At Acura Las Vegas, we appraise your vehicle based on its year, mileage, condition, and features, along with current market demand across the Las Vegas Valley. Once you accept our offer, that amount is applied toward the purchase of your next vehicle. Still making payments? We’ll pay off your loan directly with your lender as part of the deal. In Nevada, trading in can also lower your sales tax. When you trade in a vehicle you own or finance, its value is subtracted from the purchase price before tax is calculated, so you’re only taxed on the difference.

A little preparation helps your appraisal at Acura Las Vegas go smoothly. Before your visit, gather:

• Your vehicle’s title (if you own the car outright)
• Your lender’s name, loan account number, and payoff amount (if you’re still making payments)
• Your current vehicle registration
• A valid driver’s license
• All keys and key fobs

Service records are helpful too, since they show the vehicle has been well maintained.

It’s a good idea. A clean car makes a strong first impression during your appraisal and shows it’s been well cared for, which can help you get a better offer. Before bringing it to Acura Las Vegas, wash the exterior, vacuum the interior, and wipe down the dash, vents, and door jambs, where desert dust tends to collect. Remove personal items and unpair your phone from the infotainment system. We’ll still detail the vehicle before resale, but a little effort up front can pay off.

You can trade in a financed car at any time. Still, it’s usually best to wait until you’ve paid down enough of your loan to have positive equity, meaning your car is worth more than you still owe. Not sure where you stand? Acura Las Vegas can appraise your vehicle and compare the offer to your loan payoff, so you’ll know your equity before you decide.

If your trade-in offer is higher than your remaining loan balance, you have positive equity, and trading in now makes sense. Acura Las Vegas will pay off your lender and apply the difference toward your next vehicle. If the offer is lower than what you owe, it may be smarter to wait until one of the following happens:

• You pay off your loan in full
• You pay down enough of the balance to reach positive equity
• Market conditions change and your car is worth more than you owe

For most vehicles, the sweet spot is 30,000 to 40,000 miles, or about two to three years old, while the original factory warranty is still in effect. Lower mileage and more remaining warranty coverage typically lead to a higher appraisal. For Acura owners, that window leaves time on the 4-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty, which adds value for the next owner. Curious where your car stands? Our team at Acura Las Vegas can give you an up-to-date appraisal.