Trading in your car: how to get the most out of it
You have your eye on another car, but what do you do with your current one? Selling it yourself takes time and energy. Trading in is often the simplest solution: you hand over your current car when buying your next one, and its value is offset. In this article, XCS Automotive in Merchtem explains how a trade-in works, what determines the value and how to get the most out of it.
How does trading in work?
With a trade-in you buy a car and hand over your current car at the same time. The trade-in value is deducted from the price of your new car. So you do not need to find a separate buyer, place adverts or welcome strangers for a test drive. At Exclusive Car Sales we include your trade-in in one clear proposal and handle the sale documents.
What determines the trade-in value?
- Make, model and version: some models and versions are more sought after than others.
- Year and mileage: the younger the car and the fewer the kilometres, the higher the value usually is.
- Technical condition: a well-maintained car that needs no repairs is worth more.
- Appearance: scratches, dents, damaged wheels or a worn interior lower the value.
- Service history: a complete service book with invoices inspires confidence.
- Equipment and options: sought-after options can make a difference.
- The market: supply and demand change. What is in demand today may be less sought after tomorrow.
How to get the most out of it
Gather your documents
Bring the registration certificate, the certificate of conformity (COC), the latest inspection certificate, the service book with invoices and all keys. A second key is missing more often than you think, and that affects the value.
Clean the car
A clean car makes a better impression. Remove your personal belongings, vacuum the interior and wash the outside. An honest presentation helps.
Be honest about defects
A defect you keep quiet about will come to light during the check anyway. Better to mention it straight away. That way you get a realistic offer and avoid discussions afterwards.
Do not compare the trade-in value alone
Look at the full picture: the price of the car you are buying, the trade-in value, the warranty and the service. A high trade-in value with a higher purchase price is not always the best deal.
Do not wait too long
A car loses value with the years and kilometres. If a major service, an expensive repair or an inspection is coming up soon, it can make sense to check beforehand whether trading in is the better option. Feel free to request an offer, even if you are still in doubt. That way you know where you stand.
Trading in at XCS Automotive
- Send us the details: you give us the make, model, year, mileage and condition of your car, by phone, email or through our form.
- Offer: after the inspection you receive a concrete, no-obligation offer.
- Check: we inspect your car at our premises in Merchtem.
- One proposal: we include the trade-in in one proposal when you buy your new car.
- Paperwork: we handle the sale documents.
When selling to a professional such as XCS, a Car-Pass is not required. With our offer we tell you what else is needed.
Your next car
Every car in our range is carefully selected and checked in our own workshop before sale. You receive a Car-Pass and a 1-year warranty. Take a look at our used cars or our exclusive collection. If the car you are looking for is not there, give us the make, model, budget and desired equipment, and we will search for it specifically for you. Read more about how we work on the page Exclusive Car Sales.
Trade-in, sale or consignment?
Trading in is not the only option. If you do not want to buy another car, you can also sell us your car on its own. After the inspection you receive a concrete, no-obligation offer, and if you agree we take care of the payment and the paperwork. More on our page sell your car.
If you have more time, you can also put your car on consignment. We then sell it in your name to a private buyer. This often brings in more, but takes more time. You remain the owner until the sale is complete. More on our page consignment sale.
Frequently asked questions
Is the offer without obligation?
Yes. You decide yourself whether to accept our offer.
Do you take in all makes?
We look at every car. Petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric: feel free to get in touch.
Do I need a Car-Pass?
When selling to a professional such as XCS, a Car-Pass is not required.
What about my number plate?
Your number plate is personal. We tell you what to do with it at the handover.
Trade in your car?
Book your appointment online via make an appointment or call Jorne on 0471 46 40 17 or Quinten on 0470 56 61 21. You will find us at Stoofstraat 43 in Merchtem, open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm and on Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Anywhere in Merchtem, we collect your car and bring it back free of charge.