Trading in my TRD Pro but need to resolve some issues

Hi all,

I have a few light scuffs on my front and rear bumper that require some touch-up. I also have some issues with my leather in the backseat. I had child seats installed in the back and under them, I put down some of the "child seat guards" but when I removed them recently, it appeared to have affected the leather a little bit.

I'd like to fix these things before taking it in. I also have a dent in my tailgate but I'm going to leave that one up to the dealership/next owner.

This has been an incredible truck and if I didn't have a need to tow more, I'd be sticking with this truck for a long time.

Anyone have advice/links for cleaning up these minor scuffs and doing the leather repair?

 

Start with thoroughly cleaning and conditioning that leather. Some heat will help too. The scratches seem to be through the paint which would require touch up. Then the question becomes, just to polish the area for maximum shine and leave the scratch? Or try to touch up and draw attention to the area with a messy touch up job. Could get a quote from a body shop to see what they would charge for it, but I bet in the end it won’t matter to the dealer taking it on trade.

 

Looks like some of the scuffs could easily be buffed out. The other ones down in the paint would need touched up. Not sure about the leather but there might be some products out there that can fix that finish.

Also wash that thing and then we can see some better pictures lol

Assuming you're trading it in for a 3/4 or 1 ton, what are you planning on going with if you've decided.

 

I had some bumper scuffs and scratches on a Charger I owned and did a DIY job on. It's not really that hard and depending on the area only takes a few hours. All it took was a hand sander with varying degrees of sandpaper grit, primer, color matched paint, a basic buffer, buffer compound, and material to mask the area or areas off. Turned out pretty damn good.

 

Hey, thanks. I'll be washing it before taking it for the trade-in.

I found this for the leather. It allows you to pick the manufacturer, interior dye color and gloss. Think of a low gloss -satin.

https://leatherworldtech.com/produc...bx3xLGD6roWDiObI7lnmmTMccz1c6QyhoCgzgQAvD_BwE

There's also this leather product but it doesn't say specifically for autos:
https://clydesleathercompany.com/pr...5eprb6K2l7EumNsh8MZBoCiyQQAvD_BwE#looxReviews

Also going to grab this for the scratches to see if I can make it look like new again:

https://www.autozone.com/paint-and-...t-super-white-ii-pen-paint-code-40/460687_0_0


I was open to either a 3/4 or 1-ton but I've zeroed in on a well-cared for F350 Ford. It has the right mileage and condition to make the swap. If Toyota ever produced a 3/4T capable of pulling 10-12k lbs comfortably, I'd be back in the Toyota camp.

 

I wouldn't spend any money to fix anything. Just wash and vacuum it. They are going to low-ball you, whether you fix it or not.

 

My experience has pretty much been this,
They will either get the detailers in if they think they can turn it, or just send it off to the wholesaler or auction

 

Those are very minor considering it's a used truck. The dealer will give you a fixed price. You can negotiate it with them. Don't waste your valuable time or money.

 

It will make 0 difference on the value when trading it in. Wash and vacuum it. But your throwing money away repairing anything cosmetic, if your trading in at dealer.

Also they will lowball you. Go to a few places and make sure your only getting screwed not majorly screwed. They will turn around and sell it for 5k to 10k more than they pay you for it. They also won't fix anything unless a buyer gets them too.

 

Dealer will give you a price based on your VIN. Do not fix any scratches as the dealer has lot lizards for that in the used car dept and a detail shop will take care of the rest before they put it up for sale.

 

Seat will pop out, give it a few days.

 

I think he's referring to the scuff marks in the leather. Not necessarily the indentions in the foam.

 

I don't see anything. Looks more like some spilled juice or other kid's byproducts.

 

This is what I'm seeing. The white spots from where something is abrasive against the leather and wearing it down

 

Or white came off car seat?

 

+1, traded in a 2009 Tacoma with a door ding from a ladder that fell. Sales director asked what happened. I told him. I don't think it affected trade in at all. 4 year old truck with 90k on it and I got 82% of price I paid new + sales tax credit.

 

Leave it alone. Next owner will have a few reasons to get a discount!

 

Magic marker. I know, sounds dumb..but it works.
Apply, wait a moment, and then wipe with a clean rag.

Mike

 

Dealer that I traded my 2014 DC for my 2019 CM quoted me $2500 to repair my dented bed panel (it was not a buff job), and $2500 to replace all of the door locks. (Or $2000 - can’t specifically remember). I asked if that would get me $5k more on my trade in. He said “Nope. Bout a $1000”

“ok fine, y'all fix it”

Basically, OP, if you’re having to ask about fixing, it’s enough of a chore where you’re going to lose money and your own time where you could be enjoying something else, and not get the return on that investment. Like others have said: give it a good vacuum and wash (not detail clay bar etc) some spray wax and take it in.

 

I'm going to agree with the others.
Any time and money spent will not be recuperated in your trade.

It's a used vehicle, it's gonna have wear..

 

You could maybe detail the inside. But you’ll never recoup any repairs on a trade. They’ll take care of it

 

Have you thought about selling the truck yourself? You will get more money for it and be in a better negotiating position on the new truck.