Looking to upgrade your vehicle? It's not always an easy task from the get-go, however, having a trade-in can really help you out when you're ready to make a down payment on a newer vehicle. Even if your car is older and has mild wear and tear, which is bound to happen over time and miles traveled, there are plenty of things that you can do to get your car back into shape before a trade-in. Here are a few simple ideas to help you get the most money out of your trade-in.

Keep your car in good shape from the very beginning.

Everyone knows that when you buy a vehicle, you're taking a loss. Cars depreciate in value, much unlike homes/property. Taking good care of your car from the start will really pay off when you're ready to trade it in down the road. This will mean that you'll have to stay on top of regular maintenance from the very beginning. Keep it serviced, have problems fixed, and keep it clean.

Clean up!

I have been in some cars whose owners have completely trashed their cars. I get it- I'm a mom, and when you have kids or pets, it can be difficult to keep a vehicle hair or crumb-free. It's just one of those things that you have to take the time to do, though. It's like cleaning your house- it's not fun, but you have to do it in order to keep it maintained, and to keep your family safe and healthy. When you trade-in a vehicle, cosmetics play a big role in the value of your car. Give it a good thorough cleaning inside and out, and invest in a wash and wax.

Know the trade-in process before you head to the dealership.

Here's where you'll have to do your homework. Firstly, research how much your car is worth. From there, head to your dealership's website and read up on their trade-in process and policies. If you have questions, simply shoot an e-mail over to the dealership. Asking questions upfront will save you time and possible disappointment or headaches once you step foot on the lot.

Keep it simple (your car, that is).

It can really be tempting to customize your car to the hills with decals, paint jobs, and other 'cool' customizations. Unless you're playing for keeps, however, it's best not to gamble on such options. Keeping your car as plain and simple as you purchased it will help you get the most money for a trade-in when the time comes to do so. Stay away from bright colors, racing stripes, and so on. Colors like black, silver, gray, and white are the best and mostly highly sought after colors for re-sale on cars. These colors may seem boring, but they are classic, and they are also classy-looking.

If you're thinking about trading in your vehicle so you can purchase a newer one, you'll honestly want to connect with the dealership and ask questions upfront. Their staff will help guide you through the process and make it as easy as possible for you to get the most money out of your trade-in.

Brought to you by Central Avenue Chrysler Jeep