Trade-in
What your trade is worth, explained honestly
Online estimates are a starting point, not an offer. Here's how the real number gets made, so nothing at the desk catches you off guard.
What moves the number
Four things an appraisal looks at
Condition, inside and out
Tires, brakes, glass, paint, upholstery and warning lights. Small things you've stopped noticing are the first things an appraiser sees.
Mileage and service history
Records of regular maintenance help. Gaps or overdue major services pull the number down.
History and title
Accident reports, prior owners and title status all factor in. Being upfront about a repair never costs you as much as a surprise does.
What the market wants right now
Demand for your specific year, trim and color in this region shifts week to week. That's why an offer has an expiration.
All appraisals and written offers are made by Hallmark Hyundai Birmingham after an in-person inspection. Nothing on this page is an offer, an estimate or a guarantee of value.
Come prepared
What to bring
- Your driver's license and current insurance card
- The vehicle's registration and title, if you have it
- Every key and remote you own for the vehicle
- Your lender name and account number if there's still a loan
- Service records, if you've kept them
The common worry
What if I still owe more than it's worth?
It happens often, and it isn’t a dead end. The difference between your loan payoff and the appraised value is called negative equity. Depending on the lender and the vehicle, it can sometimes be rolled into a new loan — which raises what you finance and usually your payment. Sometimes the better answer is to wait a few months. Christian will tell you plainly which situation you’re in rather than pushing you into a deal that doesn’t help you.
Start the conversation
Tell Christian about your vehicle
This starts a conversation, not an appraisal. You'll get a realistic sense of the range before you spend an afternoon at the dealership.