Trade-In Playbook for Vans: What Adds Value (and What Doesn’t)

Thinking about moving up to a newer van? Your trade is a big part of the deal. The right prep can put real money back in your pocket; the wrong “upgrades” can do the opposite. This guide covers what our appraisers actually look for on conversion, passenger, and mobility vans—and what helps your number on the spot.

What appraisers look for on vans (that’s different from cars)

We still care about the basics (year, miles, accident history) but vans bring a few extra checks:

• Seating and layout. Condition of captain’s chairs or benches, working recline and swivel bases, intact armrests, no broken tracks.

• Roof height and structure. High-top integrity, seam condition, any signs of leaks or waves in the fiberglass.

• Rear HVAC that actually cools. Not just “blows air.” We test for temperature drop in the rear cabin because families and shuttle buyers ask for it.

• Electronics and power. Inverters, USB/110V outlets, lighting, TV/DVD. Factory or pro install is a plus. DIY wiring hurts value.

• Mobility equipment (if equipped). Ramp/lift brand and age, cycle count if available, smooth operation, remotes, belts, and tie-downs.

• Rust and underbody. Rockers, pinch welds, subframe, and lift points. Vans live a tougher life; clean underbodies appraise higher.

What adds value (real buyer demand)

1) Clean, functional seating

Stains and tears on leather or cloth are the first things people notice. Working swivel/recline, intact armrests, and smooth tracks help. If you can only fix one thing before appraising, make it the front two seats.

2) Rear heat and A/C that perform

A rear blower that “moves air” won’t cut it. If your rear air won’t cool, a quick service (charge, cabin filter, ble

nd door) is usually worth doing. Strong rear HVAC sells passenger and travel vans.

3) Service history that shows care

Oil changes are good. Transmission, coolant, and brake services are better. If you’ve had timing components, plugs/coils, or a transmission service done, bring the receipts. We don’t need a novel—just proof you stayed ahead of problems.

4) Tires that match the job

Fresh, name-brand rubber with even wear supports value. On heavier vans, LT/E-rated tires matter. Odd sizes, stretched sidewalls, or mismatched pairs make buyers nervous and push numbers down.

5) Electronics that work

Factory head units with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto help. Aftermarket is fine if it’s cleanly installed and everything functions (steering-wheel controls, backup cam, audio to rear screens). Missing remotes for rear entertainment? Replace them—it’s inexpensive and removes a buyer’s objection.

6) Mobility equipment in good shape

Well-known brands (BraunAbility, VMI, Ricon, Q’Straint, Sure-Lok) age better in the market. Smooth ramp action, quiet motors, solid belts, and no corrosion on hardware all support a stronger figure.

7) Dry roof and clean headliner

We check seams, lights, and trim in the high-top. No sagging or water marks. If your third brake light gasket is weeping, fixing that now is worth it.

8) Simple cosmetics

A wash, vacuum, glass cleaned, and odors addressed. Replace wipers and burned bulbs. Touch-up paint for tiny nicks is fine; avoid heavy, obvious brushwork.

9) Two keys and manuals

Small things, real money. Second keys and the original info packet make ownership easier for the next buyer.

What usually doesn’t add value (save your money)

1) Wraps and heavy decals

Great for branding, not great for trades. Full wraps are costly to remove and can hide paint differences. If you can peel it cleanly, do it. If not, we’ll price the removal.

2) DIY electrical and “mystery” switches

Dangling power leads, add-a-fuse spaghetti, and unlabeled toggles are value killers. If you installed something yourself, label it. Better yet, return it to stock if you can.

3) Extreme wheels or stanced setups

Oversized wheels, rubber-band tires, or aggressive offsets on a van narrow your buyer pool. Stock or near-stock sizing is safest for value.

4) Cheap seat covers and floor glue-downs

Seat covers hide wear—and we assume the worst. Vinyl floors glued over carpet without clean edges or thresholds will get discounted.

5) Smoked lights and loud exhaust

Looks cool to some, but most van buyers want comfort and clarity. If you still have the factory parts, consider swapping them back.

6) Half-finished camper builds

Loose cabinets, raw plywood, and portable power stations stacked in the back don’t add value. Either finish cleanly with proper fasteners and trim—or return it to a tidy passenger layout.

Quick prep that pays

• Detail lite. Wash, vacuum, wipe plastics, clean glass. Remove personal items so the interior looks big again.

• Fix the cheap stuff. Wipers, bulbs, missing caps, seat latch that sticks.

• Rear HVAC check. If it’s weak, get a quick diagnosis. A small repair here can move your number more than you think.

• Entertainment sanity check. TV turns on, audio routes to the right speakers, remote works. If batteries or a $15 remote solves it, do it.

• Keys and remotes together. Put everything in a bag with the manuals so the appraiser sees it all at once.

Mobility-van specifics

• Demonstrate the ramp/lift. Cycle it for us when you arrive. Quiet operation and smooth travel matter more than cosmetics.

• Tie-downs present and complete. Missing a belt set? Replacing it is often cheap and helps.

• Ramp angle and ground clearance. If your driveway slope scraped the ramp, tell us. Clean metal contact is normal; bent or gouged plates aren’t.

• Wheelchair position. If you have a favorite setup, leave the belts staged where they go. It shows use and care.

Timing and miles

Vans sell in cycles. Family and team travel push spring and summer. Shuttles and church vans move year-round, with a bump before holidays. If your odometer is about to roll a big number (99,9xx to 100k, 149k to 150k), appraise before it flips. That one digit can matter.

Paperwork that speeds things up

• Title or payoff info
• Registration and photo ID
• Service records you have on hand
• All keys, remotes, headphones, and accessories

Still have a loan? We’ll handle the payoff with your lender.

Trade vs. sell it yourself

A private sale can squeeze out a bit more in some cases, but it comes with time, tire-kickers, and risk. With a trade, you also get a sales-tax advantage in many states because you’re taxed on the price after the trade value is applied. That savings usually closes the gap.

How we price your van at Sherry Vans

We don’t guess. We use live market data, recent auction and retail results, reconditioning costs, and demand for your exact layout. High-top touring vans with strong rear A/C? Those move fast. Clean mobility conversions from major brands? Same story. Clear story, clear number.

Bottom line

If you remember just three things: make it clean and functional, fix the easy stuff, and bring your records. Those steps raise value more than flashy accessories.

Ready for a number? Bring your van by Sherry Vans for a quick appraisal, or start online and we’ll give you a ballpark before you visit. If you want a second set of eyes before you trade, we’re happy to walk the van with you and point out the simple wins.