Trade in My Car
Are you looking to upgrade your current vehicle for something newer or for a model that better meets your driving needs? Your search for "how to trade in my car" brought you exactly where you need to be–Jay Hatfield Chevrolet. So, why are we the best place to trade in your vehicle?
Selling your vehicle privately requires a significant investment of your time and hard-earned money. When you sell your vehicle yourself, you’re responsible for having it detailed and inspected so that it makes a good first impression to potential buyers. You’re also responsible for advertising it, fielding inquiries, and scheduling appointments with potential buyers. Add in the risk of getting scammed, and the idea of selling your vehicle yourself quickly loses its luster.
Trading in your car with Jay Hatfield Chevrolet means relying on the experts to handle the entire process, saving you money and time. We believe in giving you the most for your trade so that you have more money to put toward your next vehicle. This means lower monthly payments and a more reasonable investment in your future on the road. It also keeps your hard-earned money right where it should be–in your wallet.
You’ll find everything you need right here at Jay Hatfield Chevrolet. You can trade your car and get behind the wheel of a new model in a matter of minutes, which minimizes any inconvenience of being without reliable transportation. More importantly, you’ll also find that our team is here for all your automotive needs, especially when it means overseeing routine maintenance and repairs to keep you safe on the road.
Our Inventory
One of the great perks of trading in your vehicle with us is shopping our extensive inventory of new and used models. As a premier Chevy dealer, we have an expansive selection of new and used Chevrolets that range from best-selling SUVs like the Tahoe, Suburban, Blazer, and Equinox to workhorses like the Silverado and Colorado. You’ll even find sedans like the Malibu and Cruze, sports cars like the Corvette, and the ever-affordable Spark.
What if you’re looking for something other than a Chevy? We’ve got plenty of options with one of the biggest inventories of used vehicles in the area. Hand-selected and thoroughly vetted for quality and value, our selection includes best-selling models from Honda, Toyota, Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, and Dodge. You’ll find SUVs like the Dodge Durango and trucks like the Ram 1500, as well as efficient sedans like the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. We’ve even got adventure-ready rigs like the Jeep Wrangler that can easily transition from the demands of your workweek to your weekend adventures on the trail.
Getting Ready to Trade
Once you decide to trade your car with us, the process is incredibly simple and starts with gathering the right paperwork and other vehicle-related equipment before heading over to the dealership. So, what paperwork do you need to bring with you? What items are a must-have to ensure you get the most for your trade and that the next buyer can fully enjoy the vehicle as much as you did?
Paperwork
The most important document you’ll need to bring with you is the vehicle title or the loan information. If you’re still making monthly payments to a lender, you won’t have the title and will need the final loan payoff. Not only will we need this information, but it’s also good to have when you negotiate a fair trade-in price because it tells you how much you need to get for the vehicle to satisfy the loan. If, on the other hand, you’ve paid for the vehicle in full, you simply need to bring in the title.
You’ll also need your driver’s license, insurance card, and vehicle registration. This verifies your identity and your ownership of the vehicle. It’s also a good idea to bring any maintenance records and warranty paperwork as this is helpful to the next owner.
Vehicle-Related Equipment
As you gather the necessary paperwork, it’s important to get the vehicle-related equipment and accessories together. This includes all sets of keys as well as the owner’s manual. If your vehicle came with a rear-seat entertainment system, you’ll want to include any provided headphones or equipment. Other items can include the spare tire, tire changing tools, floor mats, etc.
Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
Q: What happens if I still owe on my current vehicle?
A: Even if you’re still making monthly payments on your auto loan, you can trade your vehicle for a newer model with us. Rather than bringing in the title, you’ll need to contact your lender for the final payoff on the loan. This is the amount you still owe on the loan and tells you exactly how much you need to get for your trade to satisfy the loan with the lender.
Q: What’s the difference between negative equity and positive equity?
A: If your vehicle is still financed, you’ll want to get familiar with negative and positive equity. Let’s say that you owe $15,000 on your Suburban, and we offer you $20,000 based on the vehicle’s fair market value. This is positive equity–the loan is satisfied, and you have money left over to put toward your next purchase.
Now, let’s say those numbers are reversed and that you owe $20,000 on the Suburban and, based on the fair market value, it’s worth $15,000. This is considered negative equity as the vehicle is worth less than what you owe. Often referred to as being “upside down” on your loan, this means you’ll have to pay the difference.
Q: How do I know I’m getting a fair offer?
A: Here at Jay Hatfield Chevrolet, you’re always in control of the process. Long before you visit our dealership, we encourage you to learn more about the fair market value of your car. Using the vehicle identification number or VIN and sites like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds is a great way to see what your vehicle is worth based on its condition, age, mileage, and the demand in the area. Once you have an idea of your vehicle’s worth, you can make an informed decision if it’s a good idea to trade and, if so, how much you need to get for the vehicle to break even or, even better, have positive equity.
Q: Can I finance my next vehicle even if my trade is financed?
A: One of the great things about trading a financed vehicle is that you already have a relationship with the lender and, in many cases, have proven your ability to make your monthly payments on time and in full. This makes it easy to finance your next vehicle, which means we’ll put your trade toward your next vehicle purchase and work with the lender to help you secure the best finance rate available.
Why Trade With Jay Hatfield Chevrolet?
We can give you hundreds of reasons to trade your vehicle with Jay Hatfield Chevrolet, and they’re all sitting on our lot. Our extensive inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles gives you plenty of opportunities to get behind the wheel of the vehicle of your dreams. Whether that means trading for a Silverado, an icon like the Corvette, an SUV like the Tahoe, or another popular model from Honda, Toyota, or Jeep is entirely up to you.
As you shop our inventory and work with our team, you’ll discover our commitment to transparency extends beyond the window stickers. What you see is exactly what you get when you shop with Jay Hatfield Chevrolet, and that’s a team that’s renowned for their integrity and their dedication to delivering the best customer experience possible. To do that means making you a priority and showing you that we’re here for all your automotive needs.
We don’t have to tell you that time is precious because you know firsthand from the hours you log at work to the priceless memories you make with family and friends. We’re here to save you time by offering you top-dollar for your trade so that you can get back on the road doing what you love with the people you love. With time on your side and more money in your wallet, we’ve given you every reason to visit Jay Hatfield Chevrolet.