If you were to sell your car today as it is, parked in your driveway, would it be in tip top shape? Chances are, there are a few signs of wear and tear that should probably be taken care of before you’re ready to sell.
Fortunately, there are super simple ways to get your car into gear in no time.
Take a few of these steps to make sure that your vehicle is in the absolute best shape before selling it.
Looks Matter
When you’re
selling your car, looks can be a big factor in the final price tag. Getting over to the car wash matters, especially if your vehicle frequently driven in rain, parked underneath trees, or doesn’t otherwise have covered parking in that Phoenix, AZ sun. Preserve the pain job and other exterior details by using products that are exclusively for auto exteriors and start including car waxing into your routine. Make the outside shine!
Don’t forget about the interior, either. Vacuum every nook and cranny, shampoo any damaged carpet, remove all personal items so that the car is ready for the next buyer, and make it smell clean!
Record Keeping
From legal documents to routine maintenance, all documentation you have for vehicle care go a long way to showing a potential buyer how the car has been cared for over time. If you haven’t been keeping maintenance records, that’s no big deal! Just be prepared to submit a final inspection to ensure that everything is in proper working order.
If you own the car, be sure to hold onto that car title. If you aren’t yet finished paying off your auto loan, get the payoff amount from your loan provider.
Dings, Dents, & Scratches
Almost every car out there has some type of scratch or dent that can bring down the value. If you take a quick, cursory look and see any signs of damage, get as many repaired as possible. For major dents from accidents, weigh the risk and reward of getting this repaired at a professional body shop. The cost may outweigh the selling potential.
For small dings, anything from boiling water to special tools can get that out – without the expensive auto repair bill! For minor scratches and scuffs, wax and other household items can smooth out the scratches or reduce the appearance.
Don’t Forget the Tires
Check the tread on those tires, and if they’re worn or uneven, be sure to get them replaced. This doesn’t have to cost a fortune – some tires run for less than $50 per tire. This part is critical because selling the vehicle with worn tires could knock down up to $1,000 off the resale value.
Mileage is Important
Even with a car that’s in the best shape possible, mileage is a major factor in resale value. If you’re in the consideration stage of selling your car, try to keep it off the road as much as possible. Once a car has reached 40,000 miles to 70,000 miles, prices start to drop a bit, even with the car still being in its prime. Cars today tend to run longer and better over time, but the value still drops at these key markers.
The best thing you can do is to reduce drive time, and consider when you want to sell your car.
If you are trying to sell your car and are tired of the hassle or run around fees, call Valley Car Group at 866-BUYMYCAR! We will meet you at a Chase Bank in your area and give you a Chase Bank cashier's check on the spot for your vehicle. To learn more, visit our
website!
