Selling and Trading
How to Get the Most for Your Trade-In
Five simple steps that can add hundreds of dollars to your offer, plus how a trade-in lowers the sales tax on your next vehicle in Texas.
Apex Auto Team 5 min read
Your current vehicle is often the biggest down payment you have. A little preparation can add hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars to your offer.
1. Know your numbers before you visit
Get an instant estimate online so you walk in with a realistic range. Our trade-in estimator uses your VIN, mileage and condition, then compares your vehicle with recent sales in our market.
2. Gather the paperwork
- Title or loan payoff information
- All keys and remotes
- Service records and receipts
- The owner's manual
Complete service records signal a well-maintained vehicle and can noticeably raise your offer.
3. Clean it, but skip expensive repairs
A thorough wash, vacuum and decluttering help an appraiser see your vehicle's true condition. Major repairs rarely pay for themselves, but small fixes like a burned-out bulb or a missing wheel cap are worth doing.
4. Be upfront about issues
Every trade is inspected, so disclosing a warning light or a past accident up front builds trust and avoids last-minute surprises.
5. Time it right
Trucks and SUVs are in highest demand in fall and winter, while convertibles sell best in spring. If your vehicle is approaching a major service interval or the end of its warranty, trading now often makes sense.
How a trade-in lowers your taxes
In Texas, sales tax applies only to the difference between the price of your next vehicle and your trade-in value. On a $35,000 purchase with a $15,000 trade, that saves you $937.50 at the 6.25 percent state rate.
