Whether you’re shopping to upgrade your car, looking to go green with a bike, or need some cash, selling your car, truck, or SUV can be a headache. Well, it doesn’t have to be. You can make it easy on yourself when you sell your car to a car dealership.

Of course, it’s still a process, but you can make it easier on yourself when you follow our five easy steps to sell your car to a Bend car dealership.

know the detailsKnow the details

Make sure you know all the ins and outs of your current car to get the best value. You likely already know the year, make, and model of your current vehicle, but it’s helpful to have a strong understanding of features and amenities that are included with the trim level of your car. For example, your car has a better value if the model includes a rearview camera and a navigation system than if you’re missing a rearview mirror and your glovebox is stuffed with road maps. Make a list of the features to make sure you have a solid understanding of your vehicle’s details. Be sure to locate the title for the vehicle as well if you have it.

Calculate the value of your vehicle

There’s a plethora of resources online that you can use to get an estimate of the selling value of your car. Use online used car price guides like NADA, Edmunds, and Kelley Blue Book to get an idea of the value of your vehicle. This will help you know what to expect when you get to the dealership. Take this number with you when you go to sell your car to keep yourself from getting hoodwinked by a dealership into taking a low-ball offer.

Find a dealership near you

Most used car dealerships in Bend, Oregon will buy used cars without expecting you to turn around and buy a car from their inventory in return. However, not all dealerships will buy your used car for the same value. You can visit dealership websites (don’t bother with a dealership if they don’t have a website) and use trade-in value tools to get an idea of the amount that specific dealership might buy your car for. Once you find a good Bend car dealership, pay them a visit and let them know you’d like to sell your car.

negotiate a priceNegotiate a price

After doing a car appraisal, the dealership will come back with a dollar amount for which they’ll buy your car. If it’s not what you’re looking for, let them know. You can negotiate a price that works for you. Of course, you might not get the exact number you want, but you can always work to meet somewhere in the middle.

Make a deal

Once you settle on a price to sell your car, seal the deal with the dealership. They will draw up the paperwork and buy your car for the price negotiated on. If you happen to be in the red and owe more on the car than what they’re going to buy it for, ask about the options the dealership has for you and go from there. You always have the option to walk away from the deal if it doesn’t work out for you.

Follow these five simple steps and you’ll be on your way to selling your car, truck, or SUV to a trusted used car dealer in Bend.