What Do You Need To Sell a Car To a Dealership?

June 10, 2021 · 5 min read

Blue Chevy Silverado truck in a showroom

If you live in the Grand Forks area, whether it's North Dakota or Minnesota, and you need to sell your car, you should consider having Rydell Chevrolet GMC buy it from you. Because of our high sales volume, we constantly need used cars to meet the demand. Even if you don't plan on buying a vehicle from us, we'll still make you a fair offer on yours.

Why Sell Your Car to a Dealer?

Image via Flickr by Military Truck Guy via CC BY-ND 2.0

The ideal transaction for both you and the dealership would be to turn your current car into a trade-in on a new purchase. Perhaps you own a GMC Sierra but went with a new Toyota, and the Toyota dealer low-balled you on your trade-in because they can sell used Toyota cars, trucks, and SUVs much easier than a GMC. Bringing your GMC to Rydell Chevrolet GMC makes sense. We have the customer base looking for your type of vehicle and likely can offer you a better price than another brand dealer.

Maybe you have two vehicles and you no longer use one enough to warrant keeping it. That's great, because we can buy your vehicle quickly and easily with our online car estimator. You need to answer a few questions about the car and submit the form. You'll get an instant offer and an invitation to bring that offer in. After inspecting the vehicle and confirming its condition and mileage, we'll confirm the offer or adjust it accordingly. Once we agree, the paperwork takes minutes, and we'll even give you a lift home if you need it.

Steps to Take Before Selling

Everybody's situations differ, but the steps you need to take don't vary too much. Take the time to do these simple things to prepare your car for selling to a dealership, and things will go smoothly.

Check the Value of Your Car

Knowing your car's value will help you get the best price for it. Several online sites offer this service for free. You'll get a price range based on condition, mileage, and age. You will also get a resale, wholesale, and trade-in value. Going to a dealer to sell your car doesn't automatically mean you'll get an offer at the trade-in price, but don't expect much higher than that. Dealerships have to make money on the transaction and will sell it at the resale price.

You will always make more money selling your car in a private transaction because you are selling at the resale price. The downside comes with the hassle of listing your car, showing it, letting people take it for a test drive, and then negotiating a price. This process can take weeks or even months to complete. At Rydell Chevrolet GMC, we can buy your car, truck, or SUV the same day you bring it to us.

Prepare Your Maintenance Records

Hopefully, you've kept up with the manufacturer's recommended routine and regularly scheduled maintenance on your car. If so, go through your records and organize them so that a dealer representative can quickly see that you properly maintained the vehicle. You'll always get a better offer if you've kept your car serviced, even in a private sale.

Prepare Your Financial Paperwork

If you own your car, truck, or SUV outright, you need to have the title in your possession to process the sale. If you have a loan, it gets a little more complicated. You should contact your lender and get a payoff figure for your loan. You can request one with a 10- or 20-day payoff amount that the dealer will need to process the payment. Keep in mind that your loan may be higher than what you might receive when selling to a dealer. If that's the case, you'll end up having to pay your lender the difference. Conversely, if you owe less than what the dealer offers you, the dealer will cut you a check that instant.

Clean Your Car

This may seem silly to say, but cleaning your car helps improve the price. A dirty vehicle tells potential buyers that you don't take care of it. If you don't wash it or vacuum the interior regularly, what else have you ignored? Put your best foot forward and clean your car before letting a dealer look at it. You should take this opportunity to remove your belongings from your vehicle too. Too often, people save this step until the very end and rush through cleaning out their personal effects. You don't want to forget anything. Remove all your personal items, including that dashboard bobblehead and the CD that's inside your player.

Be Prepared to Say No

You want to get the best deal possible, but some dealers simply don't operate fairly. You need to be prepared to walk away from a low offer. At Rydell Chevrolet GMC, we try to be as transparent as possible in all of our dealings, including buying your car. If you took advantage of our online trade evaluator and did your necessary research on what your vehicle is worth, there should be no surprises, only a fair deal for both parties.

When we make you an offer, we can support that price with third-party valuations. We can show you what your car currently sells for in auctions, private sales, and trade-ins to make you more comfortable knowing you're getting a fair price for your vehicle. We won't pressure you into selling at a price if you aren't satisfied with it.

At Rydell Chevrolet GMC, we buy used cars, trucks, and SUVs of all makes and models. You don't need to trade in your vehicle to sell to us, either. We have such a high sales volume that we need your car more than other dealers in the Grand Forks region. We've streamlined the process with our no-strings-attached online vehicle estimating program. You have zero obligation to sell to us, and we encourage you to do your research and contact us with any questions. Selling your car with a dealer like us will save you the hassle of selling privately, and you'll be sure to get a fair price.

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Nov 13, 2023

What are the Pros and Cons of Buying or Leasing a Vehicle?

