I want to share another option for getting a valuation for an old car and trading it in. AutoTrader.com has a free program for consumers called Trade In Marketplace (TIM). This is how it works.
* A consumer interested in trading in his or her vehicle accesses http://tradein.autotrader.com.
* The seller inputs information about the vehicle, including the make and model, the model year, major factory-installed options, other upgrades and maintenance information and details about the condition, including any major repairs or accident damage.
* TIM calculates a price based on historical transaction data and up-to-the-minute supply and demand information and produces a printable purchase offer and a list of participating dealerships.
* The seller takes the purchase offer to a participating dealer in the area.
* The dealer inspects the car to confirm the car’s condition and then the seller can use the funds toward the purchase of their next vehicle or walk away with a check.
I do work for AutoTrader.com, and I have personally worked with the Trade in Marketplace data. You may want to discount this information as a shameless plug, however, it is another option for getting a free third-party valuation for the car you want to trade in or dispose of. The offer can also be used as additional information by those of you who may want to negotiate their trade-in. The program is a couple of years old, and we have already made over 3 million offers so far.