How to Prepare for Your Equipment Trade-In
While trading in old equipment is a common practice, there isn’t a ton of information out there on how to prepare. To help, we’ve put together the advice below. When you’re ready, stop by any of our convenient locations in the state of Texas to get started on your heavy equipment trade-in.
Research
Before you start gathering documents and checking engines, you’ll need to do a little research for your upcoming trade-in. Start by using a quote tool, such as this tool on our website, to figure out how much your machine may be worth. Remember that your machine’s age, mileage, and general wear may reduce its worth.
If you’d like, you can get your equipment checked by a mechanic to see how much various repairs may cost. However, if your machine is only worth $7,000 to $10,000, it doesn’t make sense to pay $12,000 in repairs — even if it marginally increases your equipment’s value.
Maintenance
Now that you know what your machine is worth, and what repairs may be required, it’s time to get started on maintenance. Again, don’t spend too much fixing up a machine you’re about to sell. Focus on general care, as well as sprucing up your machine with a good scrub. Once you’re at the dealership, you can notify staff of the machine’s various issues and they can decide whether to repair it themselves or lower the sale price.
Documents
If you do have your equipment inspected by a professional, you’ll want to keep the document or receipt they give you. You’ll present it, as well as other receipts documenting your machinery’s maintenance over the years, to the dealership. If you’ve made any upgrades or installed new equipment on your machinery, you’ll want to provide proof of that as well. You’ll also need to bring proof of I.D. and your equipment’s title (if you’re in a state that requires a title) to prove your ownership.
While we hope the advice above will prove to be helpful, we understand that this isn’t a complete guide. Stop by our dealership in Odessa, Texas, to speak with one of our helpful sales staff about trade-in options and requirements.