What's Your Car Worth?
Get a fair, no-obligation appraisal on your trade-in. We buy all makes and models — even if you don't buy from us. Use your equity toward your next Honda or walk away with a check.
Trading in is the easiest way to transition to your next vehicle. No listing hassles, no strangers coming to your home, no lowball offers from random buyers. We handle everything — and you can apply your equity directly to your new Honda purchase.
How Trade-In Appraisal Works
Get a fair value for your vehicle in three simple steps.
Get an Instant Online Estimate
Use our online tool to get a preliminary value based on your vehicle's year, make, model, mileage, and condition. This gives you a ballpark before you visit — takes about 2 minutes.
Bring Your Vehicle for Inspection
Our appraisal team will inspect your vehicle in person — checking condition, features, service history, and current market demand. This takes about 15-20 minutes.
Get Your Offer & Decide
We'll present a firm offer based on real market data. Apply it toward a new or used Honda, or if you just want to sell — we'll cut you a check. No obligation either way.
What We Buy
We accept trade-ins on virtually all vehicles.
All Makes & Models
Honda, Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, BMW, Tesla — we buy everything. Doesn't have to be a Honda to trade here.
Any Year
New, gently used, or older vehicles with higher mileage. We'll make an offer on virtually any running vehicle.
Leased Vehicles
End of your lease? We can buy out your lease and apply equity to your next vehicle — even if it's not a Honda lease.
Vehicles with Loans
Still making payments? No problem. We handle payoff directly with your lender. Any equity beyond payoff is yours.
Trucks, SUVs & Vans
Pickups, crossovers, minivans — if you drive it, we'll appraise it. High-demand vehicles may qualify for premium offers.
Electric & Hybrid
EVs and hybrids are in demand. Tesla, Prius, electric Honda models — bring them in for a competitive offer.
What Affects Your Trade-In Value
Understanding how we determine your vehicle's worth.
- Low mileage relative to age
- Clean condition inside and out
- No accidents or clean CarFax history
- Popular colors (white, black, silver, gray)
- Desirable features (leather, sunroof, AWD)
- Service records showing maintenance history
- High demand model (CR-V, Civic, trucks, SUVs)
- Single owner with consistent care
- High mileage for the year
- Visible damage (dents, scratches, rust)
- Accident history especially frame damage
- Mechanical issues or warning lights
- Interior wear (stains, tears, odors)
- Modified or aftermarket parts
- Missing features (keys, manuals, equipment)
- Title issues (salvage, rebuilt, lemon)
Tips to Maximize Your Trade-In Value
Small efforts can mean hundreds more in your pocket.
Before Your Appraisal
- Clean thoroughly: Wash exterior, vacuum interior, wipe down surfaces
- Remove personal items: Empty trunk, glove box, all compartments
- Gather documents: Title, registration, service records, spare key
- Fix small issues: Replace burnt-out bulbs, top off fluids
- Address odors: Air out the car, use odor eliminator if needed
What NOT to Do
- Don't overspend on repairs: Major repairs rarely return full value
- Don't hide damage: We'll find it — honesty builds trust
- Don't skip maintenance: But don't rush expensive service right before trade
- Don't remove stock parts: Aftermarket mods rarely add value
- Don't forget the second key: Missing keys cost you money
Trade-In vs. Private Sale
Understanding your options.
Trading In at Steve Padgett's
- Fast & convenient: One stop for selling and buying
- Tax advantage: In SC, trade-in value reduces taxable purchase price
- No strangers: No test drives with unknown buyers
- We handle payoff: We pay your lender directly
- Immediate equity: Apply value to your new Honda today
- Safe transaction: No risk of scams or bounced checks
Private Sale
- Potentially higher price: But not guaranteed
- Time-consuming: Listings, photos, fielding calls, no-shows
- Strangers at your home: Security and liability concerns
- Handle your own payoff: Coordinate with lender yourself
- Paperwork complexity: Title transfer, bill of sale, liability release
- Scam risk: Fake checks, wire fraud, test drive theft
💡 South Carolina Tax Advantage
When you trade in your vehicle, you only pay sales tax on the difference between the new car price and your trade-in value. Example: If your new Honda is $35,000 and your trade is worth $15,000, you pay tax on $20,000 — not the full price. This can save you hundreds in taxes.
What to Bring for Your Appraisal
Come prepared for a quick, accurate evaluation.
- Your vehicle (obviously!)
- Valid driver's license
- Vehicle title (if you own it outright)
- Current registration
- Payoff information (if you have a loan)
- All key fobs and keys
- Service records and receipts
- Owner's manual
- Original window sticker (if available)
- Any warranties still in effect
Trade-In Questions
What Columbia area drivers ask us most.
Do I have to buy a car to trade mine in?
No. We'll buy your vehicle outright even if you don't purchase from us. If your car is paid off, we'll cut you a check. If you have a loan, we pay it off and give you any equity beyond the balance.
What if I owe more than my car is worth?
This is called "negative equity" or being "upside down." We can often roll the difference into your new loan, or you can pay the difference at time of trade. Our finance team can explain your options.
How long is my trade-in value good for?
Online estimates are general and subject to in-person verification. Once we appraise your vehicle in person, our offer is typically valid for 7 days — though market values can change.
Will you buy my leased car?
Yes. We can buy out your lease, even if it's not a Honda lease. If your buyout is less than market value, you pocket the equity. We handle the paperwork with your leasing company.
Does trading in save me money on taxes?
Yes! In South Carolina, you only pay sales tax on the difference between your new car price and trade-in value. This can mean significant savings compared to selling privately and buying separately.
How do you determine the value of my trade?
We use a combination of market data, auction values, local demand, vehicle condition, mileage, features, and history reports. Our goal is a fair offer that works for both of us.
Ready to See What Your Car Is Worth?
Get a free instant estimate online or schedule an in-person appraisal. No obligation.
Your Midlands Trade-In Headquarters
Steve Padgett's Honda of Lake Murray — fair trade-in values for Columbia, Lexington, Irmo & beyond.
750 Western Ln, Irmo, SC 29063 · (803) 392-0488 · View Hours