Vehicle Trade-In Checklist
Are you driving around the Mahwah, Ramsey, or Ridgewood, NJ, areas, thinking that you’re going to start the search for your next car? Are you not sure what you’re going to do with your current vehicle? Then, consider trading in your vehicle with us at Mahwah Ford, happily serving the Oakland, Waldwick, and Wyckoff, NJ, communities.
If you’re new to trading in, or just need a refresher after years of driving the same vehicle, our team has put together this quick checklist, so you can simplify and streamline the process. Read on to learn how you can be as prepared as possible for your next trade-in.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
The first thing you’re going to want to do is gather all the documents you need in one place. What you’ll need to trade in your car is:
- Title
- Registration
- Proof of Insurance
While it isn’t a requirement, a great way to help increase the value of your vehicle is to bring along proof of service. When you get your car serviced, keep the receipts in the same place you keep the rest of your important documents.
There’s nothing more encouraging to a dealership than to see that a car, truck, or SUV, has been well-loved and taken care of.
Step 2: Do Your Research
You wouldn’t just buy a new phone off the rack without looking into it, would you? Of course not—you’d investigate the specifications and make sure they line up with what you’re looking for in a phone. The same is true when you start the trade-in process. Start by looking into the value of your car. There are plenty of online resources, like:
- Kelley Blue Book
- Black Book
- Edmund’s
If you’d like, before you come and visit us, you can use our website and use our Value-Your-Trade tool. All you’ll have to do is give us a few pieces of information and we’ll give you a personalized estimate. Remember, these are all estimate and not guarantees of value—you’ll only get a firm offer when you visit us.
Step 3: Get a Check-Up
The last thing you’re going to want to do to get your car ready for a visit with us is make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape. Make an appointment with a service center for a multi-point inspection.
This will give you a list of things that need to be dealt with immediately, things that need to be dealt with at some point, and things that are A-OK. Make sure to bring this list with you, so we know if there’s anything we should be aware of.
The last thing you’re going to want to do is make sure your car is squeaky clean. Take it to the carwash and give the inside a vacuum, and make sure to remove all your personal belongings—you wouldn’t want to lose your spare charger, would you?
Come See Us When You Decide to Trade-in Your Vehicle
When you’re ready to start the process of buying your next car and need to trade in your current vehicle, make the team at Mahwah Ford your first stop in the Oakland, Waldwick, and Wyckoff, New Jersey. We’re excited to help all our friends in the Mahwah, Ramsey, or Ridgewood, New Jersey, communities, find the best car for their lives.