How Dealers Calculate the Value of the Trade In

Car dealers do not perceive or calculate trade-in value the same way a consumer does. The manager of a car dealership will calculate a trade-in and assign a price by taking the following steps:

-- The car's exterior condition will be reviewed (body damage, the paint, etc).
-- The trade in will be evaluated and driven for a mile or so
-- Track the vehicle identification number VIN at CarFax.com
-- Look at the mileage, transmission, under the hood

As far as curb appeal is concerned, mileage and the condition of the body are important facets of the trade in value.