Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in April 2021 and has been updated with additional information about Car-Mart’s trade-in process and links to additional helpful information.
It’s trade-in and trade-up time at America’s Car-Mart, a buy here pay here dealership. But then again, it’s always trade-in time at Car-Mart. After all, ‘we trade for anything.’
Our top priority is our customers’ satisfaction when it comes to vehicles. We meticulously select the cars we offer, ensuring they are of the highest quality and meet our customers’ needs. We understand that buying a car can be a big investment, and we want our customers to feel confident about their purchase. Additionally, a trade-in can be used as a down payment for your next vehicle if you have credit issues.
How to get the most for your vehicle trade-in
People use their cars every day, so we don’t expect them to be perfect. But we do want to see them clean and well-maintained.
First impressions matter. A clean car demonstrates that you care for your vehicle. Before you bring your vehicle to Car-Mart, give it a good wash, clean and vacuum the interior, tidy it up, and make it look good. A fresh oil change is also a good idea.
Here are the things Car-Mart reviews when inspecting your vehicle:
- Quality of vehicle
We look at how well the owner has maintained the vehicle, including tire condition, oil changes, etc. Be sure you’ve changed the oil recently, as we check the oil change sticker and the oil itself. The darker the oil, the older it is, and a milky color indicates water in the engine.
- Mileage
Whether your vehicle has 30,000 or 300,000 miles, mileage doesn’t matter at Car-Mart.
- Exterior Condition
A used car’s exterior will have imperfections, from dents and scratches to paint blemishes. Major dings and dents can affect the trade-in value.
- Interior Condition
We look for burns, tears, and rips in the upholstery. The interior should also be clean. It doesn’t have to be immaculate, but be sure to remove any personal items.
- Drivability of vehicle
We get behind the wheel and take your car for a spin. We look at how the engine runs, listen for strange noises, such as rattling or clicking, check the AC/heater unit, and see if the windows function properly.
If minor items are wrong with your car and the cost to repair them is modest, you might consider fixing them. Do the things you can, especially the small things. Try to keep your vehicle in the same working condition as when you bought it.
The bottom line is that you want to show your car that it has been well-maintained over the years. Taking care of your vehicle during your ownership can be a good return on your investment. Conduct ongoing maintenance and keep it clean.
Trade-in process at Car-Mart
When you visit a Car-Mart dealership to trade in your vehicle, we’ll invite you to select another car on our lot. While you’re shopping and even test driving, we’ll inspect your vehicle and determine a trade-in value. Then, we’ll sit down and talk.
Overall, come prepared to trade your vehicle for another vehicle. Be ready to conduct the trade on the same day. Don’t forget the title, which must be in your name. Your title is your proof of ownership and establishes you have the authority to trade in your vehicle. Also, bring any extra keys, registration, and payoff information if you are still paying for your vehicle.
Transparency is key in the trade-in process. Let your Car-Mart associate know what’s wrong with your vehicle.
At Car-Mart, we believe that the trade-in value of your current car is just as important as getting you into a new one. Our goal is to ensure that you, as a loyal Car-Mart customer, can easily upgrade to a newer vehicle.
If you didn’t buy your car at Car-Mart, you can still trade it. We’ll give you a fair trade.
Want to sell your car? Check out our partner Carmigo and its first-of-its-kind marketplace that allows our customers to auction their cars directly to buyers.
Check out our other helpful blogs to learn more about trading in your vehicle at Car-Mart, our vehicle buying process, tips for vehicle maintenance, and getting pre-qualified.
Get pre-qualified and see the amount you’re qualified for – within minutes. Know what you qualify for before you get to the dealership.
