Date Published: May 14, 2026 | Last Modified: 1 hour ago | 3 minute read by Matt Brill at Redwater Dodge

If you are a vehicle owner in Canada, you have likely asked yourself: “When is the absolute best time to trade in my vehicle to get the most value?”

Whether you are driving a Rig Ready Ram or a family-friendly Jeep, timing your trade-in is a balancing act between seasonal market trends and the numbers on your odometer.

At Redwater Dodge, we hear this question every week. Our expert, Matt, has been navigating the Canadian automotive landscape for years, and he has identified a specific strategy to help you avoid the common "depreciation traps" that many consumers fall into.

The Kilometre Milestones: Why 100,000 km Matters

In the world of automotive appraisals, not all kilometres are created equal. There are psychological and mechanical thresholds that significantly impact what a dealer can offer for your trade-in.

The 90,000 km Sweet Spot

Matt’s primary piece of advice is simple: do not wait until you hit the six-figure mark.

"If you’re going to trade in, don’t wait until 105,000 or 110,000 kilometres," Matt notes. 

Once a vehicle passes the 100,000-kilometre threshold, it often moves into a different category for financing and certified pre-owned programs. To maximize your return, aim to trade in between 90,000 and 95,000 kilometres. This allows the next owner to enjoy a portion of the original powertrain warranty, which keeps your vehicle’s resale value high.

The 200,000 km Ceiling

If you prefer to hold onto your vehicle longer, the next major "cliff" is the 200,000-kilometre mark. Many consumers make the mistake of trying to trade in at 202,000 or 205,000 kilometres. At this stage, your vehicle is often destined for wholesale or secondary markets.

To keep your equity intact, Matt suggests trading in around the 180,000 to 190,000-kilometre range. Staying just under that 200,000 km psychological barrier can result in a significantly better offer.

Seasonal Trends: Does the Time of Year Matter?

Many Canadians believe they must wait for a specific season, like spring, to get a good deal. However, the reality of the Canadian market is more nuanced. 

While there is a slight slowdown immediately following the Christmas holiday season, the "best season" is whenever you find the right promotion. "It doesn’t really matter season-wise," Matt explains. "There are always good promos in the spring, fall, summer, and winter." 

In Canada, CDJR dealers often run aggressive incentives year-round. Whether it is "Ram Truck Month" or year-end "Clearout" events, there is never truly a bad time to trade in, provided you are monitoring your mileage. The key is to align your trade-in with these manufacturer promotions rather than waiting for the snow to melt.

Matt Brill-- Sales Manager at Redwater Dodge