Interested in trading in that old clunker for a new car? Many dealers will happily accept your trade-in, especially these days when used cars values are at an all time high.  (Be sure to use this to your advantage when negotiation terms)

Remember to discuss the possibility of a trade-in only after you’ve negotiated the best possible price for your new car and after you’ve researched the value of your old car.

Check the library for reference books or magazines that can tell you how much it is worth. You can also find the Kelly Blue Book value online.

Doing this ahead of time will help you get a better price from the dealer. Though it may take longer to sell your car yourself, you generally will get more money than if you trade it in.

Good luck with your negotiations!!

Did you know that the FTC’s Used Car Rule requires car dealers to post a “Buyers Guide” in every used car they offer for sale to the public? The Buyers Guide should provide a great deal of information including the following key pieces of information:

* if the car is being sold “as is” or with a warranty
* what the dealer will pay under a warranty in repair costs (as %)
* a reminder of how difficult it is to enforce verbal promises and so called “verbal contracts”
* a description of the mechanical and electrical systems of the car being sold — including any major problems with the car

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