Trade In Your Vehicle in the Washington Metropolitan Area!

#1 Used Car Dealership for Trade-Ins - We Buy Any Car!

Trading in your car is one of the most convenient ways to upgrade your ride in the Washington metropolitan area. Whether you're looking to move up to a newer model or just want to sell your current vehicle for maximum value, knowing how to maximize your trade-in deal can make all the difference.

In this guide, our team at Eastern Automotive Group explores everything you need to know about trading in your car in the Washington metropolitan area. We outline the benefits of trading in your vehicle, tips for preparing your car, and how to find the best dealerships that accept trade-ins in Washington, D.C.

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Benefits of Trading In Your Vehicle at Easterns Automotive Group

When you choose to trade in your vehicle at Easterns Automotive Group, as well as getting top dollar for your used car, you'll enjoy many more benefits:

  • Fast, hassle-free process: Trading in your car at Easterns is quick and easy. Our team can handle everything on-site, such as cleaning your car and preparing it for resale, saving you time and effort.
  • Top dollar offers: We pride ourselves on offering some of the most competitive trade-in values in the Washington metropolitan area. Whether you have a car, a truck, or an SUV, you'll get a fair offer based on market demand and your vehicle's condition.
  • Stress-free transactions: You can apply your trade-in value directly to your next purchase at Easterns Automotive, making it easy to upgrade to a new or preowned vehicle without juggling multiple transactions.

Trade In Your Vehicle at Easterns Automotive

Let Easterns Automotive simplify your car selling and car buying process by trading in your vehicle to one of our dealerships. Give Easterns a call today at 888-650-4775 or visit one of our conveniently located dealerships in the Washington DC and Baltimore metro areas.

Understanding Your Trade-In Value

Easterns Automotive Group offers some of the best dealerships that accept trade-ins. We use real-time data and comprehensive market analysis to ensure you receive a competitive offer. Several factors determine how much you'll get for your trade-in:

  • Age and mileage: Older cars and vehicles with higher mileage may have a lower trade-in value, but certain well-maintained models retain their worth.
  • Condition: We'll inspect your car to assess its overall condition, including wear and tear, mechanical components, and cosmetic appearance.
  • Market demand: Some makes and models are in higher demand, which can positively affect your car's trade-in value. For example, SUVs and trucks are especially popular in the Washington area, often leading to higher offers.

To get a preliminary estimate of your vehicle's value, use our online trade-in valuation tool. This tool will provide you with an instant appraisal, so you'll know what to expect before visiting one of our dealerships.

Salesperson and female customer

How To Prepare Your Car for Trade-In

At Easterns Automotive Group, we want to help you get the best possible deal for your trade-in. The following tips will help to improve your vehicle's trade-in value.

Improving Your Car's Appeal

First impressions matter. A clean, well-maintained car is more likely to get a higher offer. Follow these steps to improve your vehicle's appearance:

  • Detail the exterior: Wash, wax, and polish the exterior of your vehicle thoroughly to ensure it makes a positive first impression. Ensure the windows and mirrors are streak-free.
  • Clean the interior: Deep clean every part of the interior — vacuum the carpets, wipe down the dashboards and door panels, and clean any stains from the seats. A professional detailing service can make a huge difference, but even a DIY cleaning job with vacuuming, washing, and polishing can help.
  • Check the tires: Tires with plenty of tread signal that the car has been well maintained. If your tires are overly worn, it may be worth replacing them to maximize your car's potential trade-in value.

Gathering Necessary Documentation (Title, Service Records, etc.)

Having the right paperwork can simplify the trade-in process and may even increase your offer. Make sure you have the following to hand:

  • Vehicle title: The title proves that you own the vehicle and is required to complete the trade-in process.
  • Service records: Providing documentation of regular maintenance can improve your car's trade-in value by showing it's been well maintained.
  • Registration: Ensure your vehicle's registration is current. This proves the car is legally on the road and ready for trade-in.
  • Vehicle history report: If possible, bring a copy of your vehicle's history report (e.g., CARFAX), which details any accidents or major repairs.
  • Spare keys and accessories: Dealerships appreciate when your vehicle includes all of its original accessories, such as spare keys and your owner's manual.
Minor Repairs

If your car is in reasonably good condition, cleaning it thoroughly and handling minor repairs can significantly boost its trade-in value. Focus on the following:

  • Repair minor issues: Address small, inexpensive repairs such as fixing small dents, dings, or chipped paint.
  • Replace worn parts: Check for simple fixes such as replacing old wiper blades, burned-out bulbs, or a cracked windshield. These small repairs can signal that your car is in good condition.

Check fluid levels: Make sure your oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant levels are topped up. Even something as simple as clean oil can improve the dealership's perception of your vehicle's condition value.

salesperson and couple

Find Out How Much Your Trade-In Is Worth at Easterns Automotive Group Today

Trading in your car at Easterns Automotive Group in the Washington metropolitan area can be a simple and rewarding process if you prepare your vehicle and know where to go. By understanding your car's trade-in value, preparing it for inspection, and finding the best dealership to trade in your car, you can secure a great deal and upgrade to your next ride with ease. Ready to see how much your car is worth? Use our online trade-in valuation tool or visit one of our convenient dealerships in the Washington, D.C., area today.

Eastern's location hero and Chevrolet Suburban

Trade-In FAQs

The biggest benefit of trading in your car is you get to upgrade your vehicle at a steep discount. The value of your trade-in will go toward you preowned vehicle.


If you’re buying new, the value of your trade-in might not get you very far. When you put your trade-in value toward a used vehicle, you’re getting a great car, truck or SUV for far less than the normal sticker price.


Yes, you can trade-in your vehicle to Easterns Automotive even if you still owe money on it. This is often a great option if your financial situation has changed and you can no longer afford to continue making payments on your current vehicle. If you still have an outstanding loan balance even after the trade-in value has been subtracted from the principal, the remaining balance can be rolled into your new loan.


If they do boost your trade-in value, it likely won’t be by much. Factory-installed features like leather seats, sunroofs or higher-end trims will increase your trade-in value more than after-market features you had custom installed. It’s inadvisable to put money into vehicle modifications in the hopes that it will increase your vehicle’s value for trade-in or sale.

A history of accident damage may decrease the value of your car, truck or SUV. However, if the damage was relatively minor or the vehicle was fully restored by a reputable body shop and mechanic, the impact on your vehicle’s trade-in value may be negligible or even non-existent.
How an accident may affect your trade-in value depends on whether there’s any damage visible and whether the damage will reduce the life-expectancy or performance of the vehicle.


If you still have a loan on your current vehicle but you’re ready for an upgrade, you should first figure out exactly how much you still owe before you start the trade-in process. If your car is valued at more than what you owe, then the difference between your car’s value and your loan amount will be put toward your new vehicle purchase. If your car is worth less than what you still owe, you can roll the remainder of your loan into your new loan.
You should be able to find out what you still owe from your most recent loan statement or by contacting your lender. Once you know your loan balance, you should talk to Easterns Automotive to find out the trade-in value for your car. Then subtract the loan amount from the trade-in value to find out how much equity you have in your vehicle. That equity can go toward your new car purchase.

Visit your nearest Easterns location to receive a fast trade-in estimate for your vehicle. You can also call us at 877-867-0641 for more information.