So, the time has finally come! You are ready to trade in your older vehicle for something newer. But what happens if your trade-in needs some repairs? Do you make those repairs before trading it in? Or do you leave that up to the car dealers to handle? The right answer may vary depending on the vehicle’s condition. Our team at Easterns Automotive Group has some advice that might help you decide.

The Basics

You will want to take care of some of the basics before trading in your car. By ensuring these minor cosmetic issues are addressed, you can improve your vehicle’s trade-in value:

• Clean your car. Double-check that the interior and exterior are generally clean and free from major clutter, crumbs, dirt, etc. This will enhance the appearance of your vehicle and let its true worth shine.
• Check for minor dents or scratches. You may be able to perform minor touchups on your own.
• Touch-up the paint. Be sure to match the paint as closely as possible and touch up any minor noticeable areas.

What Should I Fix Before I Trade in My Car?

The goal isn’t to spend a ton of money on major repairs. However, if you are looking to get the best trade-in deal possible, be sure to focus on fixing the following:



• Check the headlamps and lights. You should check to make sure that the headlamps, turn signals and all the other lights are working properly. A simple bulb replacement takes little time and could bump up your trade-in value.
• Check the fluids. You will want to check all the major fluid levels. (Windshield washer fluid, oil, radiator, brake and transmission.) This tells the dealer that you are keeping up with basic maintenance requirements.
• Wax the vehicle. Adding a shiny finish to a nicely washed car can boost its physical appearance and potentially add more dollars to your trade-in value.
• Don’t forget the details. Be sure to include your most recent maintenance records and all OEM materials that the vehicle may have initially come with. This can include: the mats, spare tire, keys, owner’s manuals, etc.

Fixing these minor issues is a sure way to make your car appear more presentable and valuable. It is common for dealerships to deduct the value for any major repairs that are needed. However, their costs to fix these issues is much lower than what it would cost for you to fix it out of pocket. Therefore, it is much more beneficial to save the larger repairs for the dealership to handle once the vehicle is in their possession.

How can Direct Car Buying help?

Do not hesitate to reach out to our team of trade-in professionals if you are considering a vehicle trade-in. At Direct Car Buying, we make it easy to sell your vehicle in Baltimore or Washington, DC. Our easy-to-use car buying process is simple and effective. Here’s how it works:

• Simply fill out our form. You will answer some questions about your vehicle and share some photos and details.
• Get a Firm Offer. Once your submission is reviewed, we will send you a competitive purchase offer in about three business hours.
• Schedule an inspection and get paid. Once you accept our offer, we will reach out to schedule an inspection appointment to confirm your trade-in’s condition.
• Say goodbye to your old car. Once all is said and done, the title is transferred, and you get to cash your check!

Don’t forget, you can also search our inventory to discover a diverse array of high-quality pre-owned cars, trucks and SUVs. Call us at 877-927-6093 to learn more.