Selling Versus Trading your Used Vehicle in Spring 2011

April 15, 2011 - PRLog -- In an economy full of high gas prices, yet low housing prices, it’s hard to know where your car fits into the picture. Sallas Auto Repair in Kansas City, MO has several tips on deciding if you should sell or trade in your used car.

“It’s important that you take care of your car through preventative maintenance and regular maintenance so that your car maintains value and you get the most out of it, whether you’re selling it by owner or trading it in to a dealership,” said Nick Sallas, owner of Sallas Auto Repair in Kansas City, MO.

SELLING YOUR USED VEHICLE
Sallas recommends checking the value of the used vehicle in NADA or Kelly Blue Book before listing it for sale. Clean the car really well, and collect all maintenance receipts. Just as you would “stage” a house for sale, you can also “stage” your vehicle by removing personal items. Two great places to list your used vehicle for sale online include Cars.com and Craigs List. As you’re selling your used car, make sure to take the steps to ensure your car is safe and doesn’t get stolen.

“If someone wants to test drive your car, make sure they arrive in a car with a license plate, and hold their driver’s license so that they can’t take off with your car,” said Sallas.

TRADING IN YOUR USED VEHICLE
Depending on the value of your used car, if a dealership offers  you within $500 of the value, it might be worth trading in your vehicle and saving the hassle. It’s important to not disclose your plans to trade in your vehicle to the dealership upon initial conversations.

“Tell the dealership you’re considering selling your used car so that your trade-in value isn’t factored into the price of your new car. This will get you the lowest price possible,” said Sallas.

Similar to selling your car, when trading in your used vehicle, collect all maintenance receipts and clean the car thoroughly.

For more information on selling and trading cars, or about auto repair in Kansas City, visit http://www.sallasauto.com.

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Sallas Auto Repair is Kansas City's premiere auto repair shop. Our two shops in Overland Park, KS and Kansas City, MO are AAA approved, and hire ASE-certified technicians to perform preventative maintenance, regular maintenance and auto repair on any vehicle. For more information about Sallas Auto Repair, visit http://www.sallasauto.com.