| In the excitement of shopping for a new car, it is | | | | 2. Remove all personal possessions. Taking everything |
| easy to forget an important negotiating factor - your | | | | personal out of the car will make it appear less |
| used car trade in value. But while you are admiring | | | | cluttered and better-maintained. Even your glove |
| and comparing the features of a brand new vehicle, | | | | compartment should be empty, except for the |
| the sale person is thinking about the bottom line, and | | | | owner's manual and vehicle registration. Don't forget |
| this includes giving you the lowest possible price for | | | | to clear out the trunk, leaving only the spare tire and |
| your trade-in. Following some simple steps can ensure | | | | tire iron - vacuum the trunk out, as well. Any bumper |
| that you receive the best possible price for your old | | | | stickers and decals should also be removed, if you |
| car, significantly reducing the cost of purchasing a | | | | can do so without marring the paint job. |
| new vehicle. | | | | 3. Keep a record of all vehicle repairs and |
| 1. Clean your vehicle. Having your car looking its best | | | | maintenance. Written documentation of all scheduled |
| can increase its appeal, and therefore, its value; | | | | maintenance and any repairs you have had done on |
| conversely, a dirty car will look poorly cared-for, and | | | | the vehicle will provide proof that you have properly |
| the dealer will be unwilling to give you more than the | | | | maintained the car; this will give you bargaining power |
| absolute minimum. It can be well-worth the money to | | | | when you are negotiating the purchase price. In |
| take your car to a professional detailer; if you prefer | | | | addition, make sure that all warranties for new parts |
| to clean it yourself, vacuum all the upholstery, and | | | | that you have purchased are in the vehicle with the |
| use an upholstery cleaner to remove any soil or | | | | owner's manual. |
| stains from the seats, headrests, carpets, and roof | | | | By following these guidelines, you provide yourself |
| liner. Wash the outside of the vehicle thoroughly, | | | | with important negotiating tools when it comes time |
| paying attention to the undercarriage and the wheels | | | | to settle on a trade-in amount for your used car. |
| as well as the main body. When you are finished, a | | | | Improving your used car trade in value can save you |
| coat of polish can make your old car look, if not new, | | | | hundreds, or even thousands of dollars when you |
| then at least a bit less old. | | | | purchase a new vehicle. |