Deciding whether to buy or lease a vehicle is one that many individuals encounter at some point in their lives. Both options have their advantages and drawbacks. It's essential to carefully consider your priorities before making a choice. There are many pros and cons of buying and leasing a vehicle, and various factors that can influence your decision. Ultimately, the choice you make should align with your financial situation, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Defining these goals can ensure that you get the most out of your investment in a mode of transportation. more Buying a Vehicle Advantages of Buying a Vehicle Ownership and Equity: When you buy a vehicle, you become the owner. This means the vehicle is an asset that you fully own once the auto loan is fully paid off. Your vehicle builds equity with each monthly payment, which means you are investing in an asset that can hold value over time. You can tap into this equity if you decide to sell or trade in the vehicle. No Mileage Restrictions: You can have unlimited driving with no mileage restrictions when you own the vehicle. You have the freedom to drive as much as you want without worrying about exceeding any limits or incurring extra charges. Personalization: As the owner, you have the liberty to make any customizations or modifications to your vehicle to suit your preferences and needs. As a result, you can paint it, upgrade the sound system, or add aftermarket accessories. Disadvantages of Buying a Vehicle Higher Initial Costs: Buying a vehicle typically requires a significant downpayment, which can be a large upfront expense. The initial cost can strain your finances, making it challenging for some buyers. You can apply for financing through our website. Value Depreciation: Vehicles lose value over time due to factors like wear and tear, mileage, and market fluctuations. When you buy a vehicle, you bear the full brunt of this depreciation, which can result in a substantial loss in resale value. Maintenance Costs: As the vehicle owner, you are responsible for all maintenance and repair costs. Over time, these expenses can add up, especially if the vehicle experiences significant issues or requires major repairs. Leasing a Vehicle Advantages of Leasing a Vehicle Lower Monthly Payments: Lease payments are typically lower than loan payments for the same vehicle. This can make it more affordable for individuals with tighter budgets to drive a newer car. You can use our payment calculator to estimate your monthly payment. New Vehicles Regularly: Leasing Allows you to drive a brand-new car every few years. This means you are consistently driving a vehicle that's under warranty, which can minimize repair costs. Limited Repair Costs: Most lease agreements include warranty coverage for the duration of the lease. This means that you can be protected from unexpected repair costs as long as you stay within the terms of the warranty. Disadvantages of Leasing a Vehicle No Ownership: When you lease a vehicle, you are essentially renting it for a specific period. While leasing, you do not build equity, and at the end of the lease term, you do not own the vehicle. Mileage Restrictions: Lease contracts come with mileage restrictions that typically range from 10,000 to 15,000 miles per year. If you exceed these limits, it can result in costly excess mileage fees. Limited Customization: Leased vehicles often have restrictions on modifications and customizations. You may not be able to make significant changes to the car's appearance or performance. Making Your Decision Consider Your Lifestyle Consideration: When deciding between buying and leasing, consider your daily driving habits and plans for the next three years. Buying: Ideal for those who prefer long-term ownership and driving without restrictions. Leasing: Suiting for those who want a new car every few years, with lower monthly payments, and minimal repair hassles. Financial Evaluation Budget: Determine what you can comfortably afford in terms of down payment and monthly expenses. buying often requires a higher initial budget while leasing offers lower initial costs. Long-term Goals: Consider your long-term financial goals. Buying may provide a more significant investment over time, while leasing offers short-term affordability. Whether to buy or lease a car involves careful consideration of these pros and cons, as well as your individual preferences and financial situation. Take the time to evaluate your priorities, conduct research, and consult with a financial advisor if needed. Your choice should align with your needs, ensuring that your next car is a perfect fit for your life on the road. Contact us at Rydell Chevrolet GMC in Grand Forks, North Dakota with any questions you may have.

