How to Trade in Your Car During Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day weekend is one of the biggest automotive sales events of the year, making it one of the best times to upgrade your vehicle. Dealers often offer special financing, increased inventory discounts, and additional trade-in incentives that can help drivers maximize savings.
If you have been wondering how to get the best trade in value, how to get more money for your trade in, or even how to trade in a financed car.
Whether you are upgrading into a fuel-efficient sedan like the Honda Accord Hybrid or a family SUV like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Memorial Day sales can create the perfect opportunity to trade in your current vehicle at Ontario Auto Center.
Why Memorial Day Is One of the Best Times to Trade in Your Car
Dealers Need Inventory During Holiday Sales
Memorial Day weekend usually brings increased customer traffic to dealerships. To prepare for higher demand, dealers actively look for quality trade-ins that can be added to used inventory.
For drivers looking to maximize car trade in value, timing matters, and Memorial Day is one of the strongest opportunities of the year.
Manufacturers Offer Competitive Incentives
Automakers often increase incentives during Memorial Day sales to help move inventory before summer.
Popular vehicles like:
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- Honda Accord Hybrid
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
- Nissan Rogue
- Volkswagen Tiguan
May qualify for:
- Lower APR financing
- Lease specials
- Bonus cash offers
- Trade-in assistance programs
Click here to check out special offers from around Ontario Auto Center’s 15 brands.
How to Get the Best Trade in Value
Research Your Vehicle Before Visiting the Dealership
The first step in learning how to get the best trade in value is understanding what your vehicle is worth before negotiating.
Factors that affect trade-in value include:
- Vehicle condition
- Mileage
- Service history
- Accident history
- Market demand
SUVs and fuel-efficient vehicles often hold stronger value in Southern California due to high demand.
Clean and Prepare Your Vehicle
Small improvements can make a noticeable difference in trade-in offers.
Before visiting the dealership:
- Wash and vacuum the vehicle
- Remove personal belongings
- Gather maintenance records
- Replace inexpensive worn items if necessary
A clean, well-maintained vehicle can help maximize your trade in value.
Bring Service and Ownership Documents
Dealers are more confident offering stronger trade-in values when maintenance records are available.
Helpful documents include:
- Registration
- Title or payoff information
- Service receipts
- Vehicle history reports if available
How to Trade in a Financed Car During Memorial Day Sales
Many drivers assume they cannot trade in a financed vehicle, but the process is actually very common.
Determine Your Loan Payoff Amount
Before visiting the dealership, contact your lender and request:
- Current payoff amount
- Remaining loan balance
- Any applicable fees
This helps determine whether you have positive equity or negative equity.
Understanding Positive Equity
Positive equity means your vehicle is worth more than what you still owe on the loan.
Example:
- Trade-in value: $24,000
- Remaining loan balance: $18,000
- Positive equity: $6,000
That difference can often be applied directly toward:
- Down payment
- Lease reduction
- Lower monthly payments
Understanding Negative Equity
Negative equity means you owe more than the vehicle is worth.
Example:
- Trade-in value: $18,000
- Remaining loan balance: $22,000
- Negative equity: $4,000
In many cases, dealerships can roll the remaining balance into a new loan, although keeping negative equity low is important for long-term financial health.
Best Vehicles to Upgrade Into During Memorial Day Sales
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid remains one of the best options for drivers looking to reduce fuel costs while upgrading into a practical SUV.
Key Perks
Excellent fuel economy for Southern California driving
The RAV4 Hybrid is designed for commuters and travelers who want SUV versatility without high fuel costs.
up to an EPA estimated 41 city MPG, 38 highway MPG, and 39 combined MPG depending on configuration.
Strong resale value
Toyota hybrids consistently maintain excellent long-term value, which also helps them perform well as future trade-ins.
Versatile cargo and passenger space
Ideal for families, road trips, and daily commuting.
Ontario Auto Center | Toyota Rav4
Honda Accord Hybrid
The Honda Accord Hybrid is one of the best choices for drivers prioritizing comfort, efficiency, and long-term value.
Key Perks
Exceptional fuel savings for commuters
The Accord Hybrid delivers impressive efficiency while maintaining midsize sedan comfort.
Up to an EPA estimated 51 city MPG, 44 highway MPG, and 48 combined MPG in EX-L Hybrid trims.
Spacious interior for families and commuters
The rear seat offers more space than many sedans in its class.
Smooth and refined driving experience
The Accord Hybrid feels more upscale than many competitors while remaining affordable.
Ontario Auto Center | Honda Accord Hybrid
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid offers a balance of fuel efficiency, space, and modern technology.
Key Perks
Hybrid efficiency in a larger SUV
The Santa Fe Hybrid gives drivers extra space without sacrificing fuel economy.
Comfort-focused interior design
Quiet cabin and supportive seating make long drives more comfortable.
Excellent warranty coverage
Hyundai continues offering one of the strongest warranties in the industry.
Ontario Auto Center | Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue is one of the most practical and budget-friendly SUVs for drivers trading into something newer.
Key Perks
Efficient performance without hybrid pricing
The Rogue delivers strong MPG while maintaining affordable ownership costs.
up to an EPA estimated 30 city MPG, 37 highway MPG, and 33 combined MPG depending on drivetrain.
Comfort-focused cabin
Excellent seat comfort makes it ideal for commuting and weekend travel.
Advanced safety technology
Includes driver assistance systems designed to improve confidence behind the wheel.
Ontario Auto Center | Nissan Rogue
Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan stands out for drivers wanting a more refined compact SUV experience.
Key Perks
Optional third-row flexibility
Rare in the compact SUV segment and helpful for growing families.
Premium interior feel
The Tiguan delivers a more upscale cabin design than many competitors.
Balanced ride and handling
Responsive steering and smooth driving dynamics make it enjoyable for daily driving.
Ontario Auto Center | Volkswagen Tiguan
Tips to Maximize Car Trade in Value
Trade In Before Mileage Gets Too High
Crossing major mileage milestones can reduce trade-in value significantly.
Important mileage points include:
- 36,000 miles
- 60,000 miles
- 100,000 miles
Trading in before these thresholds may help maximize your offer.
Avoid Waiting Too Long on Depreciating Vehicles
Vehicles depreciate faster when:
- New redesigns are released
- Fuel prices rise sharply
- Market demand changes
Trading during strong sales periods like Memorial Day can help offset depreciation.
Compare Multiple Upgrade Options
One of the advantages of Ontario Auto Center is the ability to compare multiple brands and vehicle types in one location.
Drivers can compare:
- Fuel-efficient hybrids
- Family SUVs
- Sedans with high MPG
- SUVs with towing capability
without visiting multiple dealerships.
Ontario Auto Center | Inventory
Final Thoughts
Learning how to get more money for your trade in starts with preparation, timing, and understanding the market. Memorial Day sales create one of the best opportunities of the year to maximize trade-in value while upgrading into a newer, more fuel-efficient vehicle.
Whether you are trading into a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid, Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, Nissan Rogue, or Volkswagen Tiguan, taking advantage of Memorial Day incentives can help reduce costs and improve financing options.
If you are ready to upgrade your vehicle this Memorial Day weekend, visit Ontario Auto Center to explore trade-in opportunities, compare inventory, and find the right vehicle for your lifestyle.