So, you’ve decided it’s time to upgrade your ride, and you’re looking at a new Chevy or GMC to call your own. Shopping for a new car is always exciting, but sometimes, the price tag can be intimidating. After all, a new vehicle is a big investment, so how do you get the most bang for your buck?
One of the best ways to offset the cost of a new vehicle is to trade in your old one. Not only does this eliminate the need to sell your old car on your own, but trading in your car can be used as a down payment to reduce your monthly payments.
Easier financing for your dream ride because you don’t have to come up with cash out of pocket? Sounds like a win-win to us.
At Ed Morse Chevrolet GMC Kewanee, we pride ourselves on offering our customers some of the most competitive rates for their trade-in. And with our easy-to-use online trade valuation tool, you can discover your buying power and start budgeting for a new car in just minutes.
Any questions about the trade-in process? Contact us online or call us at 877-590-8427, and we’ll be happy to answer them. You can also visit our Chevy GMC dealership located at 1511 Railroad Avenue in Kewanee, IL, and we’ll value your trade in person.
How to Get the Most for Your Trade in Kewanee

We often get asked how shoppers can get the most money for their trade-in. Here are a few simple steps you can take to maximize your trade value and get the most money for your old car:
- Clean it up: This is one of the most basic and important things you can do to get the most out of your old ride. No dealership likes to take a dirty car, because they’re the ones who will have to clean it. There’s no need to pay for professional detailing—simply spend a couple of hours vacuuming and wiping down all of the nooks and crannies, and you could add hundreds to your trade-in appraisal.
- Fix minor issues: Any aesthetic or electrical problems will take a toll on your trade value. Things like dead taillights, scratches and dents, or dirty, greasy engines are a bad look, and it may be worth it to spend a little money to fix these things. Remember, there’s no need to go overboard for major repairs, though.
- Keep records: Keeping detailed records of service and parts is an important aspect of car ownership. Every oil change and tire rotation receipt proves that you took good care of the car, and this can be a major benefit when the time comes to negotiate your trade value.
- Do some research: Start with online tools like Kelley Blue Book to get a base market value. Then, search online for cars of the same make, model, and mileage to see what they’re going for. If you have enough time, you can also get trade-in quotes from multiple dealerships.
- Time the market: If you’re not in a major rush, it’s a good idea to trade your car at the right time of year, because certain cars may command more value in certain months. For instance, you might get less for a convertible in December than you would in July.

