Let’s face it, every dealer says they need inventory, but then when you bring your car in, the facial expressions from the used car manager are trained to act otherwise. Here are some things to be aware of when you decide it’s time to get top dollar for your vehicle.
Watch the odometer milestones, not just total mileage. The algorithm sorts cars into mileage tiers, and crossing thresholds like 60K, 80K, or 100K miles triggers a value drop - so if you're just under one of those numbers, selling sooner rather than later (and avoiding unnecessary driving) can preserve value.
Do cheap, easy cosmetic fixes before appraisal, since the algorithm relies on binary condition ratings (e.g., "great" vs. "just okay"). Small, low-effort wins the article calls out: popping out a paintless dent, fixing a windshield chip via insurance, replacing a dead key fob battery, and a wash/detail - especially if the car was used to haul kids or pets.
Be honest about condition rather than overstating it. The in-person pickup inspection (a walkaround, photos, and an OBD2 scan for hidden engine codes) will catch discrepancies, and if the car's condition was misrepresented, Carvana can revise the offer downward on the spot or cancel the deal entirely - particularly for undisclosed issues like a rebuilt title.
Consider the trade-in sales-tax credit if buying your next car from your local dealer or online vendors like Carvana in the same transaction. In most states, trading in reduces the sales tax owed on the new purchase (the article's example: a $15,000 trade-in with 6% sales tax effectively becomes worth $15,900 in savings). This doesn't apply if you sell and buy as separate transactions, and doesn't exist at all in California, D.C., Hawaii, Kentucky, Maryland, or Virginia.
Running a Car Inspection Score will be a great way to understand the economics you are likely to encounter before you even leave your home or decide to run instant offers from Carvana and KBB.
Thanks for reading everybody!
-Paul