If you're thinking about replacing your current vehicle, one of the first questions you probably have is: What is my car actually worth?

It's an important question. Your current car, truck or SUV could represent thousands of dollars of buying power toward your next vehicle. Depending on its condition, mileage, equipment and current market demand, it may be worth more than you expect.

For drivers throughout Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Moosic and Northeastern Pennsylvania, Performance Kia makes it easy to begin finding out. You do not have to own a Kia. Whether you drive a Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Subaru, Nissan, Jeep, Ram, Kia or another make, Performance Kia wants the opportunity to appraise your vehicle.

DON'T GUESS WHAT YOUR VEHICLE IS WORTH.

What Determines My Car's Trade-In Value?

There isn't one universal formula that determines exactly what every vehicle is worth. Two vehicles with the same year, make and model can have noticeably different values because an appraisal considers the actual vehicle - not just the name on the trunk.

1. Year, Make and Model

Some vehicles are simply in greater demand in the pre-owned market. Demand can change over time, which is one reason an older online estimate should not necessarily be treated as your vehicle current value.

2. Mileage

Mileage matters, but do not automatically assume that a higher-mileage vehicle has little trade value. Here in Northeastern Pennsylvania, plenty of drivers accumulate miles commuting throughout Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Pittston, Moosic and the I-81 corridor. Mileage is one factor among many.

3. Overall Condition

An appraiser will look at your vehicle exterior, interior and mechanical condition. Normal wear is expected on a used vehicle. A seven-year-old vehicle is not expected to look like it just rolled off the assembly line.

4. Vehicle History

A vehicle ownership, maintenance and accident history may affect its value. An accident does not automatically make a vehicle impossible to trade. The type of damage, quality of repair and overall condition can all matter.

5. Trim Level and Equipment

Not every version of the same vehicle has identical value. Features such as all-wheel drive, upgraded trim levels, premium seating, driver-assistance technology, premium audio, navigation, sunroof or panoramic roof, and towing equipment may influence desirability and market value.

6. Current Market Demand

Vehicle values do not exist in a vacuum. Supply and demand change. An SUV, truck or AWD vehicle that buyers are actively looking for may have different market demand than a vehicle with less interest. That is why the answer to "What is my car worth?" can change over time.

Why Performance Kia Wants Your Trade

Good pre-owned vehicles are valuable inventory. Performance Kia does not only sell new Kia models; we also sell used cars, trucks and SUVs from different manufacturers. Many of those vehicles begin with customers just like you.

That is why we want the opportunity to look at your vehicle. You do not have to decide what you are buying before finding out what your current vehicle may be worth. Give Performance Kia an opportunity to earn your trade.

HAVE A VEHICLE TO TRADE?

How Can I Get the Most for My Trade-In?

There are several simple things you can do before an appraisal:

That is why we want the opportunity to look at your vehicle. You do not have to decide what you are buying before finding out what your current vehicle may be worth. Give Performance Kia an opportunity to earn your trade.

• Know the exact year, trim, approximate mileage and major options on your vehicle.
• Bring all available keys and remotes.
• Bring available service information or maintenance records.
• Remove personal belongings so the vehicle is easy to inspect.
• Do not automatically spend hundreds or thousands of dollars fixing every scratch, dent or maintenance item before getting an appraisal. Let Performance Kia look at the vehicle first.

Should I Detail My Car Before Trading It In?

A reasonable cleaning can make the vehicle easier to inspect, but do not assume an expensive professional detail will automatically increase its value by more than you spent. Remove trash and personal belongings, vacuum if needed and make sure the appraiser can easily see the interior and cargo areas. You are trading a used vehicle - we know it is used.

Should I Repair My Car Before Trading It?

Not necessarily. Imagine spending $1,500 fixing several cosmetic issues immediately before trading a vehicle, only to discover those repairs do not increase the appraisal by $1,500. Get the appraisal first. Then you can make an informed decision.

Does an Accident Ruin My Trade-In Value?

Not necessarily. A vehicle with an accident history may be valued differently than an otherwise identical vehicle without one, but an accident does not automatically make your vehicle unwanted. Severity, what was damaged, repair quality, current condition and vehicle history can all matter. Do not assume Performance Kia will not want your car because it has history. Let us look at it.

Do Modifications Increase My Trade Value?

Sometimes modifications can make a vehicle more attractive to a particular buyer, but aftermarket equipment does not necessarily increase trade value dollar-for-dollar. Highly personalized modifications can even narrow the potential buyer pool. Have the entire vehicle evaluated rather than guessing how modifications affect its value.

Does AWD Matter in Northeastern Pennsylvania?

AWD is a feature many Pennsylvania shoppers consider because of our changing seasons, hills and winter conditions. But AWD does not automatically mean a particular vehicle is worth a specific amount more. The vehicle still needs to be evaluated as a whole. This is another reason a local appraisal can be more useful than relying entirely on a generic number.

Can I Trade In a Car I Still Owe Money On?

