Steps to Selling Your Car to a Dealership
Selling your car to a dealership can be an efficient process. It is an option worth considering whether you want to upgrade to a newer model or downsize your fleet. At Lincoln of Troy, we strive to make this process as smooth and straightforward as possible for drivers near Troy, Detroit, and Royal Oak, Michigan.
Here is a guide consisting of steps to selling your car to a dealership to ensure you are prepared and get the best value for your vehicle.
Before you visit a dealership, research your car's market value. Online tools like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds can provide your vehicle's estimated trade-in or resale value based on its make, model, year, condition, and mileage. Understanding your car's worth ensures you're informed and confident during negotiations.
First impressions matter, even when selling a car. Clean your vehicle inside and out and address minor issues like replacing worn-out wipers or topping off fluids. While a dealership won't expect a showroom-ready vehicle, a well-maintained car signals that it's been cared for, potentially leading to a better offer.
Gather Necessary Documents
Having all your paperwork ready streamlines the selling process. Key documents include:
- Title
- Vehicle registration
- Maintenance records
- Warranty information
Proof of ownership is essential. If your car is financed, contact your lender to understand how to handle the lien. The vehicle registration confirms that the car is legally registered. Maintenance records provide a documented history of regular servicing that can increase your car's value. Finally, if your vehicle has an existing transferable warranty, bring the details to highlight its added value.
Get Your Car Appraised
Bring your car to the dealership, where an expert will assess its condition, mileage, and market demand to determine its value. Be prepared to share details about accidents or significant repairs, as transparency builds trust during negotiations.
Compare Offers
If you have time, consider getting appraisals from multiple dealerships. Comparing offers ensures you receive a competitive price for your vehicle.
Negotiate and Close the Deal
Once you've decided on the best offer, the next step is to finalize the deal. Be prepared to negotiate if needed and ask questions to understand the breakdown of the offer. Once you're satisfied, sign the paperwork and receive your payment.
Consider Trading In
If you're in the market for a new or pre-owned vehicle, trading in your car can simplify the process. The value of your trade-in can apply directly toward purchasing your next vehicle.
Visit Our Dealership Today
At Lincoln of Troy, we pride ourselves on providing drivers in Troy, Detroit, and Royal Oak, MI, with a seamless, customer-focused experience. Our team is here to help, whether you're ready to sell or simply exploring your options.
You now know the steps to selling your car to a dealership. Contact us or visit today to appraise your car, review your options, and walk away with a competitive offer—or take advantage of our extensive selection of Lincoln vehicles for your next ride.
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Contact
Lincoln of Troy
1950 W Maple Rd
Troy, MI 48084
- Sales: 248-643-6600
- Service: 248-289-8226
- Parts: 248-289-8226
Hours
- Monday8:30am-6pm
- Tuesday8:30am-6pm
- Wednesday8:30am-6pm
- Thursday8:30am-6pm
- Friday8:30am-6pm
- SaturdayClosed
- SundayClosed
-
Lincoln of Troy
1950 W Maple Rd
Troy, MI 48084
- Sales: 248-643-6600