How to Trade in a Car
You’re ready to take the wheel of something new. At BMW of Stratham, we want to show Exeter, Portsmouth, and Stratham, New Hampshire, drivers how to trade in a car at a dealership! It really couldn’t be easier.
We’ll walk you through the steps involved in a trade-in and the benefits involved. Follow these steps and get the value you deserve for your vehicle.
1) Research the value of your trade-in.
You can use BMW of Stratham’s secure online Value Your Trade tool here to get a firm offer for your trade in minutes. You’ll just need to enter some basic information about your car, like the make, model, mileage, and condition.
These tools will help you know what your car is worth. You’ll have a sense of how much dealerships may offer for your trade-in, and you’ll have a point to negotiate from.
2) Do you still owe money on your car?
This is an important question to consider as you prepare to trade in your car. Any money you owe could be rolled into your new car loan, especially if you have negative equity (i.e., owe more than the car is worth).
3) Get an estimate from the dealership.
The next step is to get an estimate from a dealership. The research you’ve already done should help you vet that estimate and decide if it’s a fair price for your car. The dealer’s offer will typically be contingent on an inspection of your vehicle.
4) Close the deal.
If the estimate you receive aligns with what you feel your car is worth, it’s time to close the deal. You’ll need these documents to complete the trade-in process:
- Car title
- Registration
- Service records (if not serviced at the dealership)
If you’re buying a new or pre-owned car at the same dealership, the value of your trade-in can be applied to the purchase of your next new ride.
Why Should You Trade in Your Car?
When you’re ready to move on from your current car, you may be wondering why you should consider trading it in to a dealership rather than holding a private sale.
The benefits of trading your car come down to ease and speed. You can complete the transaction in one place—you sell your car, you buy your new one, and you drive it home. Easy as that! Make the dealership your one-stop shop.
Selling to a third party requires a bit more legwork on your part. You’ll need to fix up and list your car, negotiate prices, meet with potential buyers, and handle all the paperwork. At the dealership, all the service and paperwork will be handled for you.
Trade in Your Car Today at BMW of Stratham!
We make trading in a car easy for Stratham, Portsmouth, and Exeter, NH, drivers. That’s all thanks to AcceleRide®, our online platform for buying and selling cars.
Now, you can complete the process without ever needing to visit our dealership. It’s fast. It’s intuitive. And we’ll be here to guide you every step of the way! Get started on our website and reach out to us if you have any questions.