Owning a car can open doors to a set of benefits that most car owners struggle to let go of after experiencing. You can travel freely in comfort, get to work on time and even receive quick cash when in desperate need by applying for an auto title loan!
However, there may come a time when you need to sell your old car for a newer one or use the money to invest in something else of higher priority. Regardless of the scenario, selling your car can be a difficult process if you are entering the car sale battlefield blindfolded. Most potential buyers will be on the lookout for something cheap and will be ready to negotiate and lower the price for any minor car defects. To avoid lowering your price, here are a few pointers to consider!
Basic Maintenance
Of course, the ideal case is that your car has been cared for throughout the full time of its active life and there are no damages or parts in need of repair. However, if you have failed to consider the outcomes of poor maintenance or if your vehicle’s age makes it predisposed to breakdown, make sure to take care of repairs, where possible. It often turns out that a car repair will cost you less than what the potential buyer will want to subtract from your original car price.
Ensure the engine sounds healthy and take your car for a service check if this is not the case. Where there are no large repairs in need, check the car oil before any viewings to make sure its levels are as required. Check the car tires and make any replacements if necessary.
Make Your Car Look Appealing
Once you are confident about the condition of your car and its ability to function properly, move on to the exterior look by taking care of any vivid cosmetic defects. Start by giving your car a thorough carwash to be able to spot any damages. Check your vehicle for any rust and if found make sure to remove it where. Investing in car repainting could also be worth it if the vehicle is in very poor external condition as the outside look is the first thing that will catch the eye of buyers. After all, it’s crucial to attract the buyers’ attention at least to the point of viewing the car and starting the engine.
Making your car look appealing can also help you trade your vehicle in a dealership that accepts used cars in Bowling Green KY, or any other area where you’re located. Your vehicle will likely have a higher appraisal value, especially if you repair the transmission and engine issues. That way, you can get the most out of a value trade transaction and buy your new dream car.
Take Care of the Interior
Imagine you are looking to buy a second-hand car. What will you look for once you are in the vehicle? Check the condition of your interior upholstery. It’s advisable to give your car a wash on the inside as well to remove any unpleasant stains or smell. Use designated cleaning materials to polish the interior to create a more new and welcoming atmosphere.
You can buy a car foam interior cleaner or use available cleaning household products to clean the inside of your vehicle. For instance, rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide can clean hard surfaces, mold, grass stains, and vinyl or leather seats.
Furthermore, you’ll also need a vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt and dust in your car’s interior seats and carpets. You can also use baby wipes when cleaning the dashboard and other hard surfaces.
Know the Car’s History
Knowing everything about the car that you are trying to sell will inevitably provide you an advantage over potential negotiation arguments that buyers may have. It’s worth learning the history of the vehicle to provide information on previous repairs, regular maintenance checks, any potential accidents the car has had and its mileage information. Not having this information in hand might lead to uncomfortable situations where you are unable to answer the buyers’ questions and therefore result in their opinion that you are trying to hide dark areas of the car’s past.
Advertise Well
Last but not least, enlist your car for sale in dedicated online platforms or alternative places where your ad will have the highest chances of being viewed. When creating the listing, make sure that the uploaded pictures are bright and of high quality, representing your car in the best possible way. Don’t forget to include as much information as you can in the description of your car to provide a clear idea of the product and avoid misunderstandings.
Furthermore, be responsive and patient in answering the questions of potential buyers. That way, you have a higher chance of selling your vehicle faster. But make sure to provide all relevant details, such as the make and model, transmission type, gasoline, and apparent flaws in your listing, to avoid getting too many queries and save time and effort answering the same questions from different buyers.
Selling your car does involve a bit of prior research and could leave you with valuable information gained while going through the process. We have shared a few tips on selling your car for a high price by taking care of basic areas to improve your car’s condition. However, don’t forget to check the actual price of your vehicle model when used and stay realistic with the expected financial gains.
