There are many reasons why people sell their cars, including financial hardships, moving to another state, or just simply wanting to buy a newer one. And when you’ve decided to sell a car on your own, there are several ways to do so. While getting it prepared, the key is to make your vehicle stand out to potential buyers as much as possible, while showing them its exceptional value in comparison to others. Naturally, many shoppers are skeptical of personal sales, so first you’ll need to put their minds at ease. To get your vehicle ready, there are several reliable steps you can take to make the entire process more productive and profitable. What follows are some of the better ones.
Most smart used car shoppers will get a vehicle inspected first if they’re interested, so make sure yours is up to the challenge by having a trusted mechanic give it a “once-over” beforehand. Ask them to check all these components:
If repairs or part replacements are needed, it’s better to get those done before advertising your vehicle. If you don’t, be honest and up front with prospective buyers about any leaking fluids, costly potential repairs, or funny noises.
Be prepared to present all facts about your vehicle’s history to potential buyers. The more you know, the more an interested party will trust you. Have available the following information about your car, including written documentation whenever possible:
In addition to the above, you’ll also need to have at your fingertips these documents:
Clean your vehicle completely, inside and out. Wash and then wax the exterior after removing all bug splotches, road grime and dirt. Additionally, take these extra detailing steps to ensure your vehicle’s appearance will stand out from the rest:
A clean car will give a buyer the impression that it’s been cared for. If you don’t have time to DIY, take it to a local body shop and pay for a professional detailing. A freshly detailed vehicle could net you a few hundred extra bucks when the transaction is through. If you have some serious dents or dings, consider taking it to a collision repair shop to get those fixed too.
Before advertising your car or truck, you’ll need some pictures. The more you have, the more informed a shopper will be when comparing yours to similar ones. Take a few dozen high-quality snapshots from various angles, while capturing the following:
When it’s time to sell your vehicle, take it to a nearby auto body shop first. They have the reliable services you need to help get it ready, from professional interior and exterior detailing, to expert dent, ding and scratch body repairs. In the end, paying a pro to help get your used vehicle ready for sale should result in a high return-on-investment when the transaction is through- which means more money in your pocket! To search your zip code now for a better customer-reviewed collision repair shop in your area, visit: www.carwise.com!
