Get Smart!-Vehicle Edition

 

Is it time to upgrade your vehicle, or simply purchase a different one? Sometimes the toughest part of buying a new or used car is figuring out what to do with your current one. 

As Donna Reichle, spokeswoman for the National Automobile Dealers Association, explained, "If you sell your car yourself you are basically making yourself available to the buyer. When you trade in your car to a dealer you absolve yourself of liability." Trading your car in is the easiest way to handle the hassle of getting rid of your car; but is it the best?

That answer depends, and to get the answer, you have to do a bit of homework! Advertise your vehicle long before you are to actually sell it to establish a buyer. Agree on a price then head to the dealer.

Find out if somehow it would be better to strike a bargain with the auto guys or if it'd be more beneficial to sell privately (9 out of 10 times my money is on the private party).

 

Here are some tips to get the most out of your vehicle:

1. Make sure it is clean, inside and out.
2. Make sure the maintenance on the engine is up to dealership standards (check your manual).
3. Make sure the rotors are not rusted onto the axle and the brakes and tires are on good shape. By investing in your vehicle you will have better potential to get the most bang for your buck. 

Article: Trade It or Sell It