Thousands of people across Calgary, Airdrie, and Okotoks trade their old cars, trucks, and SUVs in for newer vehicles every year. And chances are, if you're reading this blog, you're considering trading in your current vehicle with Brasso Nissan. You don't even have to purchase a vehicle with us, as we will consider all trade in's regardless of whether you choose to buy.

Trading in your current vehicle at a dealership lets you skip the legwork and risk of a private sale. Plus you experience the ease of buying and selling at a single location where you (most likely) already have a prior relationship and may already be purchasing your next vehicle from. Many customers prefer the convenience of processing and completing their trade in within a couple of days. Depending on schedules, a private sale can take much longer. However, the one question that crosses the minds of anyone considering swapping out their old vehicle is: how do I get the most for my trade in?

Well today, that's what we're here to talk about. Just follow these five simple tips from the experts at Brasso Nissan and you'll be well on your way to getting the most on your trade.

Show Your Service History

Reliability is one of the prime concerns people have when purchasing a used vehicle. Just as you would, the next buyer will want to know that the car, truck, or SUV they're buying has been properly maintained. That's why it's crucial to keep records from all your vehicle's servicing and maintenance. This proves that your vehicle has been properly maintained, and therefore is worth more. Of course, it's not just what's on the inside that counts, which brings us to our next point...

Keep it Maintained

If you're going to be showing your vehicle service history, it's important that you maintain it in the first place. If the time has come for you to seriously consider trading in your current ride, make sure that it has been recently serviced. That way, the dealership knows that your vehicle is in good condition, and that a professional mechanic has fixed any issues. This saves time and money on the dealership's part, and puts more money in your pocket! Of course, it's not enough for your vehicle to run well - it's also important to...

Keep it Clean

Vehicle maintenance is more than just regular oil changes and replacing tires, it's also about maintaining your vehicle's appearance. Cigarette smoke, pet odours, and stains are huge turn-offs for the next buyer, so be sure clean your vehicle inside and out prior to appraisal! Also regularly cleaning your vehicle helps prevent the build-up of rust, which can seriously diminish the value of your trade-in. But a simple washing and vacuuming won't remove body imperfections, so...

Remove Scratches, Chips, or Dings

Another turn-off is seeing a vehicle that's covered in paint scratches, rock chips, door dings, and other imperfections. Most scratches can be removed with just a little bit of hand polishing; rock chips can be erased with an inexpensive tube of touch-up paint bought through your local dealership; door dings are also cheaply and easily fixed by visiting a local body shop; meanwhile a local windshield repair shop can quickly and easily prevent a small chip from becoming a large crack.  By having your vehicle looking its best, you can expect top-dollar for your trade. However, it's important to keep an open mind, which is why...

Research Your Vehicle's Value

Before you trade in your vehicle, it's important to have a good idea what you can expect for your car, truck, or SUV prior to appraisal.  Researching similar models on sites like Kijiji and Autotrader will help you get a better idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that the exact value of your vehicle will depend on its condition, as well as other factors. Nevertheless, it's a good idea to have at least some information, rather than going in blind.

So those are our five tips for maximizing the amount you receive for your trade in. Hopefully by following our advice, the next time you need to trade your current vehicle for something newer, you can walk away having received the best deal possible!

Do you have any other tips for making the most on your trade in? What was your experience trading in your vehicle like? Please post your comment below.