Perhaps one of the most important decisions in the ownership of your car is figuring out “when should I trade my car in?” Should I trade it in within a specific time frame? Is there such a thing as too many miles? Does it have to be in flawless condition? It probably should not be a surprise to find out that there isn’t a simple answer. However, we’ve got a few advice to help you figure out when to trade in your car or truck.
This is typically the first thing vehicle owners consider. Considering that most of us assume the only way to get top value for their pre-owned car is to do it themselves instead of trading it for a different car. Yet, there are a few factors to consider when attempting to decide if you should trade your vehicle or sell it.
Selling a car can take many weeks, if not longer; especially if your car is not in great condition. You would have to take care of every aspect of the sale process, from advertising to scheduling test drives, to haggling on price, and everything in between. On the other hand, trading in a car generally happens when you buy your new one.
Usually the seller is accountable for the required paperwork, such as the car’s title and registration. If you are new to selling, this could be a discouraging and long procedure if unexpected challenges are attached to the paperwork, like a lien. The dealer is capable of taking care of the paperwork, unexpected challenges included.
One of the most notable benefits of trading in your vehicle is the possible tax savings offered in states with a state sales tax. In these states, there’s a financial credit applied to your new vehicle’s sales tax if the buyer trades in a car at the same dealer they buy a new vehicle. The taxes are applied to the price difference after the trade-in value is calculated into the new car sale price. The tax savings can quickly reach up to thousands of dollars.
There are lots of schools of thought on this, especially with newer cars that are specifically built to last a long time. However, there is a nearly universal agreement of the following three mileage milestones to consider when trading your vehicle in:
This is the time when most new car warranties conclude. On the other hand, this is when the first replacement and repairs of ‘wear’ components, like tires or brakes, are generally done on most vehicles. Your car depreciation will usually begin to grow faster at this point, so the nearer your vehicle is to these miles, the better your trade-in appraisal will usually be.
Depending on how much you drive, a vehicle that reaches this milestone will generally be between 3 to 5 years old and most likely had many trips to the local auto service bay for routine service. Obviously as the miles pile up, the value gets lower so car owners should think about this when considering their trade-in.
It is true that hitting this milestone is no longer the automotive death sentence that it was in years past, thanks to modern technology. However, the more miles a vehicle has, the more the depreciation in all but the most exceptionally kept cars. Anything within this mileage can still have value even if it might not be in perfect condition. The looks and mechanical condition of the car are definitely looked at more closely as the miles increase on the odometer.
Finally, a crucial piece of trading in the vehicle is being ready for the trade-in appraisal. While the following recommendations are not an exhaustive list, to be sure, they can help you get the best value out of your car.
This ought to be a no-brainer, but some people think that presenting their car ‘as-is’ is a more honest way to do a trade-in evaluation. While we are not advocating trying to hide blemishes or problems with the vehicle (spoiler alert, the assessors will see through those attempts regardless), it’s never a bad idea to clean up your vehicle to the best of your ability before bringing it to the dealership for the appraisal. This includes removing all trash and debris from inside the vehicle (including the trunk), vacuuming and washing the interior and exterior, and perhaps even doing a nice interior and exterior detailing. Think of the appraiser as a potential buyer of your vehicle and prepare the vehicle.
We realize that repairs can be overwhelming, especially for serious mechanical problems. Yet, if it is possible to repair minor dings, defects in the paint, and cracks in the various mirrors, windows, and windshield, all of those repairs will help improve the price of your trade. When possible, we recommend fixing any mechanical concerns the car may have as well. The better the condition, the more value you will get for your trade-in.
If you have decided that trading in your car is the way you want to go, then we suggest coming here with all of your documentation, including the title (if you have it), registration, any repair receipts you have, and keys you have for the car. Come ready to trade your vehicle in and you will speed up the process of driving away in your new one.
If you’re wondering where you can trade in your car for another car, Sterling McCall Acura is the right place. We make the trade-in process simple and can get you back on the road in a new car today. Schedule an appointment online or visit our dealership to get started.
From the very first day of my arrival, I felt welcomed, and the level of customer service was outstanding. It truly made me feel that I was at the right dealership. Keep up the great work, Bridet Locklin; your exceptional customer service has not gone unnoticed.
We have been Acura only owners since 2000, and all of our Acuras have been serviced at Sterling McCall and its previous company at the SW 59 freeway location in Houston. We believe them to be honest and we have never had to bring back a car for the service they had just completed. In the last several years David Gilbert has been our Service Agent and he has been terrific. He is responsive when I contact him and he explains issues very well. He is pleasant, and no matter how busy things can be at the service center, he never rushes ... Read More Full review text opened.DealerRater - Jun 24, 2025
We have been Acura only owners since 2000, and all of our Acuras have been serviced at Sterling McCall and its previous company at the SW 59 freeway location in Houston. We believe them to be honest and we have never had to bring back a car for the service they had just completed. In the last several years David Gilbert has been our Service Agent and he has been terrific. He is responsive when I contact him and he explains issues very well. He is pleasant, and no matter how busy things can be at the service center, he never rushes me or acts rattled. David is one of the main reasons we still come to this acura location as we have moved further away and have a different acura nearer to us. Pls give David KUDOS for his job performance!
Great staff and equally great customer service! I purchased my Acura RDX (brand new) back in 2021 and have continued to utilize their maintenance services. I’ve never had a negative experience.
Great service. Antonio always explains everything and is prompt and courteous. My car is always well taken care of. Thank you!
Work done on time and prompt, Partek Choudry was very courteous done fantastic customer service.
