If you want to change cars, you don't have to sell your current one yourself first, with all the photos, phone calls and strangers that come with it. At General Car's we take your car in part-exchange: we value it, knock that value off the car you take from our stock, and leave you with a single, simple transaction, in one place and in your own language. In this guide we explain how we value your car, how to use it as a deposit, what paperwork to bring, and how to get a quick valuation today in Castellón.
How we value your car
A valuation is not a number pulled out of thin air. When we value your car we look, above all, at four things, and we explain them openly so you understand the price:
- Overall condition. We check the bodywork and paint, the interior, the mechanics, the tyres and any history of knocks or repairs. A well-kept car is always worth more.
- Real mileage. We check the mileage and that it is consistent with the car's condition and the DGT report. Mileage drives a big part of the value.
- Service history. A car with its services up to date and a stamped service book values better, because it gives confidence about how it has been treated.
- How much the model is in demand. Some models sell themselves and others are harder to move. We look at how much demand your model has on the market right now so we can give you a realistic price.
From those four points we give you a clear valuation with no obligation. If it works for you, we carry on; if not, no problem at all. Our aim is for you to walk away feeling you made a good swap, not that you sold too cheap.
Use it as a deposit on another car from our stock
The most interesting part of a trade-in is what it saves you. The valuation of your car is knocked straight off the price of the car you choose from our catalogue. In other words, your current car becomes the deposit on the next one.
That has a very concrete advantage if you plan to pay in instalments: by putting your car down as the deposit, you reduce the amount you need to finance. And financing less means a lower monthly payment or a shorter term. Remember that the financing we offer is provided by the bank: we submit your application to the lender and, if it is approved, you pay the rest in instalments, with its interest rate (TIN) and annual rate (TAE). The bigger the deposit, the less interest you pay overall. If you pay cash, your car's value simply lowers what you hand over.
You can see the available cars in our cars section and, if you want to understand how to choose the instalments, our guide to used-car financing will help. And if you are still deciding where to buy, take a look at our guide on buying a used car in Castellón.
What paperwork to bring for the valuation and the trade-in
For the valuation itself you barely need anything: the car and your DNI or NIE are enough for us to give you a price. To close the trade-in and keep everything in order, it helps to bring:
- Registration document (permiso de circulación) in your name, ready for the change of ownership.
- Vehicle technical card (tarjeta ITV) with a valid ITV.
- Both keys to the car and, if you have it, the service book with the services recorded.
- Proof that the road tax (IVTM) is up to date.
- Your valid DNI or NIE.
We check the vehicle's DGT report (charges, embargoes, number of owners and recorded mileage) and take care of the change-of-ownership paperwork, so you don't have to go to any office. If you have questions about a document, you can ask Carmen, our virtual assistant, at any hour.
Quick valuation today: bring it in or send photos on WhatsApp
You don't have to wait days to find out what your car is worth. You have three ways to get the valuation, and all three are fast:
- Bring it to the showroom. At Calle Italia 198, Castelló de la Plana, we see it in person and give you the price within minutes, the same day.
- Send photos on WhatsApp. Send us a few photos of the car inside and out, the mileage and the number plate to +34 630 12 53 70 (https://wa.me/34630125370) and we'll give you a guide valuation before you leave home.
- Ask Carmen. Our virtual assistant answers by text and voice 24/7, in Spanish, Romanian and English. She explains how the trade-in works and connects you with us when you want to close the valuation.
We assist you in Spanish, Romanian and English, so you can do the whole trade-in in your own language, with no misunderstandings over the valuation or the paperwork. Whenever you like, write to us from the contact page or drop by the showroom. We'll tell you today what your car is worth and what you take in exchange.
Frequently asked questions
How do you value my car?
We value your car by looking at four things: its overall condition (bodywork, interior, mechanics, tyres), the real mileage, the service history, and how much that model is in demand on the market right now. From that we give you a clear valuation with no obligation.
Can I use it as a deposit?
Yes. We take your car in part-exchange: we knock its valuation off the price of the car you take from our stock. That reduces the amount you finance with the bank or pay in cash, and it saves you the hassle of selling your car yourself.
What paperwork do I need?
For the valuation you just need the car and your DNI or NIE. To close the trade-in we need the registration document, the vehicle technical card (tarjeta ITV) with a valid ITV, both keys and, if you have it, the service book. We check the DGT report and handle the paperwork for you.
How long does the valuation take?
The valuation is quick and can be same day. If you bring the car to our showroom at Calle Italia 198 we give you the price in person within minutes. You can also send photos and the details on WhatsApp, or ask Carmen, and we'll give you a guide valuation before you come in.