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Blue Book
Trade In Value

What Has No Affect On
Used Car Trade In Values


What has no affect on your used car trade in value...
The 3rd of 3 steps to know the Kelly Blue Book Trade in Value.


I've found that many customers feel that since they put $xxx.xx amount of dollars into their trade in that they should get exactly, or close to it, the same $xxx.xx amount of dollars back when they trade it in.

Unfortunately, this is not the case. Here are a few of the more common situations I run into on a fairly regular basis:

  • That $3,000 Engine You Just Replaced

    This not only does not increase the Kelly Blue Book Value, but will mean very little to the dealer as well.

    Since this does not increase the Blue Book Value, then lenders will not be willing to lend more for this and therefore, dealers don't see this as very valuable.

    I'd seriously consider not fixing a broken down car if the cost of the repair exceeds, or is even close to the value of the car when it is in a good working condition.

  • Expensive Aftermarket Add Ons

    Sure the $5,000 lift with the fancy wheels and tires looks good, but will not add more than $300 - $500 to the Blue Book Trade In Value.

    Kelly Blue Book does not add for lifts and the wheels and tires will receive nowhere near their real value.

    A dealer would probably be willing to put more money in a vehicle like this, but don't expect to get your money back, or even half of it for that matter.

  • Maintenance Records

    Sure it shows the dealer you took care of the car, but will translate into very little value monetarily and of course, has no Kelly Blue Book Value.

  • Extended Warranties

    This has no value to the dealer, because they want to sell their own when they sell the car. Cancel them and get whatever refund you have coming.

    Kelly Blue Book does not give a higher valuation for extended warranties, because there are too many variables involved.



Now that you know what has no affect on your used car trade in value,
What would you like to do next?

< Go Back To Step 2
What Hurts Values
| Go To The Start >
Maximize Trade Value

Or you can...

Review the entire Kelly Blue Book guide by returning from -
Blue Book Trade In Value to KBB Guide main page

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