Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Your Car

In the housing market, there’s a time when it’s best for sellers and a time when interest rates are low and buyers are in control. The automotive industry is pretty similar, with dealerships ready to help when you want to sell your car. At Edwards Chevrolet 280, we have an entire team focused on helping you get the most from your trade, allowing you to upgrade to a vehicle that better fits your needs.

Selling your car to a dealer can be a good idea for multiple reasons. First and foremost, the process is streamlined and stress-free. At Edwards Chevrolet 280, we handle the paperwork, ensure ownership is transferred correctly, and take care of all the legal and administrative tasks. Second, we have an extensive network of possible buyers, including retail customers and wholesalers, making it easier for you to get a fair price for your car. We can also give you good deals on trade-ins, so you can use the value of your old car to help pay for a new one. Plus, selling to our team eliminates the need to negotiate with private buyers or worry about scams. So, if you’ve been wondering, “How can I sell my car,” then read on, get privy, and stop by to talk to our team.

Preparing to Sell or Trade In Your Vehicle

If you’re considering selling or trading your vehicle to a dealership, you’re not the only one. Many car owners go this route when they want to buy a new car. But before you hand over the keys, you need to make sure your vehicle is in the best shape possible to get the best price. You also need to determine why you should make a switch.

Do you need a car with better gas mileage for commuting? Or one that has more towing capability or cargo space when you take the family to Oak Mountain State Park? Knowing the “why” of selling or trading your vehicle is a critical first step. Once you’ve established that and what vehicles might better suit you, you can move on to the next steps.

Get Your Paperwork Together

Gather all the information you need before selling or trading your car. This includes the title, the owner’s manual, maintenance receipts, and any records of the warranty. These papers can speed up the process and give a sense that you’ve taken good care of your vehicle. This step is particularly important concerning maintenance, as service records prove you’ve properly cared for your vehicle, helping maintain its value.

Wash and Clean Your Car

When selling a car, first impressions are key, especially considering that a clean, well-kept vehicle might bring in more value. Whether you opt to clean it yourself or have a professional do it, you need to focus on the inside and outside to make the most of your efforts.

Clean the carpet with a vacuum to remove dirt, dust, and pet hair. Wipe down every surface, including the steering wheel, center console, door panels, and dashboard. Clean and condition leather or vinyl seats; for cloth seats, use a fabric cleaner. Empty and clean all storage spaces, like the glove box and center panel. Clean the outside well, including the tires and wheels. Use wax or polish to add shine and protect the paint. Don’t forget the inside and outside of the windows and mirrors!

Consider Fixing Small Issues

When selling or trading your car, it can help a lot to fix things like dents, scratches, or worn-out parts like brake pads or window wipers. In addition, make sure that all the lights work, including the turn signals. These small changes can make a big difference in how people evaluate your car. Remember, the condition of your car says a lot about how you’ve cared for it, and attention to detail is worth more.

Get a Pre-Inspection

Having a trusted mechanic assess your car before selling it might be a good idea. They can find any problems that you might have missed and give you a written report that you can pass on to our team. Knowing what your vehicle needs also gives you a good understanding of what it might be worth.

Research Value

Speaking of how much your car is worth, it’s essential to research its value. Use our online tool to help with this, entering basic information like make, model, year, mileage, and condition, among other things. To receive a fair estimate, it’s important to be honest when inputting the information. Once you know what your vehicle is worth, you can check our inventory to see what cars you can trade for.

Contact Our Team

After you’ve done your homework, it’s time to contact our team. At Edwards Chevrolet 280, we’re dedicated to helping you find the vehicle that fits your needs and offer a personalized approach. Our friendly and knowledgeable team can explore your options, answer any questions, and address any concerns. We also have a dedicated finance team to help you understand loan rates and how we assess value to ensure you get the best possible deal.

FAQ for Selling or Trading Your Vehicle to a Dealership

We understand that your time is valuable, which is why we make the process of selling your used car hassle-free. It helps that we’ve worked with customers in the Birmingham area for years and are dedicated to providing you with the best offers and options for trading and upgrading your vehicle. The following are questions we’re frequently asked regarding this process.

Q: What is the first step to selling my car at Edwards Chevrolet 280?

After you’ve followed the steps above, contact our team to get an appraisal of your vehicle. This should closely match the value you obtained using our online tool as long as the information provided is accurate. Once you’ve received our appraisal, you can negotiate or accept it. We want you to feel comfortable with the transaction, which is why we want you to ask questions and haggle for the best deal.

Q: Can I sell my car even though I still owe money on it?

Certainly. The best-case scenario is that you have positive equity in the car, allowing you to trade it and put that equity toward your new vehicle. Our team will handle paying off your current loan to eliminate extra steps for you. If you don’t have positive equity, we can roll the excess into your new car loan; our finance team can explain exactly how this works so you feel comfortable moving forward.

Q: When can I sell or trade in my car?

The short answer is that you can do this anytime during your ownership. However, waiting until you have positive equity is best, as this allows you to get the best possible deal.

Q: Do I need a down payment?

In many instances, having a down payment helps you get the best deal. If you have equity in your vehicle, this is used as the down payment. If not, our team can discuss your options to determine next steps.

Talk to Our Team Today About Selling or Trading Your Vehicle

Preparing your car for sale or trade might take some work, but the benefits are undoubtedly worth it. A well-kept and clean vehicle will sell for more money and show that you’ve maintained it. By following the steps above, you can get the most from your current vehicle and move into a car that fits your needs.

If you have questions about the process, contact our team. We’ll take the time to help you understand the process and explore our inventory to find vehicles that might suit you better. Our extensive selection includes Certified Pre-Owned vehicles and an entire section of cars under $20k, allowing you to get a good deal and be budget-friendly. Not only that, but we provide two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance with every new or used vehicle purchased.

At Edwards Chevrolet 280, we boast a great selection, a friendly team, and a hassle-free way to upgrade to the car of your dreams.

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