How to Trade in My Car

When it comes time to say goodbye to your old daily driver and take the wheel of a new ride, you have two options: sell it privately or trade it in at a dealership. The former option requires a great deal of time and energy. Trading in your car, on the other hand, is a quick and simple process.Our team at Sheridan Ford is here to show you how to trade in your car and get the most out of your trade-in near Wilmington, New Castle, or Newark, Delaware. Read on to find out how to trade in your car today and contact us with any questions that pop up along the way!
How to Trade in My Car
If you want to get started from the comfort of your own home, you can head over to our convenient Value Your Trade form powered by Kelley Blue Book®. The process only takes a few simple steps and will give you an idea of how much you can expect for your trade-in. To begin, fill in the following details about your trade-in:
- Year
- Make
- Model
- Style
- Engine & transmission
After that, you’ll plug in the current mileage and your ZIP code to proceed. Knowing the value of your trade-in can help determine your desired price range and home in on vehicles that suit your lifestyle.
At the dealership, an associate will inspect your car before making an official offer. If you accept the offer, the associate will handle the paperwork for you and the value of your trade-in will be deducted from your next car.
How to Boost the Value of My Trade-in
Once you have an estimate for the value of your trade-in, you’ll want to prepare the vehicle.
To get the most out of your trade-in, you want to be sure it looks its best both inside and out. Whether you do it yourself, go to the car wash, or pay a professional to do it for you, you’ll want to:
- Detail, wash, and consider waxing the exterior
- Wipe down the components of the engine to make a good impression
- Detail, clean, and vacuum the interior, plus remove personal belongings
Do your vehicle’s floor mats look worn? If so, consider replacing them to make your trade-in really stand out. Next, be sure to get your car up to date with all its recommended service, which can be found in your owner’s manual. If you’ve recently replaced any tires and/or fixed any minor repairs, dents, or scratches, bring the receipts with you to the dealership.
The final step is to gather the vehicle title, registration, your insurance information, and any necessary personal information, such as your driver’s license and proof of income, if you plan to apply for a car loan.
What Do I Do After I Trade in My Car?
At our dealership, we offer rotating financing offers and lease deals, so check back often to view our current specials. When browsing through our inventory online, you can use our search bar to specify your preferred year, make, price range, mileage, body style, and more.
Trade in Your Car With Us Today
Ready to trade in your car? If so, you can fill out our Value Your Trade form to view your vehicle’s Kelley Blue Book® Value. Then, contact us or visit Sheridan Ford to get your trade-in appraised and pick out your next car near Wilmington, New Castle, and Newark, DE, today!