Should you trade in your car when you move to a new state?

So you’re moving to a new state. Not only are you tasked with finding a new place to live, possibly a new job, and the enormous job of moving your belongings across state lines, but you also have to figure out what to do with your car. If you’re moving to a nearby state, it’s probably a no-brainer that you’ll take it with you. But what if your move is taking you across the country? Should you trade in your car before moving to a new state that far away?

It’s not necessarily a black-and-white answer, but our Orlando Toyota experts are here to give you some insight. Consider these factors before deciding if you should trade in your car before moving.

Is trading in your car going to be your best course of action when moving?

#1: Your car may not be suited to your new state. If you live here in sunny Orlando, you probably chose a car that’s well-suited to the state. You don’t necessarily need a vehicle that can take on harsh winter weather or that has features like all-wheel drive and snow mode. However, your Florida car may not be the best choice if you’re moving to an area that sees heavy snow and extreme cold. (And vice versa – moving from the snowy North down to Orlando, you might not need the vehicle you have up there.) Consider if your car is a good fit before you decide whether to trade it in.

#2: Because of your vehicle’s make and model, it could be worth more here. Along with the above factor, your car might also be worth more in the state you live in and you could make a mint on it. If you have a vehicle that’s ready for extreme winter weather, you’ll get more money for it in a state that sees that type of weather because the vehicle is in demand. You won’t get as much for it in states that don’t see harsh winters. If you’re going to trade in soon anyway, do it before you move so you get a higher trade-in value and more bang for your buck.

#3: Getting it there could be extremely costly. How is your car going to make it to your new home? Will you drive it or ship it? It could be extremely expensive either way. Fuel costs are high right now so whether you choose to drive it or ship it, it could cost you thousands of dollars. Not to mention, if you try to save money by driving it you’re putting a ton of miles on your car. Weigh the costs – is it better to trade your car in before you move and hop into a new one in your new state?

#4: You’ll have to register it in your new state. You’re going to have to get a new registration, inspections, etc. when you bring your car into a new state. If you’re on the fence, keep in mind that if you buy a car in a new state, they’ll take care of all the annoying paperwork for you (and save you a trip to the DMV).

#5: Your car may not be legally acceptable in your new state. Some states are stricter than others when it comes to emissions. For example, a car that meets emissions standards in Florida may not meet them in Massachusetts because the standards are stricter there. If your car won’t meet the standards and it’s going to cost a good amount of money to get it where it needs to be, then you may want to trade your car in before you move.

Let Toyota of Orlando help you get the trade-in process started

Have questions or think you’re ready to trade in your car? Call Toyota of Orlando today! We’re just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall and you can reach us at (407) 298-4500.