Trade in a vehicle?

The best thing would be to fix what you can, so yes take it to go smog and oil change. Not just that but do some extra stuff on it like clean the engine and interior because that's what the dealers look for too. You might want to take your car down to someone who is a auto machanic and can look at it for free (say your cousin). So just incase the dealer try to pull a scheme on you about your car you know that they are trying to low ball you. It's acutally pretty cheap just to make your car look like you've been taking care of it for years, but just make sure it's running smoothly and passes smog.

All the other answers here aren't quite right.

First, your question about what to fix before you trade in your car:

Fix anything that makes your car LOOK bad - any big scratches in the paint, body damage, big dents, tears in seats etc. Normal wear and tear, like the occasional interior stain, small dents and scratches, don't need fixed. People expect this on a used car so they don't effect value too much.

Don't do any maintenance - it's not worth it. Whatever you do will be money down the drain. Why? The dealer will need to change the oil themselves during their inspection, and they'll need to re-test the smog equipment as well. All these costs are built into their trade-in bid, so doing them or not doing them will not hurt or help you.

The best advice - get your car cleaned or clean it yourself before you bring it in to get the best value.

Next, take that tired old advice about "don't tell them you have a trade-in" and throw it out the window. If you follow that, you're just going to frustrate yourself. If you negotiate properly, you can tell the dealer whatever they want to know up front. It won't hurt your position. Check out the link below for some GOOD negotiation advice.

i agree with what the first guy said.

Another tip.

When you go in to lease that car, mention nothing about trading in a car. First get a good price on the new car.

Then mention that your trading in a car. and then try your best to get a good price on that.

They usually dont give you the lowest prices if they know your trading in a car. So mention it at the last minute after the price is set for the new car.

Good luck.

Just trade it in, don't mention that it needs little things. They will probably auction it off any way.