From the Front Desk: Buy, Sell, Trade

Greetings from the front desk at Wareing Sturgis Ford. At some point, most vehicle owners find themselves in the buyer and seller roles at the same time—a place some of our readers may find themselves sooner rather than later.

When you’re ready for a different vehicle, you naturally want a good price on the new one and the old one. Whether you sell your vehicle yourself or bring it to Wareing Sturgis Ford as a trade, a little preparation can help you put your vehicle’s best foot forward.

Clean It, Inside and Out

If you’re posting your vehicle on Marketplace or bringing it here for a trade evaluation, cleaning it well inside and out can make a good first impression. A clean, detailed vehicle also makes it easier for a potential buyer or appraiser to see its actual condition.

On the inside, wiping down surfaces and treating carpet and upholstery stains can make a big difference. And for some of us, a Black Hills commute includes gravel roads, leaving dust buildup in the wheel wells, door jambs, and liftgate opening.

Take a Look at Minor Appearance Issues

Windshield rock chips are almost synonymous with driving in the Black Hills. Before selling or trading, take a look at rock chips, minor dents, scuffs, scratches, and other appearance issues.

That doesn’t necessarily mean every imperfection is worth repairing before you trade. Consider the repair cost and the vehicle’s overall condition before deciding what makes sense.

If your vehicle has applicable appearance protection or windshield coverage, check whether a repair may be covered before bringing the vehicle in for evaluation.

Keep Up With Routine Maintenance

Staying current on routine maintenance helps keep your vehicle running smoothly and gives a potential buyer a better picture of how it has been cared for.

Keep records for things like oil changes, tire rotations, fluid services, and brake inspections when you have them.

It’s also worth taking care of the simple things. Worn wiper blades or burned-out lights are easy to overlook, but replacing them helps show that the vehicle hasn’t been neglected.

Do a Little Research

Before you sell or trade, spend a little time researching your vehicle’s value. Kelley Blue Book and other vehicle valuation resources can give you a starting point.

Keep in mind that trade-in and private-party values aren’t necessarily the same, and actual value depends on things like mileage, equipment, condition, and the local market.

Getting a good value for your trade—or for a vehicle you sell yourself—can help offset the cost of the next one. A little cleaning, maintenance, preparation, and research can make the process easier when the time comes.

If you’re thinking about something new, or simply new to you, our Sales Team can help you understand the trade-in process and take a look at what you have.

Thanks for reading. Whether you’re buying, selling, trading, or happily keeping what you’re driving, we’ll see you next time from the front desk at Wareing Sturgis Ford.