Portage Chrysler Dodge Jeep Inc.

This is probably the last bit of advice you would expect to hear from a car dealer.

I have been in the Automotive retail business for the better part of the last decade and have been around it most of my life. My father was a car salesman and as a consumer, I would trade my vehicles in frequently as I drove an above average amount of highway miles.

So you're asking yourself, why would a car dealer give me tips on how to get the most money for my trade?

Well there are a few reasons, the most obvious is, I want to be fair. Second, I want to make you a deal, and third, if your happy with the way you were treated, you might tell a family member or friend about your experience, and they might come in and purchase their next vehicle from me.

So let's get down to it shall we.

The first thing should do is clean your vehicle. All the trash that accumulates over time, the drive thru receipts, gum wrappers, little bits of paper and what not, grab a garbage bag and clean it all out. Give your vehicle a light wash inside and out, I am not saying that you need to spend hundreds of dollars getting your vehicle professionally detailed, take a few minutes and wash the dirt and grime off so we can see the condition of the exterior and interior.

Second, take a good look at the condition of your vehicle because I will. How do the tires look, are they bald or wearing unevenly? Is the windshield cracked? Stone chips and scratches in the paint? Are there any burnt out lights? What is the condition of the upholstery? Maybe some of these things you can repair or fix at minimal expense and that will go a long way.

Lastly, organize your receipts. Show us that all the scheduled maintenance was performed, and that issues were addressed. All maintenance information is vital, and when we know that it was performed that will go a long way when I put a value to your trade.

When I take a vehicle for an appraisal drive, I look for many different things. First I turn the radio off, and I will listen to the vehicle as it accelerates, as it brakes, how it drives over rough road and as it coasts. I am listening for engine, brake and suspension noise. I will check on things like the condition of the tires, windshield wipers, engine oil and transmission fluid.

So, to get the most out of your trade, follow the steps above, and you will get a fair value every time.

Darroch Cairns,

Dealer Principal
Portage Chrysler Dodge Jeep