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Car Trade-In Guide

  • August 26, 2025
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Car Trade-In Guide

When trading in your car, you want the best price. Understanding how your car is assessed can help make sure you achieve that goal.

We know that a trade in shouldn’t be complicated. You want a great price on your vehicle, combined with a great deal on the next vehicle you’ve got your eyes on.

At Tony Lahood Motors, we offer the best used cars, and competitive trade ins. Customers come back to our family business because we make replacing your car easy.

Why trade in

We’re all busy, and a trade in saves a significant amount of time and effort. Selling your car privately can take longer than expected, and requires patience to deal with potential buyers.

A trade in is fast and secure. If still paying off your vehicle, we can assist you in figuring out the financial side. Our experienced team will also help you lock down your next car quickly.

Sense of security

Trading in with a reputable dealer means you avoid the risk of getting scammed by an online buyer, or ending up purchasing a headache of a used car that turns out to be unreliable.

Tony Lahood Motors offers a three year used car warranty. Is financing your next car an issue? You’re in luck. We partner with Blink Finance, who offer competitive car finance rates.

Make, model, year

Wondered why a slightly older car may perform better at a trade in than a newer car from a lesser known brand? It could be parts will be more expensive for the next owner to source.

Certain makes and models sell better. Once people have driven one type of car, they often stick to it, considering the make reliable and low maintenance, with parts easy to replace.

Mileage and transmission

Modern cars depreciate, meaning generally cars are worth less post-purchase. The miles your car has on the clock will impact trade-in value, as the number reflects wear and tear.

Is your car automatic or manual? The type of transmission is an important factor. For certain makes and models, a manual transmission may reduce trade in value, due to lower demand.

Service history

Remembering to take your car in for a service doesn’t just protect current performance. That ongoing record of regular services can make a good impact when trading in your car.

If due for a service, consider getting it done before trade in. A recent service is not required, but if a potential problem exists, addressing it helps protects your car’s current value.

Market value

Do you have a broad estimate of the sales price you can expect? The market is ever-evolving, so it’s a good idea to get informed as to the general range your car may be worth.

A little online research won’t hurt. Have a browse of popular websites for resale values. Be aware what people want for cars like yours, isn’t a true indicator of the price they settle for.

Minor repairs

Cracked tail light, broken windscreen wiper, small scratches: you might want to take the time to address a range of smaller issues before you decide to trade in your car.

For costly engine repairs, consider first if the outlay is a smart choice, in terms of potential return. Are you risking more than the entire trade in value just to keep your car roadworthy?

Appearance

What is under the hood is paramount. But it doesn’t hurt to make sure your car is looking good for a trade in—even if that’s just giving it a wash, polish, and interior clean-up.

After all, a car that smells of old takeout doesn’t leave the best first impression. If you can afford it, consider paying for a proper clean and detailing before your trade in.

The waiting game

It’s common for people to wait so long for a trade in that their vehicle is no longer road-worthy. You’re also likely face mounting repair costs as your car ages.

Instead of delaying, take the initiative, and trade in your car sooner rather than later. This way, you should receive a larger amount to help with the switch to your next car.

Identify your needs

Since a trade in is the first step to your next car, it’s worth taking stock and learning from experience. Is the make and model you last chose to purchase, set to trade in well now?

Was your car too big for your needs and expensive to run? Maybe it’s time for a change of make and model. A trade in is a chance to switch to a more practical and cost-effective car.

Why choose us?

Tony Lahood Motors was established in 1985. That means we have forty years under our belt. You don’t last that long in this industry without a solid reputation in the community.

We’re a multi-generational business—with multi-generational customers. People trade in the family car, and later bring their kids in for their first cars, knowing they can trust us.

Selling your car

Not wanting to trade in toward another car? You have the option of simply selling us your vehicle. Once assessed, with sale secured, you receive a bank cheque, cash, or transfer.

For anyone wanting to sell a car to us, we make that process as uncomplicated as we can. We’ll even come to you and assess the vehicle. All you need to do is fill out this form.

Trade in now

If you’ve got questions about Sydney car sales, or want to check out a range of the best used cars in Australia, we offer trade ins and a great price on popular makes and models.

Check out our car sales on Parramatta Road in Croydon and in Lidcombe to discuss a trade in, and take a look at the stock we’ve got on hand waiting for a new owner.

Ready to trade in or sell? Drop into one of our locations, email us, give us a ring, or contact our team here.