What affects the value of your trade?

June 26th, 2018 by

We’re a one-stop shop at Hoselton Auto Mall. We sell brand-new Toyotas, Nissans and Chevrolets as well as hundreds of pre-owned vehicles. Usually if you’re in the market for a new vehicle, you likely have one you’re looking to trade in.

So what factors into the value of a trade? Kelley Blue Book, who we use for our online value your trade and instant cash offer tools, breaks it down into two main categories — interior/exterior condition and mechanical condition.

  • Excellent – 3% of all cars KBB values (looks new and is in excellent mechanical condition)
    • Has never had any paint touch-ups and/or bodywork
    • Does not need reconditioning
    • The engine compartment is clean and free of leaks
    • Is free of rust
    • The body and interior are free of wear or visible defects
    • Wheels are flawless
    • All tires match and are like new
    • Has a clean title history and will pass a safety and smog inspection
    • Has complete and verifiable service records
  • Very Good – 23% of all cars KBB values (has minor cosmetic defects and is in excellent mechanical condition)
    • Has had minor paint touch-up and/or body work
    • Requires minimal reconditioning
    • The engine compartment is clean and free of leaks
    • Is free of rust
    • The body and interior have minimal signs of wear or visible defects
    • Wheels are flawless
    • All tires match and have 75% or more of tread remaining
    • Has a clean title history and will pass a safety and smog inspection
    • Most service records are available
  • Good – 54% of all cars KBB values (has some repairable cosmetic defects and is free of major mechanical problems
    • May need some servicing
    • The paint and bodywork may require touch-ups
    • The engine compartment may have minor leaks
    • Has only minor rust, if any
    • The body may have minor scratches or dings
    • The interior has minor belmishes characteristic of normal wear
    • Wheels may have minor repairable scratches or scrapes
    • All tires match and have at least 50% of tread remaining
    • Though it may need some reconditioning, it has a clean title history and will pass a safety and smog inspection
    • Some service records are available
  • Fair – 18% of all cars KBB values (has some cosmetic defects that require repairing or replacing)
    • Requires some mechanical repairs
    • The engine compartment has leaks and may require repairs
    • May have some repairable rust damage
    • The interior has substantial wear and may have small tears
    • Wheels may be warped or bent, have major scratches, scrapes, or pitting and require replacement
    • The tires may not match and need replacing
    • Needs servicing, but is still in reasonable running condition with a clean title history.
    • A few service records are available
    • The paint and bodywork may require refinishing and/or body repair
  • See KBB condition sheet for more information

When you bring your vehicle to Hoselton Auto Mall, one of our trained appraisers will perform an inspection on both the inside and outside of the vehicle. As mentioned in the KBB condition sheet, minor blemishes usually wont impact the value however an accident, flood damage or some other major defect could impact the value of the vehicle. After the inspection, the we will test drive your vehicle to check the condition of brakes, tires, as well most other mechanical items. From there, we will go back and analyze the current market conditions. Once we go through these steps, we will be able to present to you the dollar amount we’re able to give you for your vehicle towards the purchase of another vehicle.