What to Fix Before Trading In Your Car: 5 Simple Upgrades

Trading in your current vehicle is a great way to offset the cost of a new car, whether you're looking to lower your loan amount, reduce your down payment, or just save on sales tax. But to get top dollar for your trade-in, it pays to put in a little TLC before visiting the dealership.

While major repairs are best left to the pros (dealers can do that work for less), investing some elbow grease in simple fixes can make a big difference in your trade-in offer. Here are 5 DIY upgrades that will help your car make a great first impression and boost its value in the eyes of dealers.

1. Give Your Car a Deep Clean Inside and Out

First thing's first: if you want to convince dealers that your car is well-maintained and deserving of a high trade-in price, it needs to look the part. A thorough cleaning of both the interior and exterior is a must before heading to the dealership. Here's how to do it right:

• Hand wash and wax the exterior. Skip the drive-through car wash and get hands-on with a quality car-wash product, microfiber wash mitt, and some elbow grease. Follow up with a coat of synthetic polymer wax for added shine.
• Clean and declutter the interior. Remove all trash, personal items, and paperwork (except for maintenance records - keep those neatly organized in the glovebox). Shampoo the carpets, wipe down all surfaces, and use an air freshener to eliminate any lingering odors.
• Consider a professional detail. If you're short on time or just want a showroom-quality clean, invest in a pro detailing service. A full interior and exterior detail typically costs $100-$300 but can reap big rewards in your trade-in price.

A spotless car sends the message that you've taken great care of the vehicle over the years. That can give dealers confidence in its mechanical condition and resale potential, translating into a better trade-in offer for you.

2. Replace Burned-Out Bulbs and Hazy Headlights

Replacing dead bulbs in your headlights, taillights, and interior is an easy and affordable way to freshen up your car's look. Most bulbs can be swapped out in minutes with just a screwdriver, and replacements are readily available at any auto parts store.

If your headlights are looking hazy or foggy, giving them a good cleaning and polishing can also make a big difference in your car's appeal. You can actually buff out the cloudiness with a DIY approach:

1. Wash the headlight lens thoroughly with soap and water
2. Tape off the painted area around the headlight to avoid damage
3. Rub a whitening toothpaste onto the lens in circular motions with a microfiber cloth
4. Rinse off the toothpaste and dry the lens completely
5. Repeat as needed until the lens is clear and shiny

For severe clouding or yellowing, you may need a more heavy-duty headlight restoration kit. But for minor hazing, a little toothpaste and elbow grease can work wonders and help your car look years younger.

3. Top Up All Fluids and Check for Leaks

While dealers will typically top off fluids like oil, coolant, and washer fluid before reselling a car, showing up with a bunch of empty reservoirs could raise red flags about your maintenance habits. To avoid any doubts, check and fill these key fluids before your trade-in appraisal:

• Motor oil (check the dipstick and add if low)
• Coolant (check the overflow tank and top up if below the fill line)
• Brake fluid (should be between the MIN and MAX lines on the reservoir)
• Transmission fluid (check the dipstick while the engine is running)
• Power steering fluid (check the dipstick or reservoir level)
• Windshield washer fluid (fill the reservoir if empty)

While you're at it, take a quick look underneath the car for any signs of fluid leaks. Small drips or stains are normal, but large puddles or streams could indicate a problem that will hurt your trade-in value. If you do spot a major leak, it's worth having it checked out by a mechanic before proceeding with a trade-in.

4. Repair Chips and Cracks in the Glass

Your car's windows and windshield play a big role in its overall appearance and value. If you have any chips, cracks, or dings in the glass, it's worth fixing them before trading in if possible.

For small windshield chips and cracks, a simple DIY repair kit from the auto parts store may do the trick. These typically involve injecting a clear resin into the damaged area and curing it with UV light. For larger cracks or shattered glass, you'll need to have the windshield professionally repaired or replaced.

The good news is, if you have comprehensive insurance coverage, windshield replacement may be covered with no deductible. It's worth checking with your insurer before trading in, as a new windshield can provide a big boost in your car's perceived value and help you command a better price.

5. Do Some DIY Paint Touch-Ups

Finally, take a close look at your car's paint job for any chips, scratches, or dings. While you don't need to repaint the whole car to trade it in, taking care of small blemishes can help it look its best and avoid lowball offers.

Most dealerships and auto parts stores sell touch-up paint pens matched to your car's specific color code (check your door jamb for the paint code). With a steady hand and some patience, you can fill in small nicks and scratches and make them much less noticeable.

For best results, start by washing the damaged area thoroughly and letting it dry completely. Then apply the touch-up paint in thin layers, letting it dry between coats. Once it's fully dry, you can gently buff the area with a microfiber cloth to blend it with the surrounding paint.

No, your touch-up work won't look perfect up close. But it can help your car make a much better first impression on an appraiser and potentially net you a higher trade-in price.

The Bottom Line on Pre-Trade-In Fixes

Trading in a car is all about putting your best foot forward and getting dealers to see the value in your vehicle. And while you don't need to spend a fortune on repairs and upgrades, investing some time and TLC into your car's appearance and basic maintenance can pay big dividends when it comes time to negotiate.

Focus your efforts on affordable, high-impact fixes like deep cleaning, replacing bulbs, topping up fluids, mending glass and touching up paint. These simple upgrades can help you make a great impression on dealers and drive away with a higher trade-in price.

One final tip: If you're not sure what your car is worth or how much to expect from a trade-in, use tools like Motorvero's Trade-in Value Estimator to get a ballpark figure based on your vehicle's details and condition. That way, you'll have a baseline to work from and can spot a lowball offer a mile away. Happy trading!