Everything You Need To Know About Part-Exchange

With rising car costs, the most popular way people upgrade their vehicle in the UK is through part-exchange. It’s a quick and essentially hassle-free way for people to unload an old car and get themselves in a newer model.

Although it seems simple, there are a few things you need to know about to ensure your part-exchange goes smoothly:

Clean Your Car

The dealer isn’t going to be too worried about a little dirt, but if your car hasn’t been cleaned in a long time it is going to affect your first impressions on the dealer. A filthy car doesn’t give the impression that it has been well taken care of and may ultimately affect the price you get for it.

Any dents and scratches that can be easily dealt with on your end will end up benefitting you when you take it to the dealers. An immaculate car will end up getting you a few hundred pounds more in the exchange; investing in some aesthetic repairs could end up netting you more in the long run.

Know your cars worth

Always check with an online car valuation website to find the best price for your car before you head down to the dealer. Most valuation tools now include part-exchange prices, so you can get a more accurate idea of it’s cost.

Choose your dealer

If you find a dealer that specialises in the car you drive you may be able to get a better part exchange deal with them than anywhere else. For example, a BMW dealership is more likely to give you a better price for your BMW as they will be confident of marketing your car and selling it on.

Bring the relevant paperwork

Any receipts and paperwork you have on your vehicle should be brought with you. This way you can prove the car has a full service history, which will noticeably increase the value of any used cars.