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Maybe one of the more important times in the ownership of your car is figuring out “when is the best time to trade in your car or truck?” Do you trade it in after a specific time frame? Is there such a thing as too many miles on the odometer? Does it have to be in mint condition? It probably will not surprise you to learn there is not a one-size-fits-all answer to these concerns. However, we’ve got a few advice to help you figure out what time is the best time to trade in your car, truck, or SUV.
This is typically the first question car owners consider. After all, most of us think that the best way to receive top value for their car is to sell it themselves vs. trading it for another vehicle. Yet, there are a couple of factors to look at when deciding if you should sell your car instead of trade it in.
Selling a car can take weeks or longer; specifically if the car needs repairs. The seller would have to arrange every facet of the sale process, from creating an ad to scheduling test drives, to haggling on price, and everything in between. Conversely, trading a vehicle almost always occurs the same day you purchase your new car.
Usually the person selling the vehicle is responsible for getting the buyer the required paperwork, such as registration and the car’s title. If you are new to selling, this could be a discouraging and even lengthy process if there are unexpected challenges attached to the paperwork, like a lien. We are capable of doing all of the paperwork, including surprises.
Perhaps the most notable benefit of trading in your vehicle is the potential tax benefit found in places with a state sales tax. In these states, there’s a financial credit applied to the new car’s sales tax if the buyer trades in a vehicle at the same location where they purchase a new one. In short, the taxes are only applied to the price difference after the value of the trade-in is calculated into the new car price. The tax savings can quickly reach up to thousands of dollars.
There are lots of opinions on this question, especially with newer cars that are built for higher mileage usage. However, there is general consensus on the following three mileage ranges to consider when trading in your car:
This is the time when nearly all new car warranties usually end. Conversely, this is also when the first replacement of ‘wear-and-tear’ items, like brakes or tires, are generally performed on cars. The depreciation of your vehicle will generally start to grow more quickly after this milestone, so the nearer your car is to these miles, the more desirable your trade-in appraisal will be.
Depending on usage, a vehicle that gets to this milestone will generally be between 3 to 5 years old and most likely had many appointments at the local auto service bay for routine service. Clearly, as the miles pile up, the value of the vehicle tends to get lower so car owners should think about this when weighing their trade-in options.
It’s true that hitting this mileage isn’t nearly the automotive death notice that it was in years past thanks to advancements in modern engineering. Yet, the higher the mileage of your car, the greater the depreciation in all but the most exceptional kept vehicles. Vehicles within this mileage could still have value even if they might not be in mint condition. The condition of your car is scrutinized more closely as the miles grow on that odometer.
Finally, an important piece of trading in a car is being ready for the trade-in assessment. These recommendations are not the only ideas, to be sure, these steps can definitely help you get the most value out of your car.
This should be a no-brainer, but many people think that presenting their vehicle ‘as-is’ is an honest approach to a trade-in appraisal. While we do not advocate hiding blemishes or problems (FYI, the assessors will see through those attempts regardless), it is always a good idea to clean up your vehicle to the best of your ability before bringing it to the dealership for evaluation. This means tossing all debris and trash from inside the vehicle (yes, even including the trunk), washing and vacuuming the interior and exterior, and maybe even doing a nice interior and exterior detailing. Just think of the appraiser as a buyer of the vehicle and clean the vehicle accordingly.
We get that repair bills can be overwhelming, especially for significant mechanical concerns. Yet, if you can repair minor dings, chips in the paint, and cracks in the various windows, windshield, and mirrors, all of those cosmetic repairs will go a long way towards improving the value of your trade. If possible, we recommend repairing any mechanical concerns the vehicle may have as well. The better the condition of the vehicle, the more value you will get for your trade-in.
If you have decided trading in your car is the best option for you, then we suggest coming here with all of your vehicle’s paperwork, which includes the title (if you have it), registration, any maintenance receipts you have, and keys you have for the car. Come ready to trade your vehicle in and you won’t be delayed in driving home in your new car.
If you’re wondering where you can trade in your car for another car, Land Rover Albuquerque is the right place. We make the trade-in process simple and can get you back on the road in a new car today. Schedule an appointment online or visit our dealership to get started.
I’ve found this dealership very competent to work with. Everyone was very professional and friendly!
John was very helpful and straightforward with me. Promises were kept and done on time.
My 3 week old 2026 Land Rover Defender 110x developed a strong vibration. The computer said it was a failed injector and the service manager JUMPED to "rodent chewed" and said it wasn't covered by the warranty. In the three weeks I had had the car it was operated every day and was kept at night on a concrete pad where I've kept cars for 30 years without any rodent sign. The fix was to splice two small wires. It took a week and cost $1700.
Pressley always goes above and beyond when I bring in The Dutchess for service! Plus she makes sure to wash and clean Her each time! Excellent customer service 💯💯💯
I was told by the service person that checked me out that my car was washed and it was not. I wasn’t too impressed with the delivery. My floor mat-was dirty.. also when you try to call there and a virtual person answers the phone she or he does not let you finish talking to get you to the right department.
