Should I Fix My Car Before Trading It In?

If you want to put your best foot forward during your Mercedes-Benz inspection, preparation is key. So, should you fix your car before trading it in? The answer depends on the repair. Though the choice is yours, our finance and service team have provided some tips and tricks to boost your trade in value. See how both minor and major repairs affect your car’s price, and get the process started at Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield!

Fix My Car Before Trade: What Not To Fix

Have you been putting off any major repairs? You might be surprised to hear that you probably shouldn’t rush to the shop. Here’s why:

• Pricey repairs can be hard on your wallet, and there’s no guarantee that the costs will pay off in a higher trade in value.
• Dealerships can actually complete the repairs at a much lower cost than an individual, because they have the tools and facilities to complete the tasks easily.
• Some dealerships around Westport and Norwalk don’t complete the full Mercedes-Benz inspection process, so fixing the larger issues might not be worthwhile.

Fix My Car Before Trade: What to Fix 

So major repairs are out, but what about less costly tasks? Minor repairs can actually boost your trade in value quite a bit, because they show the dealership that you’ve taken care of your car over time. Here are a few suggestions:

• Wash your car and clean out the cabin
• Wax the car for a high-gloss finish
• Fix minor paint scratches
• Check headlamps and other lights
• Check automotive fluids and other basic maintenance tasks

What Else Can I Do Before Trading In My Car?

Beyond repairs, what else can you do before your Mercedes-Benz inspection? We recommend getting your paperwork and items in order before you drive down from Weston. Pull together your maintenance records and your title, and gather all of your automotive essentials: keys, mats, winter tires, etc. This will help the process go smoothly, so you can spend less time on your trade in—and more time picking out your new car!

Get Started with Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield

So, should you fix your car before trading in? We’ve gone through the basics, now schedule your Mercedes-Benz inspection to get your trade in value firm. Contact us with your questions or stop by the dealership in Fairfield to get started.