Skip to content
Wishlist List Link
Search
Close Mobile Search

Find a car

Trading in Your Old Car? – What You Need to Know

Trade in old car – Women in a convertible driving down the road

Trading in your old car is a great way to squeeze extra value out of it before upgrading to a new set of wheels. But to ensure you get the best deal possible, you’ll want to know the ins and outs of car trade exchanges. So, buckle up and get ready to discover how to get the best deal for your old wheels.

Benefits of Trading in Your Old Car

Avoid the Hassle of Selling Privately

Selling your car privately can be long and frustrating with all the ads, enquiries, test drives, and price haggling. Trading in your old car allows you to avoid all that mess entirely. In one fell swoop, you can bid farewell to your old ride and drive off in a shiny new one. No fuss! The dealership handles all the paperwork and logistics, leaving you more time for the important things in life—like spinning your new wheels.

Squeeze Extra Value Out of Your Old Car

Trading in your car brings some financial perks too. The trade-in value becomes your secret weapon as a down payment for your new set of wheels. That means less money is needed to finance or fork out upfront. A bigger down payment equals smaller monthly payments and possibly sweeter interest rates. By cashing in on the value of your old car, you can score big savings on your new ride and supercharge your bank account.

Rest Easy Knowing You’re Getting a Fair Deal

Dealerships have got the trade-in game down to a science. They’re like car valuation wizards! Their extensive expertise means they can accurately assess your old car’s value based on its condition, mileage, age, and market demand. They’re privy to all the insider info, historical sales records, and market trends, guaranteeing a fair and accurate valuation. Selling your car privately is like stumbling around in the dark, hoping for the best. But when you trade it in at a dealership, you can rest easy knowing you’re getting a square deal.

Trade in old car – Key and red car

Factors Affecting Car Trade-In Value

If you’re ready to trade in your old car for a shiny new set of wheels, you must first understand the main factors that can affect the trade-in value of your old car.

  • Age: We hate to break it to you, but unlike fine wine, your car doesn’t get better with age. The older your car, the lower its trade-in value is likely to be. Look on the bright side – at least you can boast about owning a classic car in a few years!
  • Mileage: The more miles your car has, the lower its trade-in value. But don’t worry; you’ll always have the memories of those epic road trips to keep you warm at night.
  • Condition: The condition of your car is also crucial. If your car looks like it’s been through a monster truck rally, you won’t get much for it. But if it seems like it’s fresh off the showroom floor, then you’re in luck. A well-maintained car will typically have a higher trade-in value than one that’s seen better days.

Considering these factors, you can better understand what to expect when trading in your old car.

Preparing Your Car for Trade-In

Before trading in your old car, there are a few things you can do to prepare your car and ensure you get the best value out of it.

Give Your Car a Good Clean

You’ll want your car to look like it just rolled off the showroom floor. Get your hands dirty and give it a good scrub inside and out. A clean car looks better and gives the impression that the car has been well taken care of.

Ensure Everything is Running Smoothly

Peek under the hood and ensure everything is in good working order. Fix any mechanical issues and replace worn-out components like brakes and tyres. These may seem like small details, but they can make a huge difference to the trade-in value of your car.

Gather all Necessary Documents

Ensure you have all the necessary documentation, including the registration, title, and service records. This paperwork shows that you’ve been taking good care of your car and helps the dealership accurately assess its value.

Trade in Your Old Car with Portage

Trading in your old car can be a game-changer, sparing you from the pain of privately selling and getting you behind the wheel of your new car faster than you could imagine.
Whether you’re looking for an NZ sedan car or something with a little more speed behind it, Portage Cars has a range of quality used vehicles for sale. View our range online today.

Share

Related posts

Should I buy a hybrid car – A sign for a hybrid charging station painted on the ground

Should I Buy a Hybrid Car? Our Guide to Hybrid Vehicles

March, 2024

As our collective consciousness turns a couple of shades greener, many of us are searching for ways to become more sustainable. At the crossroads of innovation and eco-conscious driving, hybrid cars have emerged as a compelling solution, blending the power of traditional engines with the efficiency of electric motors.  If you’ve found yourself wondering, “Should I buyContinue reading “Should I Buy a Hybrid Car? Our Guide to Hybrid Vehicles”

Read more >
How to care for a new car – A man washing his new car

How to Care for a New Car

March, 2024

So, you’ve found yourself a new ride, that’s fantastic! But remember, with great cars come great responsibility. Knowing how to care for a new car is more than just ensuring it looks good; it’s about preserving its performance and longevity. Whether you’re a first-time owner or a seasoned driver, staying on top of maintenance is critical. Here’sContinue reading “How to Care for a New Car”

Read more >