As your lifestyle changes, so does your vehicle, and that’s natural. You might become more adventurous and need a truck or an SUV to traverse unknown trails because the family is growing.
For any of these reasons, trading in your current vehicle is a convenient way to ease financing your new vehicle. At Ford of Upland, serving Upland, Ontario, and Rancho Cucamonga, California, we put together this checklist for trading in a car to get the best value for your vehicle.
When it’s time to part ways with your car, you have two main options: trading it in at a dealership or selling it to a private buyer. Both have their perks, but the right choice depends on your goals and preferences:
Benefits of trading in: Trading your car at a dealership is the easiest way to put its value toward a new vehicle. You avoid the effort of listing your car online, meeting with strangers, or negotiating over price. Plus, dealerships handle all the paperwork, like transferring ownership and paying off your loan.
Benefits of selling privately: Selling your car to a private buyer could get you a slightly higher price—but at a cost. You have to prep your car, take photos, write listings, and manage communication.
Trading in your car is seamless at our Ford dealer near Upland, CA. We offer competitive trade-in values and a comfortable experience.
Ready to trade in your car? Preparation is key to getting the best value. Here’s a quick checklist to help you:
Clean your car: A clean car makes a strong first impression. Wash, vacuum, and wipe down all surfaces. Remove personal items (yes, even that stash of fast-food receipts in the glovebox). A tidy vehicle shows the dealership you’ve taken care of it.
Gather all documents: Bring your car title, registration, loan payoff details, and maintenance records. This will save you time and ensure you’re ready to finalize the trade.
Fix minor issues: Top off fluids, replace burnt-out bulbs, and address small repairs. While dealerships expect normal wear and tear, a well-maintained car could fetch a higher trade-in value.
Additionally, an inspection is recommended. Being honest about your car’s condition is essential, and an inspection helps you and the dealership agree on a fair offer.
Curious about your car’s trade-in value? Our Ford dealer near Upland, CA, has a Value Your Trade tool that makes it quick and easy to find out. Here’s how it works:
Enter your details: Visit our website and input your car’s make, model, year, mileage, and condition. The tool crunches the numbers to provide an instant estimate.
Get your estimate: You’ll receive a real-time trade-in value once you enter your information. This number gives you a good idea of what to expect before visiting the dealership.
Schedule an appraisal: Bring your car to our dealer for an in-person inspection. This final step confirms the online estimate and ensures you get the most value.
The Value Your Trade Tool saves you time and removes the guesswork. Whether upgrading to a new Escape or looking for a pre-owned gem, this tool is your first step toward driving off in a better car.
At Ford of Upland, we know that trading in your car is a big decision, and we’re here to make the process smooth and convenient. Contact us near Upland, Ontario, and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, to learn more about the best practices for trading in your car and how we can add value to your automotive needs.