Preparing your car for sale
When it comes to selling your car, a little effort in the beginning can help you ensure you get the best price.
If it’s time to sell your four-wheeled steed, here are some ways you can make your car stand out.
Clean up
Removing all personal items inside the car will keep the car looking neat and show off its features.
It’s also a good idea to avoid leaving anything inside the car that prevents buyers from checking the details. This includes baby seats which can make it difficult for potential buyers to sit in the back and test each seatbelt.
Get a professional detail
A potential buyer doesn’t want to see empty wrappers in the console or biscuits smashed into the back seats. Dust is also unsightly and gives off the impression that the car isn’t cleaned regularly. If you invest in a professional detailer, or spend the time doing it yourself, it’ll show you’ve treated your car like it’s your pride and joy.
And what about that smelly gym clothes odour? No thanks. Use an interior deodorant to freshen up the car.
Service books
Most buyers will inquire about a car’s history before they buy it. They’ll want to know if the car was regularly serviced and when the tyres were last changed. Potential purchasers will also want to know if the car has been involved in a crash or had any major work done.
Have your service books up to date and include any recent invoices for repairs, especially timing-belt history, which is crucial to the operation of your vehicle’s engine and can be costly if it breaks.
Keys
If you have two sets of keys for the car, let the buyer know. Keys can be an expensive outlay so it’s a bonus for the buyer, and could even seal the deal, especially if it’s a car with remote entry and central locking.
Clear the boot
Remove unnecessary items from the boot so the buyer can see its size. This is especially important to parents who lug prams around, people who enjoy road trips or have sporting equipment. A clean boot also allows buyers to see if the car comes with a spare wheel, jack and tools, and a repair kit.
Spruce it up
If your car has hubcaps and a couple are missing – perhaps from attempting the dreaded reverse-parallel park – pop down to an auto shop and get a set of replacements. If you can’t find matching hubcaps, a wreckers might be able to help. Likewise, if your seats are worn, covers will instantly give your interior a lift.