trading in your car to a dealership

Trading in your car to a dealership is the motoring equivalent of choosing the airport shuttle over a limousine: less glamorous, wonderfully convenient.

You’ll usually get less than a private sale, but you save the time-wasting tyre-kickers and awkward transfers—focus on the changeover price, not just the trade-in number.

Before you roll in, clean it, fix cheap cosmetic nicks, bring service history and spare keys, and grab a couple of written valuations to keep the offer honest.

If you’ve got finance, get the payout figure and ensure the dealer clears it; if you’re in negative equity, expect it to be folded into the new loan—no magic beans here.

Be upfront about damage and mods; surprises send valuations south faster than a magpie in spring.

Get the offer in writing, check any fees, and only hand over the keys once paperwork confirms payment and any PPSR encumbrance is released.