Maximize Your Trade-In at Sterling Imports: A 7-Step Guide

Thinking About Upgrading Your Car?

Whether you’re eyeing a newer SUV for the family, a fuel-efficient commuter car, or a sporty sedan, trading in your current vehicle is one of the easiest ways to lower your out-of-pocket cost. But here’s the secret: how you prepare your car before trading it in can significantly increase its value.

At Sterling Imports, we’ve been helping Santa Ana and Orange County drivers upgrade their vehicles for more than 30 years. We know what appraisers look for, and we want you to get every dollar you deserve.

So, here’s our 7-step guide to help you maximize your trade-in value.

Step 1: Clean & Detail Your Car

First impressions matter—even for vehicles. A clean car immediately looks newer, better cared for, and more valuable.

What to do:

Wash and wax the exterior
Vacuum carpets and upholstery
Wipe down the dashboard and interior panels
Clean windows inside and out

Sterling Tip: For an extra boost, invest in a quick professional detailing service. A shiny exterior and fresh-smelling cabin can easily add a few hundred dollars to your offer.

Step 2: Fix Minor Cosmetic Damage

Small issues can create the perception that the car is neglected, lowering its appraised value.

Touch up minor paint scratches
Replace missing hubcaps or trim pieces
Buff out small dents if possible

Avoid major expensive repairs—just handle low-cost improvements that make the car look cared for.

Step 3: Organize Your Service Records

Nothing builds buyer confidence like a well-documented service history.

Bring:

Oil change receipts
Tire rotation records
Brake service paperwork
Warranty repair invoices

At Sterling Imports, we love seeing maintenance records—it proves the car was reliable and maintained properly, often resulting in a higher trade-in offer.

Step 4: Refresh the Interior

Details matter. Replace worn-out floor mats, remove stains, and ensure all interior features work:

Seat adjustments
Window switches
Infotainment system

A tidy, functional interior leaves a lasting impression.

Step 5: Top Off Fluids & Check Tires

When appraisers see clean fluids and healthy tires, they assume the car was properly maintained.

Top off oil, coolant, and washer fluid
Ensure tires have even tread wear and proper PSI

Sterling Tip: Stop by Sterling Imports—we’ll check and top off fluids for free before your appraisal.

Step 6: Get a Pre-Appraisal Inspection

Before you trade in, have a trusted mechanic (like our ASE-certified techs) give your car a multi-point inspection. If there are small, inexpensive fixes (like replacing a light bulb or wiper blade), do it—it signals that the car is road-ready.

Step 7: Know Your Vehicle’s Value

Check online tools like Kelley Blue Book (KBB) or Edmunds to get a baseline trade-in range. But remember, local demand affects pricing—and at Sterling Imports, we often pay above book value for cars that match what our buyers want.

Why Trade In at Sterling Imports?

Fast Appraisals: Get a firm offer in 15 minutes or less
Fair Pricing: We evaluate your car based on real market demand in Santa Ana
Upgrade Options: Choose from 800+ quality vehicles
Hassle-Free Process: No lowballing, no pressure—just transparency

Here’s what one of our recent customers said:

“John made the whole process straightforward and easy. I traded in my older SUV and drove off in a newer model the same day. Couldn’t be happier!” – Gabriel, Santa Ana

Ready to Trade Up?

Visit Us: Sterling Imports, 925 N Harbor Blvd, Santa Ana, CA
Hours: Mon–Fri 10 AM–7 PM, Sat by appointment
Call: (714) 485‑8882
Website: www.sterlingimports.net