Trading in your current vehicle is one of the most common ways to lower the cost of your next car purchase. At QC Auto Group in Kokomo, Indiana, we’ve helped countless drivers from Marion to Fishers get more value for their trade-ins. If you’re wondering how the trade-in process works — and how to get the most out of it — this article is for you.
What Is a Vehicle Trade-In?
A trade-in is when you offer your current vehicle to a dealership as partial payment toward the purchase of another vehicle. The dealership evaluates your car, provides an offer based on market value, and subtracts that amount from your next car’s price. It’s fast, convenient, and saves you from the hassle of selling your car privately.
The QC Auto Group Trade-In Process
At QC Auto Group, our We Buy Cars program is designed to be as seamless as possible. Here’s what to expect:
Vehicle Evaluation – We inspect your vehicle's year, mileage, condition, maintenance history, and accident report.
Market Comparison – We compare similar vehicles across Indiana to provide a fair and competitive offer.
Instant Offer – You’ll receive an on-the-spot trade-in value — and it’s good whether or not you buy from us.
Apply Toward Purchase – If you move forward with one of our low-mileage used cars, your trade-in value will be deducted from the price or used as your down payment.
Why Trade In Instead of Selling It Yourself?
Many people assume they can get more money by selling their car privately — and while that can sometimes be true, it comes with challenges:
Time-consuming listings and showings
Inconvenient meet-ups and test drives
Safety concerns meeting strangers
No guarantee of full payment
No tax credit benefits
With a trade-in, everything happens in one place — safely and quickly.
How Trade-In Value Is Determined
Your trade-in’s value depends on a few core factors:
Age and Mileage – Newer vehicles with lower mileage typically bring in more value.
Condition – Well-maintained, clean vehicles with minimal cosmetic or mechanical issues get better offers.
Market Demand – Vehicles that are in high demand in Kokomo or the surrounding areas like Noblesville and Lafayette will appraise higher.
Vehicle History Report – Fewer accidents or clean ownership history improves value.
If you’re unsure about your current vehicle’s worth, use our Vehicle Finder to see what similar models are selling for.
Maximizing Your Trade-In Value
Want top dollar? Here are a few easy tips before bringing in your vehicle:
Clean the inside and outside
Fix minor issues like lights or wipers
Provide service records
Bring both sets of keys and the title (if available)
If you want to preview your budget before coming in, visit our Loan Calculator to see how your trade-in affects your payment.
Can You Trade in a Car You Still Owe On?
Yes. If your vehicle is worth more than the amount remaining on your loan, the dealership will pay off the loan and apply the difference to your purchase. If you owe more than your car is worth (negative equity), that balance can often be rolled into your next loan. We’ll help you determine what’s best — just Contact Us to ask questions before your visit.
What If You Don’t Buy From Us?
At QC Auto Group, we’ll still make you an offer on your vehicle even if you don’t purchase another one from us. We’re always looking for quality pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs — and we pride ourselves on fair, straightforward offers.
Trade-Ins and Sales Tax Savings
In Indiana, trading in your vehicle reduces the taxable price of your next car. For example, if you buy a $20,000 car and trade in a vehicle worth $6,000, you only pay sales tax on $14,000. That can save you hundreds right away.
How to Start the Trade-In Process
You can visit us in person or start online by filling out the We Buy Cars form. If you’re already eyeing a vehicle, browse our Inventory and apply for financing with our Credit Application to speed things up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need an appointment to trade in my car?
No, but scheduling one through our Visit Us page ensures faster service and availability of appraisers.
Can I trade in more than one vehicle?
Yes, you can trade in multiple vehicles toward a single purchase.
Do you accept vehicles in any condition?
We’ll assess vehicles of all types, even if they need work. However, value may be affected.
Will you still buy my car if I don’t buy from you?
Yes. Our We Buy Cars program offers no-obligation cash offers for qualifying vehicles.
How quickly can I trade and drive off in a new car?
In many cases, the same day — especially if you've completed the credit application in advance.