Dec 23, 2021

Top 6 Holiday Vacation Rentals in Thompson

Traveling for the holidays can feel completely overwhelming, especially when you're trying to find the perfect accommodations. Staying in a hotel can sometimes be frustrating, especially if you're a light sleeper who wakes easily when people open and close nearby doors. Sometimes your best bet might be to find a condo, duplex, or home that you can rent. Luckily, if you find yourself in the Thompson, North Dakota, area, you can stay at one of these six perfect holiday vacation rentals. more Comfortable Condo Image via Flickr by SFU - Communications & Marketing CC by 2.0 Found in Grand Forks, this one-bedroom condo is close to the University of North Dakota and the Alerus Center. The condo includes a queen bed and sleeper sofa as well as access to a hot tub, indoor pool, and 24-hour fitness center. Use the free Wi-Fi and curl up to watch your favorite shows on the flatscreen television. Heading into the kitchen you'll find a dishwasher, stove, microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker. Complimentary parking is available along with self-serve guest laundry facilities. Guest Suite Basement Apartment This comfortable guest suite basement apartment in Grand Forks sits directly below the owner's main house. When you arrive, you'll walk through the shared laundry area that includes a bathroom and shower stall. From there, you'll find the private entrance to your guest suite. Straight ahead is the living room, which includes workout equipment you're welcome to use. The apartment also includes a kitchenette for all your cooking needs. The bedroom with a walk-in closet is to the right of the kitchenette which includes a queen bed and an air mattress. After a long day celebrating the holidays, unwind and watch some television with access to Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, HULU, Netflix, and Roku. The apartment also includes fast Wi-Fi with 52 Mbps. Families will enjoy the board games available, and those traveling with infants or toddlers can use the high chair and travel crib. If you're bringing a vehicle, you can park in the driveway or utilize the free street parking. Longer-term stays are available if you are planning to be in the area for a while. Historic Brick Duplex Found near Riverside Park, this historic brick duplex is fully furnished and well maintained. You'll have access to two bedrooms, both with queen beds, and one bathroom in this second-floor apartment. The balcony overlooks the backyard, and since the home is on a corner lot, you can gaze out at the nearby park. Its kitchen is completely stocked with dinnerware and cookware and includes a refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, stove, oven, and coffee maker. Curl up with a blanket in front of the indoor fireplace and the 48-inch television. You can also use the free washer and dryer in the building. Park your vehicle in the on-site garage or use the free street parking. For your convenience, the owners allow you to drop off or store luggage if you have an early arrival or late departure. Long-term stays are allowed. Charming Two-Bedroom Home Situated near the University of North Dakota's campus in Grand Forks, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom home is in a quiet neighborhood within walking distance of several restaurants, bars, and stores. Each bedroom has a queen bed, and the kitchen includes a refrigerator, oven, stove, microwave, coffee maker, as well as dinnerware and cookware. A full-size washer and dryer are available for you to use. Wi-Fi speed is up to 100 Mbps, so up to two people can connect as many as six devices. If you need a little time to decompress, catch up on some shows on the smart television. Parking is available on the street for free; otherwise, you can park your vehicle in the private garage for an additional fee. Also, depending on the weather, you can use one of the included bicycles and ride around the area. Long-term rentals are available. The Keeper's Inn This one-bedroom duplex in Grand Forks is the perfect spot to stay during the holidays while you visit with your family or just want to get away for a bit. The Keeper's Inn is conveniently situated near grocery stores, shopping, and restaurants, giving you ample opportunity for some downtime. The rental features one queen bed and a sleeper sofa as well as a kitchen stocked with a microwave, refrigerator, stove, oven, cooking utensils, and dishware. Stay connected thanks to free Wi-Fi, and relax while watching television connected to standard cable. It includes a separate entrance as well as a backyard. Free parking on the premises and the street are provided, and if you need to stay longer, you can reserve the residence for 28 days or more. Quaint Country Retreat Located just 5 miles from a plethora of shopping, restaurants, and other types of entertainment, this 1930s country home found in Grand Forks is an ideal spot to celebrate the holidays. You have access to privacy outdoors since it's surrounded by trees and farmland, with the nearest neighbor about 0.25 miles away. You can use the front deck, back patio with charcoal grill, and fire pit, depending on the weather. Stay warm in its on-site private sauna. You can even bring your furry family member as the rental allows pets to stay. Stepping inside, you'll notice plenty of antiques, all of which belonged to the owner's great-grandparents. Two of the three bedrooms contain a queen bed, while the third bedroom has a double bed. This family-friendly rental also includes a high chair, books and toys, a travel crib, baby safety gates, and outlet covers. The kitchen includes a refrigerator, microwave, stove, oven, dishwasher, and coffee maker as well as all cookware and dinnerware. You can also use the rental's laundry. This is another rental that allows for longer stays if needed. Finding the perfect accommodations in Thompson for the holidays doesn't have to be time-consuming or frustrating. Any one of these six-holiday vacation rentals, which Rydell Chevrolet GMC highlighted, can give you the perfect place to rest your head and recharge for festive celebrations. If you're familiar with the area and believe we've missed a rental worth checking out, reach out to us so we can add it to our list.

