How to Get a Fair Trade During the Pandemic

As the new car market continues to experience challenges in getting vehicles to dealerships amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for used cars continues to rise. Not surprisingly,
the trade value for used cars is also likely to have increased. In fact, between June 2020 and July 2020, the value of used cars that were traded in jumped more than 16 percent for an average increase of just under $2,000.

3 Ways to Make Sure You Get a Fair Trade Value for Your Used Car

Just because the demand for used vehicles is high, don’t expect dealers and private buyers alike to offer you top dollar automatically. You’ll want to position yourself so that you get top dollar for your trade.

• Research the Market

  • Some areas of the country have a stronger demand for used cars than others. The Charlotte, NC region, for example, is supported by a strong economic base and is the country’s second-largest banking center behind only New York City. In addition, the state’s most populous city boasts Fortune 500 companies such as Brighthouse Financial, Bank of America, Sonic Automotive and Honeywell. It is also home to thriving sports, arts and education sectors that increase the demand for high-quality used cars. Knowing the market of used car buyers who are most likely to be interested in your vehicle can help you know which of its attributes to emphasize.

• Know Your Vehicle’s Worth

  • When you’re attempting to determine the trade value of your used vehicle, don’t forget to account for all of its options,
    including any aftermarket additions. If you have the service records of your vehicle and can demonstrate that it has been meticulously maintained, it’s likely to be worth more than one that cannot be verified. A vehicle that is clean inside and free of dents on the outside is likely to fetch top dollar when you trade it in. Additionally, if your used vehicle has low miles, expect its value to be higher than a similar vehicle with a higher odometer reading.

• Get an Offer

  • There are a few ways you can get an offer on your used car. In the past — before COVID-19 — making an appointment with the used car manager at a local car dealership was probably the first option that would come to your mind. This means that you have to leave your home in order to get the offer and you might not know how stringent their social distancing measures are.

You can also get an instant trade offer for your vehicle online. A safe and streamlined service, you make arrangements to have your vehicle inspected safely after you get an offer.

If you’ve been considering selling or trading in your used car, now is the time to act. Because the market conditions that are fueling this demand are unique, it’s unclear how long they will last. When you Sell A Car Online, the entire process is safe, efficient and profitable.