How to get the most for your trade-in

Your trade-in can cover some or all of a down payment. A little prep goes a long way.

Before you get a value

• Clean it inside and out. A car wash can move the number.
• Gather the paperwork: title or payoff info, registration, service records.
• Find every key and remote. Replacement fobs are expensive and come off your value.
• Fix the cheap stuff — a burned-out bulb, a missing gas cap.
• Don't sink money into big repairs right before trading; you rarely get it back.

Know your number

Tell us about your vehicle on our Value Your Trade page and we'll get back to you with a number. We confirm it in person with a quick walk-around and test drive.

Owe money on it?

That's common. We'll get the payoff from your lender. If you owe less than it's worth, the difference can go toward your next car.