Dec 16, 2021

All About the 2022 Chevy Silverado

The 2022 model year Chevrolet Silverado lineup is one of the most capable, versatile, and powerful truck lineups in the United States today. We'll go into detail below on three of the six Silverado sizes: 1500, 2500HD, and 3500HD. more The Silverado 1500 This pickup can tow up to 13,300 pounds and sports 89.1 cubic feet of cargo space. It is most popularly powered by a Duramax 3.0-liter turbo-diesel six-cylinder granting 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, but three other engines are available. This engine setup includes an improved exhaust system, a tuned-air induction system, and special sound-absorbent materials. The 1500's advanced trailering system monitors tire trailer pressure, lighting, and other factors so that you tow safely every time. Camera packages with up to 15 units are available, so you'll be able to see everything around your truck on the road ahead. The 1500's trim levels include the Work Truck, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country. The second engine option is a 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder with automatic stop and start and an active fuel efficiency management system. It gets 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque. The third engine option is a 5.3-liter V-8 EcoTec3 engine granting 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. It has the same special features like the 2.7-liter but is also available without automatic stop and start. The fourth available engine is a 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V-8, providing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It is also available with and without automatic stop and starts. The Silverado 2500HD The Silverado 2500HD can tow up to 18,510 pounds and comes with a more heavy-duty grille. Two 6.6-liter V-8 engines are available with this truck: one diesel and one regular gas. The diesel version provides 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque. The regular gas version grants 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine comes with a range of special attachments, including a special exhaust brake, an engine block heater, a winter grille cover, and capped fuel filler. The gas engine comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel comes with a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. The 2500 HD comes in five trim levels: the Work Truck, LT, Custom, LTZ, and High Country. Its standard exterior features include high-visibility vertical trailering mirrors, an integrated BedStep unit, 17-inch wheels, tinted solar-absorbing glass, and 12 cargo tie-downs that can handle 500 pounds each. It comes with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, which includes a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, voice command activation, and app mirroring through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Silverado 3500HD The 3500HD version can tow up to 36,000 pounds and comes with a metallic grated grille and a body-colored front bumper. The 3500HD comes with the same engine options and transmissions as the 2500HD. An Autotrac 2-speed transfer case with push-button controls is standard, as are brake pad wear indicators, chrome recovery hooks, digital variable steering assistance, and Durabed heavy duty bed lining. The trailer brake controller is integrated, the StabiliTrak system greatly increases stability and traction, and skid plates are available. If you want to off-road drive on top of your heavy-duty work, go with the suspension package for maximum ride quality. The Silverado 3500HD comes in four trim levels: the Work Truck, LT, LTZ, and High Country. It comes with 18-inch wheels, black beltline bolting, cargo area cab lamps, 12 cargo tie-downs, and a CornerStep rear bumper. Its interior features include vinyl upholstery, a pair of USB ports, a 12-volt DC power outlet, and an exterior temperature display. It comes with the same infotainment system as the 2500HD, but it can be upgraded to carry the 360L premium version of SiriusXM satellite radio, which can be played through its crystal-clear seven-speaker Bose sound system. Exterior Paint and Interior Upholstery Options The 2022 Silverado 1500 and the HD Series 3500 and 2500 trucks have different options where exterior paint and upholstery are concerned. The 1500 is available in Cherry Red Tintcoat, Oxford Brown Metallic, Shadow Grey Metallic, Black, Summit White, Silver Ice Metallic, Northsky Blue Metallic, Satin Steel Metallic, Red Hot, and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint colors. Upholstery options for the 1500 include Jet Black Cloth, Jet Black Leather-Appointed front seats, Gideon Very Dark Atmosphere Cloth, and Gideon Very Dark Atmosphere Leather-Appointed front seats. The 2500HD and 3500HD share sets of available paint colors and upholstery options. Their available paint colors are Northsky Blue Metallic, Iridescent Pearl Tricoat, Red Hot, Silver Ice Metallic, Summit White, Black, Mosaic Black Metallic, Greenstone Metallic, and Cherry Red Tintcoat. Their upholstery options include Jet Black leather front seats and cloth back seats and Gideon Very Dark Atmosphere leather front seats and cloth back seats. Towing Package, Suspension Systems, and Training Systems If you're going to be towing, choose the Trailering Package. It comes with a 7-pin connector, a trailer hitch, and a hitch guidance system. 1500 comes with a new four-leaf spring rear suspension system. The 2500HD comes with multi-leaf spring suspension in the back and short and long arm suspension in front. The 3500HD has short and long arm suspension reinforced by torsion bars in front with a three-stage multi-leaf suspension in the back, granting it far more stabilizing power than the other Silverado versions. The Chevrolet Teen Driver Technology safe driver training system is programmed to help you teach positive driving habits to your young driver or trainee. This system allows you to set maximum speed limits, maximum radio volume, and maximum range limits. When the new driver is done with their trip, the system will generate a driving report card to send to your personal smart device. This report card will aid you in refining the new driver's skills. No matter which tier of 2022 Silverado you choose to tackle your work with, you're making a solid decision. They can handle incredible loads and carry you in comfort. Contact us at Rydell Chevrolet GMC in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to find out more about these amazing vehicles. Our kind and attentive staff will happily guide you through our impressive inventory to the truck of your dreams.