ABCD Buyers Club can give you a trade-in value based on the Black Book Used Car Market Guide. This guide is the one used by all auto dealers in the metropolitan area.

Once you have the trade-in value in hand, your next step is to get your vehicle ready for trade. It is worthwhile to detail your vehicle - clean it inside and out. When the auto dealership used car manager drives your car to give you his estimate of its value, he will be affected by how it looks and smells. Good tires are important, also. Replace them if they are obviously worn. If there is a major mechanical problem with your car, knowing the trade-in value prior to selling it will tell you if it is worthwhile to fix it. If it will cost more to fix up your car than it is worth, decide NOT to trade it in. It will only detract from your getting the best possible price on your new vehicle. Instead, think about donating it to a charitable organization for a tax deduction if you itemize.

Assuming your vehicle is in good condition, an important factor is the mileage. The average mileage allowed before deductions are taken from the trade-in price is 12,000 to 15,000 per year. Dealerships will also deduct for anything that is not up to standard. However, your trade-in is negotiable. Chances are, a dealership will offer you a low figure to start, in expectation that you will make a counter offer. It is fair to counter with the Black Book price quoted to you by ABCD depending once again on the condition of your vehicle. Your final trade-in agreement may be somewhere between the dealership's offer and your counter offer.