Aug 19, 2025
Chevy Trax in Silver

Is your Chevy showing signs of its age? Or are you just ready to drive a brand-new Chevy with all the latest features and amenities? No matter why you’ve decided it’s time for a new vehicle, trading in your old car for something new can take the hassle out of getting rid of your old vehicle yourself. But how do you know it’s time to trade in one car for something better? Fortunately, there are signs to watch for that let you know your vehicle is ready to trade in.

From high mileage on the odometer to constant repairs that keep your car off the road and in the shop for days or weeks at a time, there are many signs it’s time to replace your vehicle. But when you no longer enjoy getting behind the wheel, come to Turan Foley Chevrolet to trade in that old ride for something more efficient and dependable. We’re a trusted Chevrolet dealer in Gulfport, Mississippi, and we’ll help you with all your car-buying needs, including getting a fair deal when trading in.

Evaluating the Best Mileage To Trade In a Car

Mileage plays a big part in how long your vehicle will last, as higher mileage means more wear and tear on the vehicle’s components. But what’s the best mileage to trade your vehicle in so you get the top dollar when you trade? The answer depends on several factors, including the model, trim, and year of your vehicle. Let’s go over some benefits and drawbacks of trading within certain mileages.

30,000-50,000 Miles

At 30,000-50,000 miles, most vehicle warranties expire, so trading in before maxing out the warranty can add value to your vehicle. Another benefit of trading in at or around this mileage is that you probably haven’t had to make too many repairs not covered by the warranty, saving you on maintenance costs. The downside of trading in when your vehicle has 50,000 miles or fewer is that vehicles depreciate most rapidly within the first couple of years of ownership, meaning you may not recoup much, if anything, on the vehicle after paying off your loan.

60,000-90,000 Miles

After cresting 60,000 miles, vehicles begin to require more in-depth maintenance and can experience issues that reduce performance and comfort. Depending on the quality of your car, you may notice the upholstery is worn, paint is fading, or small rust spots are appearing on the exterior. These minor things can translate to a decrease in value, especially if they’re not taken care of. 

Trading in at this mileage is smart if you want to avoid more frequent visits to the repair shop. But this is also the mileage many people reach when they finally pay off their car loan, and trading in would mean taking on a new car payment.

100,000-Plus Miles

While some vehicles do offer a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, hitting 100k on the engine is a huge milestone. Many of today’s engines are rated to go well beyond 100,000 miles, but that doesn’t mean this mileage achievement isn’t without its troubles. Waiting to trade in your vehicle until it has 100,000 miles or more could significantly reduce its trade-in value. However, waiting until your vehicle reaches the 100k mark lets you maximize the value you get from driving the vehicle, and you’ve likely had at least a few years without a car payment to save for a new ride.

Preparing Your Chevy for Trade: Increasing Its Value

You can take steps to increase the offer you get for your trade.

Detailing and Cleaning: First Impressions Count

First impressions leave a mark, so you want your car to make a good one. We highly recommend detailing and cleaning the inside of your vehicle before bringing it to our Gulfport Chevy dealership. Washing the exterior can make a surprising difference in the appearance of your car as well, and don’t forget the wheels. Removing trash, personal items, dirt, and debris from the cabin helps your car look well-maintained.

Minor Repairs and Maintenance: What To Fix Before Trading

Any minor repairs or neglected maintenance you can take care of before trading in will help you get a better offer. This could mean replacing the tires, getting an overdue oil change, or patching a chipped windshield. These are simple things that don’t cost much but can improve your car’s looks, performance, and trade-in value.

Document Readiness: Necessary Papers and Records

Gather the documents you need to have with you when trading in your vehicle, including the title to your car. You can also boost your offer by having maintenance records, your ID, loan information if you have one, and anything else that proves you own the vehicle and shows evidence of aftermarket improvements or enhancements.

The Trade-In Process at Gulfport Chevy Dealerships

Let’s explore how the trade-in process at Turan Foley Chevrolet works.

How the Appraisal Process Works

To give you an appraisal, we need to see your vehicle in person. You can use our trade-in valuation tool to get a reasonable estimate. During the appraisal, our professional team will thoroughly evaluate your vehicle to determine its value based on its age, condition, model, trim level, mileage, and performance.

Understanding Trade-In Offers

After we appraise your vehicle, we’ll make you an offer. We pride ourselves on making competitive offers on trade-ins because we care about your satisfaction. The offer is based on a range of factors, and we’re always happy to explain how we got to our conclusion. If you don’t like the offer, there’s no pressure to make a deal. It’s always your decision.

Tax Advantages: Making the Most of Trade-In Credits

Of course, if you accept the trade-in offer, you can take advantage of trade-in credits. Using the money we offer as a down payment on your new car results in a lower final price. This means a lower monthly car payment on your new Chevy and less interest over the life of the loan.

Consult With Local Experts: Reach Out to Gulfport Chevy Professionals

Whether you’re ready to trade in today or you need help deciding, our professionals at Turan Foley Chevrolet are here to help. Contact us to learn more about the trade-in process or get your vehicle’s value appraised. And don’t forget to check out our vast inventory to find the perfect model for your life in Gulfport, Mississippi.