Sell/Trade
Buying a new vehicle should be something you look forward to, but it can also feel like an overwhelming process. Once you've finally found the set of wheels you want to drive home, there's still one lingering question: What should you do with the car you already own?
While listing it for sale is always an option, many drivers choose to trade in their vehicle instead to save time and streamline the process. If you're wondering whether it's worth requesting quotes from Prosper car dealerships, keep reading. We'll answer the most common questions we receive about trade-ins and share tips to help you get the best offer for your vehicle.
Why Trade In Your Vehicle at a Toyota Dealership?
Most of the time, trading in a vehicle is much easier than selling it. When you bring your car into our Longo Toyota of Prosper dealership, we handle the entire resale process, so you don't have to advertise, arrange test-drives, negotiate with buyers, or spend a fortune on repairs. Trading your car in comes with even more benefits than just convenience:
- Lower monthly payments: Most drivers apply the cash offer they receive for their trade-in to their down payment, making their next car even more affordable.
- Decreased depreciation: If your current car is still in good condition, with 80,000 to 100,000 miles, trading it in now can help you avoid significant depreciation.
- Reduced sales tax: We subtract the value of your trade-in from the purchase price of your next vehicle to lower what you pay upfront, which means you'll also pay less sales tax.
Trading in your vehicle at a dealership can also give you extra negotiating power. If you're looking to get the best deal on a new Toyota model, our team will happily walk you through our current incentives and promotions during your trade-in appointment to maximize your budget.
How To Get the Most for Your Trade-In
While you don't need to make the same expensive repairs you would if you were selling your car to a private buyer, there are a few simple things you can do to increase your car's valuation:
- Clean out the interior: Remove your personal belongings and clean the inside of your car. We'll take care of detailing it before resale, but it's a good idea to wipe down surfaces and vacuum the interior.
- Check your fluid levels: Top off your oil, coolant, or brake fluids if they're looking low. As minor as this seems, it shows our technicians you've been on top of your vehicle maintenance.
- Fix minor issues: Mend the headlights, replace worn windshield wipers, and buff out any minor scratches or dents. If there's an inexpensive repair you can fix before trading in your car, it will be worth it.
- Get a car wash: Take your vehicle for a quick spin through the car wash on your drive over so it's clean and shiny when you arrive.
Knowing how much your car is worth ahead of time will also give you extra negotiating power. For a quick estimate, you can use our instant cash offer tool. Simply type in your vehicle identification number, license plate, or make, model, and year to get started.
What To Expect During a Longo Toyota Trade-In
We strive to make the trade-in process as easy as possible, which is why we have such a long list of Longo Toyota of Prosper reviews from happy customers. For the smoothest experience, make sure to bring the following documents with you so we can process your cash offer on the same day:
- Driver's license
- Vehicle title and registration
- Proof of car insurance
- Maintenance records and receipts
- Auto loan account information
- Loan service contact information
Pack your car keys, remotes, owner's manual, and wheel lock key so the next owner has everything they need. If you requested an instant cash offer from us online, bring this information with you, as we'll use it as a baseline for our negotiations.
Once you arrive for your appointment, our certified technicians will thoroughly inspect your vehicle in our Longo Toyota of Prosper service department. If everything matches the information you shared with us online, we'll present you with a matching offer that you can apply to your next vehicle or take home as a check.
Longo Toyota Trade-In Program FAQ
Deciding whether to sell or trade in your vehicle is a big decision, so let's make sure you have all the facts. Our team has compiled a list of the most common questions we get asked below.
What Makes and Models of Cars Does Longo Toyota of Prosper Accept for Trade-Ins?
A lot of drivers wonder if we only accept Toyotas. The good news is that we carry a wide range of different makes and models in our used car lot. Whether you drive a Toyota, Honda, Jeep, or another brand, we're happy to make you a competitive offer.
Can I Trade In My Vehicle if I'm Still Making Loan Payments?
Yes, and trading it in is much easier than selling it yourself. If you owe less than the car is worth, we'll first apply your cash offer to your loan, then you can use any remaining money as you see fit. If you have negative equity, we can help by rolling what you still owe on your current car into your new auto loan.
How Accurate Is Kelley Blue Book?
Resources such as Kelley Blue Book offer a great starting point, but they're not always 100% accurate. We suggest using a few different online valuation tools to understand what your car might be worth. This will give you a helpful range and make you feel more confident during negotiations.
Find Out How Much Your Car Is Worth Today
Now that you know how to get the most for your trade-in, it's time to bring your vehicle to us at Longo Toyota of Prosper on West University Drive in Prosper, Texas. You can schedule an appointment with us online or simply stop by the next time you're in the area. If there's a new car you've got your eye on already, we'll get you behind the wheel for a test-drive while we appraise your vehicle. Before you know it, you'll be driving home in a new Toyota you love.