A trade-in proposal can show the final balance payable, but should also explain how that balance was calculated. The new vehicle price, purchase value of the used vehicle, payments already made and separate expenses each need supporting information. If one changes, both parties can discuss the particular reason without explaining the entire transaction again.
This article concerns a Colombian dealership taking a customer's used vehicle locally and selling the intended new vehicle. It does not address cross-border import eligibility for the used vehicle. Consulting Starvia Automotive on new vehicle procurement does not make it a party to the dealership's used vehicle purchase or retail trade-in contract.
Record the New Vehicle Terms Independently
Record the specific new vehicle specification, delivery location, confirmed discounts and eligibility conditions. If a discount requires participation in a trade-in promotion, explain it separately so the customer does not mistake it for an unconditional reduction. Cash purchases, financed purchases and trade-ins should also be presented separately where their conditions differ.
After selecting a procurement candidate from the Starvia new vehicle catalog, use a specific supply quotation to determine cost and availability. Catalog displays and retail promotions convey different information. An export inquiry price cannot be presented directly as the Colombian retail transaction price while omitting necessary subsequent expenses.
Once the new vehicle terms are established, retain a record separate from the trade-in valuation. If the customer later sells the used vehicle independently, the dealership can explain which new car terms remain applicable and which need reconfirmation because the transaction arrangement changed.
Explain What the Used Vehicle Appraisal Actually Examined
The appraiser should record vehicle identity, customer-provided usage and repair history, the actual inspection scope and outstanding verification. A photo-based estimate and an in-person inspection can provide opinions at different stages, but the customer needs to know which remains preliminary. A tidy exterior or the customer's account cannot justify inventing findings about vehicle condition.
Separate condition findings from transaction document checks in appraisal records. A professional inspection establishes vehicle condition within its inspection scope. Questions about ownership, authority to sell or other encumbrances still require relevant documentation and verification by local professionals. Leave unresolved matters pending; adjusting the price does not replace verification.
If dismantling, a road test or an additional fee is needed, explain the scope and obtain necessary consent first. Do not expand work on a customer's used car when they have come only for an inquiry. Retain the appraisal result and limitations so both sides can understand any subsequent adjustment.
Keep Each Adjustment in Its Original Line of the Balance Statement
A clear quotation structure does not require invented sample prices. Enter amounts beside verified actual items, identifying their basis and confirmation status.
| Item | Basis for the Amount | What Must Be Explained Again if It Changes |
|---|---|---|
| New vehicle transaction price | Specific vehicle quotation and applicable discounts | Changes to specification, discount conditions or delivery scope |
| Used vehicle purchase value | Appraisal result and purchase agreement | New findings and their actual impact |
| Payments already made | Customer payment records | Which transaction the payment covers and how it will be credited |
| Additional services | Customer choice and actual service quotation | Whether optional, who provides it and whether completed |
| Final outstanding balance | Confirmed items above | Every adjustment must trace back to its corresponding item |
The Colombian SIC's guidance on price information can help dealerships review customer-facing price descriptions. Actual taxes, financing and contractual handling require confirmation under applicable local requirements; this operational table does not replace that work.
Define Handover Conditions When the Used Car Remains in Use
If inspection and physical handover happen at different times, agree the permitted continued use, vehicle custody and notification of significant changes. Do not merely state that the valuation remains valid indefinitely or treat all normal waiting as customer breach without an agreement.
Illustrative example; the contract and actual vehicle govern. After the initial appraisal, the customer still needs the used vehicle for commuting, and the dealership has not confirmed new vehicle delivery. Explain the inspected condition to which the purchase assessment applies and agree what must be rechecked at collection. Record newly discovered damage rather than attributing every adjustment vaguely to market changes.
If new vehicle delivery is delayed, discuss whether the customer should retain the used vehicle or another arrangement is appropriate. Obtain confirmation of costs, risks and cancellation arrangements. If the dealership takes the used vehicle early, retain a receiving checklist. Its prior handover must not obscure that the new vehicle is still unready for delivery.
FAQ
Should an itemized breakdown still be provided if the customer only asks how much extra to pay?
It is advisable. A breakdown shows which transactions produce the balance and helps check later changes in trade-in value or new vehicle specification.
Can only the final result be shown if the trade-in value is raised and the new car discount reduced?
Explain the actual conditions of each item honestly to avoid misleading the customer about the used vehicle's value or discount level. Promotional wording must meet local requirements.
Can a later problem with the used vehicle be deducted directly from the deposit?
Do not assume authority to deduct. First document the issue, check the purchase agreement and applicable rules, and refer handling to authorized personnel.
Can a customer who abandons the trade-in still buy the new vehicle at the original price?
That depends on which original quotation conditions were tied to the promotion. Listing them separately in advance enables both parties to discuss a revised purchase choice.
To check new vehicle purchasing terms, provide the target specification and delivery requirements through the Starvia contact page or WhatsApp. The dealership can use the supply information to calculate the new vehicle component, while arranging the used vehicle appraisal and local transaction separately.
References: Colombian SIC guidance on price information; Starvia Chinese-language new vehicle catalog. The trade-in table is a suggested business record, not a purchase valuation or refund promise. Information checked on: 2026-09-04.