Know your number before you go
Walk in already knowing a defensible market range for your current car based on its year, mileage, trim, and condition. That figure is your floor. Without it, you're accepting whatever the dealer offers, with no way to tell a fair number from a lowball.
Gather a couple of independent estimates so your range is grounded in more than a single source. The goal is confidence, not a precise dollar — you want to recognize a bad offer instantly.
Presentation moves the needle
Appraisers form a first impression fast. A clean car with service records, a full set of keys, and no obvious neglect signals a vehicle that was cared for, and that perception nudges the offer upward. Knock out cheap, visible fixes before the appraisal — they routinely pay for themselves.
You don't need to invest in major repairs that won't return their cost. Focus on the small, high-visibility details that shape the appraiser's snap judgment.
Compare the trade against selling it yourself
Trading in is convenient and, in many places, can reduce the tax you owe on the new purchase. Selling privately usually nets more cash but takes time and effort. Weigh the convenience and any tax benefit against the higher private-sale price and decide which is actually worth more to you.
There's no universally right answer here — only the right answer for your time and tolerance. Just make the choice deliberately instead of defaulting to whatever is easiest in the moment.