Trade in

[giddleberry]

Hi all,
I will be trading in a 3 year old impreza when i get my new golf. It has some scratches and bumps on it from various kind people in car parks and I was wondering if it is worth spending the money to get it fixed prior to trade in time or do I just take it in as is?

Also the tyres will be due at about the same time...

My gut feeling would be that I dont spend anything on it as whoever ends up getting it from the dealer after the trade could likely get any repairs done cheaper but just making sure my thinking is sound.

Thanks guys.

[G-rig]

Hard to say, may not get more money for it but may help. Trade in's are usually pretty bad so wouldn't bother.

[noone]

A good wax can make the car look its best, whilst not hiding any of the serious blemishes.

Don't worry about tyres and the like.

Is there a reason not to see privately?

[cme2c]

Don't worry. there are guys who fix all those little scrapes for the dealers.

[iBoost]

I personally wouldn't worry. I think it would make more difference and be more beneficial for a private sale than for a trade in.

[Flipper Dog]

If you trading in then don't even worry about detailing or fixing any small problems or changing over your tyres. I would try to give your old car a wash and clean up any interior "junk" you may have inside as this helps a little bit in the trade-in process.

The dealers used a set guide for trading which details the vehicle type, year and km's. Any options "may" be added but not always. The dealer will have a quick look over the car, so as long as you have no body panels falling off you are fine. An easy way to see what your trade is worth is to ring around a few other dealers (doesn't have to be VW) and ask "as a guide what is my trade worth". You will be surprised that spending $500 or $1000 on your car now will equal nothing for trading.

Come trade in time your old car will be off to the dealer's detailer who will fix any faults, then into the workshop for a service (if needed) and to make the car roadworthy (clean up oil leaks, new tyres etc) and then put into their yard for sale at a greatly increased price. Remember the dealer needs to make money out of the trade so only the minimum work is does to keep the profit train rolling.

If your old car is not the type of stock the dealer would retail then you will find your old car is auctioned off so the dealer makes even less on the trade.