 mile range, which is when major components can begin to fail. The last mileage milestone is the 100,000 mile mark. If you want to place your car for trade in near you, it's smart to do so before you hit any of these milestones.

4. Keeping your car longer than necessary

When you're ready to trade cars, time is of the essence! Even if you aren't racking up the miles, your vehicle trade in value will decline as the car ages. Holding on to your Milwaukee used car for too long will erode its value, so it's smart to trade it in as soon as you're ready. 

5. Making modifications to your car

When it's time to value your car, many modifications can actually decrease the value. Tinted windows, spoilers, light bars, and other appearance modifications are so polarizing with buyers that they reduce your car's trade in value. Even features like upgraded sound systems won't help you when it's time to trade or sell. If you'd like to get top dollar for your car when you trade it in near you, stick with manufacturer components. 

Ewald Auto is ready and waiting to help you get outstanding car trade in value. Call our Milwaukee used car dealership today to start the trade-in process, or visit our website.