It’s totally normal to want something new after so many years of the same thing—and trading in your used car can be a hassle free way to take care of that! Luckily, you can count on our used car dealership serving the greater NYC area. Before you visit us, though, here’s some advice everyone should follow before they take this step to get the most out of their ride.

Iron Out the Kinks:

Cars are like people: they get quirkier as they age. At this point, there are probably some traits about your vehicle that you don’t even notice anymore, but may be a detractor for someone assessing the car’s value. Things like a ripped headliner, a window that doesn’t go down, or a particularly creaky door may be worth paying to fix, as you may wind up getting that money back when find out the trade-in value in the greater NYC area.

Then, there are tires. Tires can be costly to replace, so it may not seem worth it to do so right before you get rid of the car, but in some cases it’s not a bad idea. Extremely worn tires will certainly pull from the value of your car, so it’s probably best to replace them.

Do a Deep Clean:

When’s the last time you gave your car a thorough cleaning? If you’re not sure when, it’s been too long! Vacuum the interior, wash and wax the exterior, clean the wheels until they’re gleaming, and even apply tire shine. Or save yourself some time and bring it to our auto repair center, as we offer car spa services at a variety of price points.

Dings, Dents, and Beyond:

Minor cosmetic issues and curb rash (the marks left on your car when you accidentally scrape your wheel against the curb) are inexpensive to repair, and will considerably boost the aesthetic of your vehicle. However, don’t go too crazy: dents that require buffing or painting may not be worth the cost to fix. These are little things that are easy to do but, if left unattended, may knock down your vehicle’s value.

When you visit New Jersey State Auto Auction to look at your next new-to-you car, be sure to bring your current vehicle to trade. There’s nothing more satisfying than getting credit towards your next truck, car, van or SUV you fall in love with on our lot!

New Jersey: home to pork roll, Seaside Heights, and traffic that would drive anyone crazy. Fortunately, the staff at our Jersey City used car dealer are seasoned traffic jam pros, so we have some tips to make sure you keep your wits about you. Stretch your patience a little further with our advice!

Get Some Perspective

Like dealing with any stressful situation, your mindset is everything. Get yourself back into the right headspace by creating an environment that’s conducive to relaxation. Put on your favorite tunes and surround yourself with what you love! Preferably, it’s ideal to play something more on the relaxing side, but if it makes you feel better when you’re singing along to some serious anthems, do that.

Another thing you can do is acknowledge you have no control over the situation. We all wish we had a flying car (and grew up expecting one to be around by now thanks to Back to the Future), but we don’t. So unclench your fists, take deep breaths, turn off the navigation system, and surrender. You’re in your own personal space, separated from the outside world, and the concerns of that world aren’t your own right now.

Use the Tech That Keeps You in Touch

You could also take this opportunity to be a good friend or family member. Using the hands free phone feature on your used car, call your favorites in Jersey City. You can catch up for the duration of your ride without losing focus, and it’ll amaze you how quickly the time passes and you’ll arrive to your destination with a smile on your face and substantially less stressed out than you could have been.

If you’re looking for a car, truck, van, or SUV that will keep you comfortable when you’re stuck in traffic, contact New Jersey State Auto Auction! We have a huge selection of vehicles that can take you from point A to point B with style, class, and comfort.