Value Your Trade — Courtesy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT — Breaux Bridge, LA

Trading in your vehicle should feel like progress, not punishment. At Courtesy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT in Breaux Bridge, we streamline the trade-in process so you can turn your current car, truck, or SUV into a meaningful down payment — with transparency, respect, and local expertise. Whether you’re upgrading to a new Ram, buying a used Jeep, or downsizing to a fuel-efficient Fiat, our team will evaluate your vehicle fairly and present options that make sense for your budget and timeline.

How our trade process works

Start online with our quick appraisal form — a few details about make, model, mileage, condition, and photos are usually enough. From there, our appraisers verify the information and provide a preliminary offer. If you like the number, bring the vehicle to our lot for a fast, no-pressure inspection. After a short in-person check we’ll issue a written trade-in offer you can apply toward any vehicle on our lot or take as cash. The whole point is speed, clarity, and an offer you can actually use.

Why get an appraisal from Courtesy?

Local dealers know local market demand. We price trade-in offers using current inventory needs, regional market data, and a careful condition assessment. That means sometimes your trade is worth more here than with a national aggregator. Plus, trading with Courtesy moves you through the buying process faster: one stop for appraisal, test drive, financing, and paperwork.

Tips to maximize your trade value

Small prep goes a long way. Clean the interior, remove personal items, and fix obvious light issues like burned bulbs or low windshield wiper blades. Collect service records — a documented maintenance history reassures buyers and can boost value. If your car needs major mechanical work, get an estimate first; sometimes minor repairs net more value than the cost. Honest condition reporting helps avoid surprises at inspection and keeps the final offer fair and fast.

How trade-ins affect financing

Your trade-in reduces the amount you need to finance and can improve monthly payments. If your trade has equity (it’s worth more than what you owe), that equity becomes a down payment. If it has negative equity (you owe more than it’s worth), our finance team will show options: roll the balance into new financing, pay the difference up front, or explore alternative vehicles that minimize negative-equity impact. We’ll model payments so you see real numbers before signing.

Paperwork & what to bring

Bring your driver’s license, vehicle title (if you own it outright), current registration, keys (including spares), and any loan payoff information if the car isn’t paid off. If you leased, bring lease paperwork. Having recent service records or receipts helps too. Our team handles DMV and lien paperwork for a smooth transfer when you accept an offer.

Why reserve an appraisal?

Inventory and offers move fast. If you find a vehicle you like, reserving an appraisal or calling ahead ensures we hold the car and have an appraiser available so you don’t miss the deal. Prefer a digital-first experience? Use our online valuation form and start a conversation before you arrive.

Trade-in value is a real lever in getting a better deal — whether you want lower monthly payments, a larger down payment, or to simplify the buying process. Get your personalized appraisal online or visit Courtesy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT in Breaux Bridge to speak with a trade specialist who’ll walk you through options without pressure.

Quick links

Frequently asked questions

1. How do I start an online trade appraisal?

Complete the online form with your vehicle’s year, make, model, mileage, VIN (if available), and photos. Our team reviews the details and returns a preliminary offer or requests clarification.

2. Is the online offer guaranteed?

The online offer is preliminary. A short in-person inspection confirms condition and finalizes the written trade offer. Significant undisclosed damage may affect the final number.

3. Can I trade a financed or leased vehicle?

Yes. If financed, bring loan payoff information so we can calculate remaining balance. If leased, we work with your leasing company to determine early payoff and transfer options.

4. Will trading my car save me money on a new purchase?

Typically yes — trade equity reduces the amount you finance and can lower monthly payments or improve loan terms. We’ll model options so you can compare scenarios.

5. Do I have to accept the trade offer?

No. Offers are voluntary. If you don’t like the number, you can decline and explore other buying options or sell privately.

6. How long does the appraisal take?

On-site inspections usually take 15–30 minutes. Online preliminary offers often come back within one business day.

7. Does Courtesy buy cars for cash?

Yes — if you prefer a cash offer to applying the value toward a purchase, we can provide a purchase offer after inspection and title verification.

8. What decreases trade value most?

Frame damage, salvage titles, major mechanical failures, and undisclosed flood or accident history significantly lower value. Honest reporting upfront helps avoid surprises.

9. Should I fix minor issues before trading?

Minor maintenance (fresh oil, working lights, clean interior) can improve impressions. Major repairs should be weighed against potential value increases — our appraisers can advise.

10. How do I get my trade offer applied to a purchase?

Accept the written offer and our finance desk will apply the trade value as down payment during the purchase paperwork. We handle DMV and lien transfers as needed.