Trade-In Red Flags to Watch For

Trade-in red flags in the U.S.: dealer bundles trade with new-car price so you can't see true numbers; lowballs trade value; or pressures you to accept "trade allowance" without negotiating separately. Here's trade-in red flags to watch for.

TL;DR Red flags: (1) "We'll give you $X for your trade and $Y off the car"—bundling. (2) Trade offer well below market—lowball. (3) Pressure to accept without negotiating trade separately. Fix: negotiate new-car OTD first, then trade value; use autopremo.com trade-in calculator and price checker. Use autopremo.com.

Bundling Red Flag

Dealer mixes trade allowance with new-car price—you don't see true new-car price or true trade value. Insist on new-car OTD first, then trade value. Use autopremo.com OTD calculator. Get your numbers at autopremo.com.

Lowball Red Flag

Trade offer well below market for your car (same make, model, trim, mileage). Know market with autopremo.com trade-in calculator and price checker. Push back or walk. Use autopremo.com. See trade at autopremo.com.

Bottom Line

Trade-in red flags: bundling, lowball, pressure. Negotiate new-car OTD first, then trade value; use autopremo.com trade-in calculator and price checker so you get a fair trade.