How to Prepare Your Vehicle for a Trade-In

Is it time to upgrade your Toyota? If you’re looking for the best Toyota trade-in value to help you upgrade your Toyota in Durham, North Carolina, you’ve come to the right place. 

Getting your car ready for trade-in might seem overwhelming, but it’s easier than you think. Read on for our tips to help you prepare your vehicle for trade-in and get the best possible Toyota value estimate in this complete guide to trading in your car. 

When is it Time to Trade In Your Toyota? 

There are many reasons to trade in your vehicle for a brand-new Toyota. Maybe you’re just excited about the latest models to hit the roads of North Carolina, or perhaps you want to take advantage of new features and tech like Toyota Safety Sense^TM 3.0 or wireless Apple Carplay^®. 

Sometimes changes in your family might require you to upgrade to a new Toyota SUV or minivan like the 2025 Toyota Sienna. 

Other reasons for trading in might include needing a newer, more reliable vehicle or simply growing tired of your old ride. No matter what your reasons, a Toyota trade-in is a simple and straightforward process. 

How do Trade-Ins Work in North Carolina? 

In most cases, you take your current vehicle to a dealership for a valuation. Once you know what your vehicle is worth, you can use that Toyota value estimate to help reduce the cost of a new car. 

The process is slightly more complicated if your used vehicle is under finance, but the team at Mark Jacobson Toyota will make things seamless for you. 

Then, when it’s time to pick up your new Toyota, you’ll hand over your current vehicle and ownership papers to the dealership and drive off in your new car. 

Toyota Trade-in Checklist 

When you’re ready to trade in your vehicle, here are some things to remember to gather: 

• Maintenance records 
• The owner’s manual 
• The payout statement or loan payoff letter for your existing auto loan if you have one
• The wheel lock key if you have locking wheel lugs. 
• Vehicle ownership papers. 

Be sure to remove all of your personal effects from the car. Don’t forget to remove your NC Quick Pass transponder for the Triangle Expressway in Durham from your windshield if you have one, and check behind the seats. 

How to Get The Best Car Trade-In Value

When it comes to trading in your vehicle, there are some things you can do to improve its value. These include completing any Toyota Service^TM that might be due or impending on your car. 

You should also tend to any minor issues such as blown light bulbs or illuminated dashboard warning lights. 

Next, make sure your vehicle is looking its best. A thorough cleaning of your interior and exterior shows that you care about your car and have taken good care of it. Take this opportunity to get up close and personal with your Toyota. If you notice minor scratches or dents, now is a good time to repair them. 

Trade-In Your Toyota at Mark Jacobson Toyota 

At Mark Jacobson Toyota, We Say Yes! Yes to your Toyota trade-in, yes to excellent service, and yes, to helping you finance the new Toyota vehicle of your dreams. 

We offer the top car trade-in value, making driving home in a new Toyota easy. 

Contact us today for a Toyota value estimate on your trade-in and discover why Raleigh-area drivers choose Mark Jacobson Toyota.

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