Trade-In Checklist
Do you want to trade-in your car near Marion, Herrin, or Carbondale, Illinois? If so, our team here at Watermark Ford of Marion can help. Follow this trade-in checklist to get the best value for your vehicle today!
1) Schedule Routine Maintenance
One way to prepare your vehicle for a trade-in is to bring it up to date on its routine maintenance. This could include an oil change, tire rotation, wheel alignment, or other simple service.
If you decide to take your vehicle to a service center, make sure to save the receipts and any records of the car's maintenance history to show it has been well maintained.
2) Fix Minor Issues
Additionally, you may want to consider fixing minor issues. These might include dents, paint chips, rust, and windshield damage. You can determine whether you want to fix something on a case-by-case basis. If you decide to do so, it could help you get a better trade-in offer for your car.
3) Clean Interior & Exterior
After you've tended to the mechanical-related items on your checklist, you'll be ready to start cleaning. Removing your personal belongings from the cabin, glove compartment, center console, and trunk first will make it easier to clean the interior of your car. Remember to:
- Wipe down all surfaces
- Vacuum floor and seats
- Dust door pockets, screens, etc.
If you want someone else to do this part for you, you can hire a professional to detail your vehicle. To clean the exterior, you can wash it yourself or drive to the nearest car wash.
4) Estimate Your Trade-In
Once your vehicle looks its best inside and out, you can estimate its value online. We have a convenient Edmunds MyAppraise Trade-In tool right here on our website. You can view the True Market Value® of your vehicle in less than a minute. Simply plug in the year, make, model, trim, and a few other details about your vehicle to get your True Market Value Report®.
5) Get Pre-approved for an Auto Loan
If you plan to finance your next car, you can begin the process by applying for financing online. This will help you get pre-approved for an auto loan. When you arrive at our dealership, we'll have this information ready to review with you.
To streamline the trade-in and financing processes, one of our associates can apply the value of your trade-in towards the down payment on your next car. This can reduce the amount of your monthly auto loan payment.
6) Browse Inventory Online
6) Browse Inventory OnlineWith an estimated value of your trade-in and financing information in hand, you can start searching for your next car. Our entire inventory is available online. Use our search bar to narrow in on vehicles within your desired price range, from your preferred manufacturer, and much more.
Taking the time to research and compare different options before trading in your vehicle can make it easy for you to drive home in a car you love.
7) Gather the Paperwork
Before driving to the dealership to trade in your vehicle, make sure you have all the necessary paperwork. Grab your driver's license, car insurance, vehicle registration, and title, along with any extra sets of keys.
All of us here at Watermark Ford of Marion hope you found this checklist helpful. Get started today and contact us with any questions. When you feel ready to trade in your car, give us a call or drop by our dealership near Marion, Herrin, and Carbondale, IL!
Make an Inquiry
* Indicates a required field
Contact
Watermark Ford of Marion
1910 W. Coolidge Ave.
Marion, IL 62959
- Sales: (618) 993-2161
- Service: (618) 993-2161
- Parts: (618) 993-2161
Hours
- Monday 8am-6pm
- Tuesday 8am-6pm
- Wednesday 8am-6pm
- Thursday 8am-6pm
- Friday 8am-6pm
- Saturday 9am-5pm
- Sunday Closed