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Thinking about trading in your car? It’s one of the easiest ways to cut down the cost of your next vehicle. Whether you’re eyeing a new RAM, a used Jeep, or maybe upgrading to a Chrysler Pacifica, bringing us your current vehicle can make the process smoother (and save you some money).

At Sherry Chrysler, we keep trade-ins simple. You tell us about your car, we take a look, and you get a fair offer based on what it’s actually worth. And if you take a few small steps ahead of time, you can often squeeze a little more value out of your trade. Here’s how.

1. Know What Your Car Is Worth

Before you stop by any dealership, it’s worth having a rough idea of what your car might bring. Websites like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds can give you a range, but remember — those are just guides. Every dealer looks at different things when making an offer.

Here’s how we handle it at Sherry Chrysler: we don’t just plug your VIN into a formula. We look at the actual car. How’s the condition? How many miles are on it? Has it been serviced regularly? Vehicles with good maintenance records or newer tires often hold a little more value because we know the next owner won’t have to spend money right away.

If you’ve kept receipts for oil changes, brake work, or other regular maintenance, bring them with you. It helps paint a picture that the vehicle’s been cared for, and that can work in your favor.

2. Keep Up with Maintenance and Records

Clean cars with good maintenance records almost always bring more money. If you’ve kept up with oil changes, brake service, and other regular maintenance, gather those receipts. They show the appraiser that you’ve taken care of your vehicle.

Even better, if your car has a clean service history through a dealership or certified shop, that can help bump up your offer. Small things like recent tires, a fresh oil change, or a new battery show that the next owner won’t need to spend extra right away.

3. Make a Good First Impression

It might sound obvious, but how your car looks when it shows up makes a difference. You don’t need to spend money on a full detail, but a little effort goes a long way.

Give it a quick wash. Vacuum out the interior. Clean off the dashboard and windows. Toss out old receipts or coffee cups from the back seat. You’d be surprised how often little things like that affect how an appraiser views the car.

If you’ve got a simple fix (a missing hubcap, a burned-out bulb, worn wipers), take care of it ahead of time. Small, inexpensive improvements show that you’ve paid attention to the vehicle.

The goal isn’t to hide wear and tear; it’s to make the car look cared for. When a trade-in feels clean and well-maintained, it makes it easier for the appraiser to see the value that’s already there.

4. Be Honest About Condition

Our appraisers have seen just about everything: scratches, dents, mechanical wear, even rust from Ohio winters. The best approach is to be upfront.

Trying to hide problems usually backfires, but being honest about them helps us give a realistic value right away. We’ll factor in repairs fairly and often pay more than third-party buyers because we can recondition vehicles in-house.

At Sherry Chrysler, transparency goes both ways. We’ll walk you through the trade-in offer so you understand how we arrived at the number.

5. Timing Matters

The market for used cars moves around during the year. Trucks and SUVs tend to be more popular heading into the colder months, while convertibles and sporty cars usually see more interest in the spring.

If you have a little flexibility, trading when your type of vehicle is in higher demand can make a small difference in your offer.

Mileage also plays a role. The fewer miles on your car, the better. If you’re already thinking about trading, don’t wait too long – every month adds miles, wear, and another oil change to the list.

6. Separate the Trade-In from the Purchase (But Leverage Both)

It’s a good idea to know what your trade is worth on its own, but remember: at a dealership like ours, both numbers are connected.

If you’re buying and trading with us, we can often give you more for your trade because it’s part of a complete deal. Plus, when you trade instead of selling privately, you can save on sales tax in Ohio. You only pay tax on the difference between the new vehicle price and your trade value. That’s a big advantage most private sales can’t match. 

7. Bring the Right Documents

When you’re ready to trade, having everything in order makes the process smoother. Here’s what to bring along:

• Your vehicle title, or loan payoff info if you still owe on it.
• Registration and your driver’s license or photo ID.
• All keys, remotes, and any accessories that came with the car.
• Any service or warranty paperwork you’ve held onto.

If you’re still paying off a loan, don’t worry. Our team will help handle the payoff with your lender. You won’t have to deal with any extra paperwork or calls.

8. Trade with a Dealer You Trust

Getting top value isn’t just about the vehicle, it’s about who you trade it with.

At Sherry Chrysler, we appraise vehicles daily and keep track of what’s selling locally and nationwide. That means you’ll get a fair, market-based offer backed by real data.

We’re not here to lowball you. We want you to trade confidently and drive home happy in something new.

Why Trade Your Car at Sherry Chrysler

There are plenty of reasons customers across Ohio trade their vehicles with us:

• Fair market offers. We base every trade on current market data and real sales history.
• Fast appraisals. You can get an offer the same day you bring your car in.
• All credit financing. Combine your trade-in with our financing options to lower your monthly payment.
• Easy process. No guesswork, no pushy tactics. Just a fair deal for your car and a smooth path to your next one.

Whether you’re ready to trade today or just exploring options, we’re happy to walk you through the numbers.

Trade-In Your Car with Confidence

Trading in your car shouldn’t be stressful and at Sherry Chrysler, it isn’t.

We’ll give you a fair offer, handle all the paperwork, and help you find a new or used vehicle that fits your needs and budget.

Start your trade-in today by visiting our Sell or Trade Your Vehicle page or stopping by the dealership. You might be surprised how much your car is worth.