Selling a vehicle that has served you well over the years is a big deal. It’s important to go through the process in a way that maximizes your vehicle’s trade-in and cash value. Here, we cover what you can do to maximize the value of your vehicle and guide you through the process of selling or trading it in.
We at Lincoln Fairfield want to make sure our patrons get the best possible deal for their cherished used vehicles. Here are a few important tips you can use to do just that:
Seller Research: Look Up Local Dealerships Beforehand
It’s important to do some research on your vehicle to get a realistic idea of what you can expect to get for it. There are many sites and sources that cover the value of different model years, usually scaled by age and condition. The older your vehicle, the less it’s likely to be worth unless it’s a particularly sought-after classic.
Give it a Tune-Up: Mechanical and Electrical Issue Mitigation
The more mechanical and electrical issues a vehicle has, the less a prospective buyer will be willing to pay. Drivers would do well to make sure their vehicle is checked and repaired before bringing it into a dealership to sell or trade. It’s just as important to weigh the cost of the repairs required against the possible gain in value for the trade-in or sale.
Fewer repairs will be worth the cost if the gap between a pristinely maintained model and one in good or fair condition is small. Heavier repairs are worth it if the value gap between those condition ratings is considerable.
Presentation Is Key: Clean the Car Before Bringing It In
A vehicle in perfect condition on the inside but in terrible condition on the outside won't do much to impress potential buyers. It’s a good idea to have the interior of the vehicle vacuumed, shampooed, and cleaned and the exterior washed and waxed. Have any dents or dings in the body removed, if possible.
Sometimes, dents can be forced out of existence with a simple tool. In other cases, you may need to replace a panel or two on the body. These simple actions will maximize the curb appeal of any vehicle, drawing the eye of those willing to pay top dollar.
Now that we've covered ways to increase the value of your vehicle, we'll cover the sale process itself.
There are a few things you’ll need to be able to legally sell or trade in your vehicle in the US. These are your vehicle's title, any government-required emissions test documentation, a bill of sale, service records, and warranty documents. Emissions tests and bills of sale are not required for all citizens — whether you’ll need these documents depends on the state you live in.
You’ll only need to provide warranty paperwork if there’s a valid and current warranty that will be transferred through the sale or trade-in. Service records aren't a hard requirement, but the more your buyer knows about your vehicle's history, the more likely they'll be to agree to a higher price.
After we have the required information and any other data our drivers choose to disclose, we move on to granting them a quote. This is an initial offer for the vehicle that you can then negotiate. Once we’ve agreed on a price, you can choose to put the agreed amount toward the purchase of another vehicle through trade-in or receive it in cash. Trade-in value is usually greater than cash sale value, so consider the former if you're in the market for another vehicle. It’s important not to forget sales taxes when considering trading in. This tax is usually the difference between the allowance on your old car and the sale price of the one you're getting.
Some used vehicles that are in particularly good shape may qualify to receive CPO designation. CPO vehicles are more valuable to dealerships than standard used vehicles, so you'll make more money if your vehicle qualifies. The average CPO vehicle is worth 17.5% more than its non-certified used counterpart. The service pros at Lincoln Fairfield will run a 200-point inspection on your vehicle to see whether it qualifies.
Once you have a final deal worked out with our finance department, we'll cover the final details of your contract and sign it with you. Once you've done the deal, consider taking a look at the ways our parts and service professionals can make your selection even better. Lincoln offers an incredible range of premium parts that enhance every aspect of the driving experience. Our most popular performance parts include air filtration and exhaust systems, batteries, body kits, exterior accessories, interior accessories, engines, transmissions, infotainment systems, sound systems, wheels, suspension systems, and high-tech safety systems.
Our main office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the week. That includes our sales and financing offices. Our service center is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and is closed on Sunday. Please feel free to come in at any time during our hours of operation or you’re welcome to contact us online or call us at (707) 716-2144 to schedule an appointment, depending on what’s most convenient for you.
We're eager to see what you have to offer for sale at Lincoln Fairfield. We accept a wide array of vehicles for sale and trade-in near Vacaville, so feel free to bring your vehicle in, even if it's not a Lincoln. The experienced staff at our facility is entirely at your service and willing to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have about your sale or trade-in. Once we've addressed them, we're sure we can find our way to a deal that everyone is happy with.
Disclaimer:
Operating, servicing and maintaining a passenger vehicle or off-road vehicle can expose you to chemicals including engine exhaust, carbon monoxide, phthalates, and lead, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. To minimize exposure, avoid breathing exhaust, do not idle the engine except as necessary, service your vehicle in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves or wash your hands frequently when servicing your vehicle. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/passenger-vehicle.