 TITLE: How to Buy a Car During the COVID-19 Pandemic CONTENT: Trade-Ins Can Be Complicated\n----------------------------\nIf you're planning to trade in your current car to reduce the price of the new one, the appraisal process may vary by dealer. Some, for instance, may avoid the most frequently used areas of your car, and the interior may need to be cleaned before a technician takes it for a test-drive.\nCall your local dealer ahead of time to find out what their appraisal process looks like to make sure you feel safe.\nAlso, consider selling the vehicle to a private party instead of trading it in at the dealership. While trade-ins are much more convenient, you could get hundreds or even thousands of dollars less than if you were to sell the car on your own. The process can take more time, but if you're hurting for cash or simply want to maximize your savings on the new car, a private-party sale could be a better option if you can complete the process with current restrictions in mind. END