Looking to get the most money out of your current car?
A good trade-in value can be the difference between saving money and buying the new vehicle you’ve always wanted. With the average used car price around $25,512 in 2025 and dealerships struggling to keep their lots full, there’s never been a better time to get a good trade-in offer.
But here’s the thing…
The majority of vehicle owners leave thousands on the table because they just don’t know how the game is played. But with the right preparation, you can walk into a car dealership with confidence knowing exactly how to get the most money out of your vehicle.
You’ll learn:
- Why getting the highest trade-in value is important right now
- The research that will change your game
- The prep work that immediately increases trade value
- The negotiation tactics to use at any car dealership
Why Getting the Highest Trade-In Value Is Important Right Now
The used car market has turned upside down.
Because of the fact that the prices for 3-year-old used vehicles have risen by 3.3% to $29,710 on average in 2025, your existing vehicle might be worth way more than you could have thought. And that’s not all…
Dealerships right now are in a panic for quality trade-in vehicles because the used vehicle shortage that started during the pandemic is not about to end anytime soon, which is excellent news for you.
The stats say it all:
- Used inventory will stay low for years to come
- Dealerships make as much as $4,000 profit on a used car
- Premium prices are being paid for trade-ins
Did you know the best part?
Trading in your current car also can reduce your new vehicle purchase price by thousands of dollars. And let’s not forget that you’ll only be charged sales tax on the difference between your trade-in value and the price of the new car.
The Research That Will Change Your Game
Before you visit the lot, you need to know all the cold, hard facts. Whether you plan to visit Mazda dealers or any other auto sales store, you should know the value of your vehicle to the penny to start the negotiation game. The right research is your great bargaining chip.
Start with the most famous three valuation resources:
- Kelley Blue Book
- Edmunds
- Consumer Reports Black Book values
But here’s the secret that most of you are unaware of… You must be painfully honest about your car’s condition. Every scratch on the driver’s seat and a tiny dent on the passenger door means a lower offer.
Tip: Use your VIN number for a more accurate assessment of the car value. It allows you to consider all your specific options and features.
Prep Work That Immediately Increases Your Trade Value
Ready to add hundreds, if not thousands, to the trade-in value of your car? With little effort and time? It can be done.
Here’s what most of us do wrong:
We assume a simple car wash is enough. But dealerships don’t see your car through the lenses of rose-colored glasses. They analyze and calculate their profit margins before making you an offer. Each little flaw on your vehicle results in a lower price.
Deep Clean That Pays Off
The first impression is crucial. If your car is spotless, it automatically signals to every appraiser that it’s a well-maintained vehicle.
- Exterior: Professional wash and wax, shiny wheels, spotless windows
- Interior: Vacuum all the corners, wipe all the surfaces, get rid of personal items
- Engine bay: Clean engine tells about the owner’s care
Handle All the Minor Repairs
Are there any minor things you haven’t been able to repair on your own? Now is the time to do it.
- Burned-out bulbs (check engine lights are the most deal-killing factors for dealerships)
- Worn wiper blades
- Any missing floor mats
Any small repair could sound as a little detail to you, but each of them costs money to dealers, so they will deduct it from the trade value of your vehicle. Spend 50 bucks now to save a couple of hundred in the future.
Gather All the Paperwork
Complete maintenance records say that you were a reliable owner and will drive the car for many more years. Don’t forget to gather the following papers.
- Service records
- Original title
- Spare keys
- Owner’s manual
Fun fact: Having a full maintenance history will boost your trade value and prove that you have been caring for the vehicle.
The Negotiation Tactics You Must Use
Are you ready for the game-changing piece of information? Most people negotiate trade-in value and a new car price in one. Huge mistake. The dealerships love it because they can play around with numbers and numbers to make you confused.
Separate Deal Strategy
Negotiate your trade-in value first, and do it completely separate from the purchase of your new car. Get that price locked in writing before moving forward.
Negotiating everything together allows the dealerships to offer you an amazing trade-in value while massively increasing the price of a new car. Separate them, and you will see what real numbers are.
Shopping for Competing Offers
Don’t accept the first offer that the salesman at the dealership will make to you. The next time when you are looking for a new vehicle, make sure to visit at least three dealerships that might be in a need of your particular car.
Dealerships have different inventory needs, and some of them may be dying for your year and model right now. Their urgent need for your vehicle will be worth more money in your pocket.
Using Online Offers as Leverage
There are plenty of online services like Carvana, CarMax, and many others which can provide you with the immediate cash offer. It doesn’t mean you must sell it through these platforms, but you can use this tool as your weapon.
When a dealer is trying to lowball your trade, you can just say that “CarMax has already offered me $X for this vehicle.” They will find a way to improve the offer.
Timing is Everything
It is important to know that Spring and Summer are the prime time to trade. More people like shopping for cars in warm weather which means dealerships are in a greater need of inventory. A higher demand equals a higher price.
Winter, on the contrary, will be a worse time to trade unless you plan to get a 4WD before the snow season.
Common Trade-In Mistakes That You Should Never Make
Here are the common trade-in mistakes that you should avoid to get the best price:
- Don’t mention your payoff amount right away, if any. Some dealerships will calculate their offer based on the remaining loan balance.
- Don’t trade for a lower monthly payment offer. Dealers can fool you with monthly payments in a thousand ways.
- Don’t wait until you are in need of a new car. Desperation is the worst position for negotiation. You should start looking for trade-in offers before you have to get a new vehicle.
Conclusion
Getting the most money for your car is not rocket science, but it does take some thought and planning. If you do your research, make your car shine, and negotiate smart, you can increase your trade-in value by thousands.
Remember the most important points:
- Do your research about the exact value of the car before visiting a dealership
- Thorough cleaning and preparation will increase the vehicle’s appeal
- Negotiate your trade-in value separate from a new car purchase
- Shop for offers from different dealerships
- Use the time to your benefit
The market is currently working in your favor with car dealerships in a panic to increase their inventory. Use it to get every penny your vehicle deserves.
Don’t leave money on the table. The right strategy for a trade-in value can give you the foundation for something better and save your budget.
