Have you ever wondered how car dealerships determine what your car is worth? Sure, a clean car appears to look better, but there is more to it than meets the eye. Your car doesn’t have to be completely detailed for an appraisal. We’re like superman with x-ray vision, we can see through the dirt!! I’ve been appraising vehicles for many years, and besides knowing how many miles are on the car, it’s important to drive the vehicle to check for rattles or vibrations, make sure the A/C blows cold, radio works, all window switches and door locks work and the transmission shifts properly. We look a vehicle over thoroughly…..because once the trade is made and the deal is done, anything found in my service department that needs attention is a cost to the sales department. Body damage, cracks in windshield, tread on tires all plays a part in your value. I generally take up to ten photos of the vehicle I’m appraising. All angles of the exterior, interior, windshield, wheel and tire condition as well as the oil and transmission pan area underneath the vehicle for any leaks that it may have. Most dealerships use a similar computer software tool to look at live market values. Including what other similar vehicles are retailing for, as well as wholesale values according to guides such as JD Power, Kelly Blue Book, Black Book and what they are going for at auctions (MMR). We will ask you if your car has ever been in an accident? Occasionally people forget about that little mishap. We have the ability to look at CARFAX information to see if there have been any accidents reported, how many owners the vehicle has had, as well as what states the vehicle has been registered in due to rust possibilities on northern vehicles. That being said, all of this has to be done in about fifteen minutes because time is money, and I don’t want a customer pacing the floor too long just to get the answers they need to put a deal together! All vehicles are worth something! If you just want to know what your car is worth….stop by and see us. We’ve been known to trade for grills, campers, motorcycles, boats, and pig cookers.
