Car Trade-in FAQs


Are you ready to trade in your car before driving away in your new purchased or leased vehicle? Is this your first time trading in a vehicle? Do you know the proper steps and procedures you have to take before trade-in day? Whatever burning questions you have, our team at Red Noland Pre-Owned Center are here to help!

Down below, we’ll cover our most-asked trade-in questions. If you have another question that isn’t listed below, feel free to reach out to us at any time. You can also stop by our dealership near Colorado Springs, Cimarron Hills, Fort Carson, and Canon City, CO, as well.


Car Trade-in FAQsHow Does the Dealership Value My Trade?

At our dealership, we will value your vehicle in two ways. First, you will have your vehicle appraised by our in-house appraiser. They will be taking note of your vehicle’s condition, age, mechanics, functions, and more to come to an accurate trade-in value.

After the thorough evaluation, they will consult the local used-car market to see how much your make and model are going for. They will then take the value they found, along with their assessed value, and give you a real-time market estimate!


Car Trade-in FAQsWhat Does the Appraiser Look For?

In short, the vehicle appraiser will be looking at your vehicle’s operation and overall condition. A well-functioning vehicle that is also aesthetically sound will receive a higher trade-in value compared to one that hasn’t been well-maintained.

When you bring your vehicle in for an appraisal, our appraiser will check out these items and more:

  • Model Age
  • Mechanics
  • Interior and Exterior
  • Features and Add-Ons
  • Vehicle’s History

The appraiser will also consider the vehicle’s mileage, tire tread depth and condition, seasonal demand, and coloring.


How Do I Prep My Vehicle for Trade in?

Car Trade-in FAQsAs mentioned above, a well-cared for vehicle will boost your ride’s trade-in value. With that being said, you can spruce up your vehicle before the appraisal to potentially raise the buy-back price.

For the exterior, we recommend running your car through the car wash or giving it a good scrub at home. You will also want to fix any cosmetic damages at this time, such as windshield cracks, burned out headlights, dinged doors, or dented bumpers.

For the interior, you will want to take extra care of the upholstery. If you have any stains, cuts, scratches, or burns on the seating, you can take your vehicle to a professional detailer or have your ride repaired at one of our trusted service areas! At this time, you will also want to do the following:

  • Vacuum the floors and carpets
  • Take out all trash from the vehicle
  • Remove all personal information from the infotainment system
  • Remove any accessories or décor from the cabin
  • Remove any addresses from the navigation system

What Do I Bring with Me on Trade-in Day?

Car Trade-in FAQsAlthough saying goodbye to your current ride is bittersweet, it’ll be exciting to drive away in a new car! Before you leave your home, make sure you bring the following items and documents with you to secure an easy trade-in at our pre-owned dealer:

  • Driver’s license and social security card
  • Title
  • Proof of auto insurance
  • Vehicle History Report
  • Owner’s manual and more

Have Any Questions on How to Trade in Your Car?

Now that you’ve read our car trade-in FAQs, do you have any lingering questions? If so, feel free to reach out to our team at Red Noland Pre-Owned Center near Colorado Springs, Cimarron Hills, Fort Carson, and Canon City, Colorado.


Red Noland Pre-Owned is located at: 1260 Motor City Drive • Colorado Springs, CO 80905

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Red Noland Pre-Owned 38.8157829, -104.8322248.