Yes. You do not necessarily need to pay off your existing auto loan before trading your vehicle. The dealership can obtain payoff information on your current loan and compare it with the vehicle appraised value.

Positive equity

Your vehicle is worth more than you owe. The difference may represent equity that can be applied toward your next transaction.

Approximately even

Your vehicle value and loan payoff may be relatively close.

Negative equity

You owe more than the vehicle is worth. This is sometimes called being upside down. Negative equity does not automatically mean you cannot trade; options depend on the amount owed, vehicle value, next vehicle, transaction structure and lender approval.

OWE MONEY ON YOUR CURRENT VEHICLE?

What Happens to My Current Loan When I Trade My Car?

If your current vehicle has a loan, Performance Kia can work with you to determine the payoff amount as part of the transaction. This is why it is helpful to have your lender information available. The actual structure of your next transaction depends on whether you have positive equity, negative equity or approximately break even. Your remaining payoff and your vehicle current value are more useful than looking only at your monthly payment.

Can I Trade My Car If I Have Less-Than-Perfect Credit?

Potentially, yes. Your trade-in and your financing are connected parts of a transaction, but they are not the same thing. Having previous credit challenges does not make your vehicle any less real or prevent Performance Kia from appraising it.

If you have had credit hiccups, do not automatically assume that means you cannot purchase another vehicle. Performance Kia works with customers with many different credit backgrounds, and our Fresh Start Program is designed to help NEPA drivers explore financing options and understand the next steps.

CREDIT HICCUPS?

Financing is subject to lender approval and applicable terms.

Should I Trade My Car or Sell It Myself?

Both approaches have advantages. A private sale gives you the opportunity to market the vehicle yourself, but it also means taking photos, creating ads, answering messages, dealing with no-shows, meeting prospective buyers, negotiating, handling paperwork, arranging payment and managing the title transfer. A trade-in can simplify the process because the existing vehicle becomes part of the same transaction as the replacement vehicle. For many busy NEPA drivers, time and convenience have value too.

Can I Get My Vehicle Appraised Without Buying a Car First?

You do not have to know exactly what you are purchasing before beginning to investigate your vehicle value. Determining your trade value early can help you better understand your overall shopping position. Once you have an idea of your vehicle value, you can begin exploring what you want next.

READY TO SEE WHAT'S AVAILABLE?

What Should I Bring for a Trade-In Appraisal?

• Driver license
• Current registration
• Title, when applicable
• Lender/payoff information if you have a loan
• All available keys/remotes
• Available service records

If you are not sure what you will need for your specific situation, contact Performance Kia before visiting.

When Is the Best Time to Trade My Car?

There is no universal date on the calendar that is automatically best for every vehicle. A better question may be whether your current vehicle is still meeting your needs. Maybe your family has grown, your commute changed, repair costs are increasing, you want newer safety or technology features, you need AWD, or you are simply ready for something different.

Sometimes the biggest reason to check your trade value is simply that you have not checked it recently. Market conditions and your vehicle change over time. Finding out does not obligate you to buy anything.

Trading a Vehicle Near Scranton or Wilkes-Barre?

Performance Kia is located at 4225 Birney Ave, Moosic, PA 18507. Our location puts us between the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre areas and convenient to drivers throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties.

If you are coming from Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Pittston, Dunmore, Clarks Summit, Old Forge, Taylor, Mountain Top or elsewhere in NEPA, we would like an opportunity to see your vehicle. You do not have to drive a Kia. You do not have to know exactly what you are buying next. And you should not assume you already know exactly what your trade is worth.

Let Performance Kia Take a Look

Your current car, truck or SUV may represent significant buying power toward your next vehicle. Start online, then let Performance Kia's team evaluate the actual vehicle.

YOUR NEXT VEHICLE MAY ALREADY BE SITTING ON OUR LOT.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find out what my car is worth in Scranton, PA?

Begin with Performance Kia online trade-value tool and then have the actual vehicle appraised. Condition, mileage, equipment, history and current market conditions can affect value.

Does Performance Kia accept non-Kia vehicles as trades?

Yes. Performance Kia can evaluate vehicles from other manufacturers for trade.

Can I trade a car that is not paid off?

Yes. Having an existing auto loan does not automatically prevent you from trading the vehicle. Your payoff amount and current vehicle value are important parts of determining your equity position.

Can I trade a vehicle with negative equity?

Potentially. Negative equity means you owe more than the vehicle appraised value. Available options depend on the transaction and financing approval.

Should I fix everything before trading my vehicle?

Not necessarily. Consider getting an appraisal before spending substantial money on repairs solely to prepare the vehicle for trade.

Can I trade my vehicle with less-than-perfect credit?

Your vehicle can still be appraised. Financing approval and terms depend on the lender and your individual situation.

Where is Performance Kia?

Performance Kia is located at 4225 Birney Ave in Moosic, Pennsylvania, serving drivers throughout the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area and surrounding NEPA communities.