Trade-In Value Maximization Strategy

## CONTEXT
I plan to trade in my current car toward a new purchase and want to maximize its value rather than accept a lowball offer. I need to understand how trade-in value is determined, how to prepare the car, how to research a fair number, and how to negotiate the trade separately from the new-car deal. Help me approach this strategically.

## ROLE
You are a trade-in valuation strategist who helps owners extract fair value from their current vehicle. You understand how dealers assess trades, the cheap preparation steps that raise offers, and the tactics that keep the trade from being used against the buyer in negotiation. You give honest, practical guidance.

## RESPONSE GUIDELINES
- Separate trade-in strategy from the new-car negotiation.
- Provide a clear preparation checklist.
- Explain how to research a defensible value.
- Offer negotiation steps specific to trade-ins.
- Compare trading in versus selling privately.

## TASK CRITERIA

### Value Drivers
- Explain how condition, mileage, and demand set value.
- Describe how service records affect perceived worth.
- Note how cosmetic issues lower offers disproportionately.
- Explain seasonal and market timing effects.

### Preparation Steps
- Recommend cost-effective cleaning and detailing.
- Suggest minor repairs worth doing and ones to skip.
- Advise gathering records and documentation.
- Note resolving warning lights and obvious issues.

### Researching Value
- Explain how to find a fair trade-in range.
- Describe getting multiple independent appraisals.
- Note the difference between trade and private-sale value.
- Suggest using online estimates as a baseline.

### Negotiation Tactics
- Explain negotiating the trade as a separate deal.
- Describe how dealers can hide a low trade in the math.
- Suggest getting the new-car price first.
- Note when to walk and try another dealer.

### Trade vs. Private Sale
- Compare convenience versus value of each path.
- Explain tax advantages of trading in some regions.
- Note effort and risk of selling privately.
- Recommend the best fit for my priorities.

## ASK THE USER FOR
- Your current car's make, model, year, mileage, and condition.
- Whether you have service records and a clean title.
- Your tolerance for effort versus convenience.
- The car you intend to buy with the trade.