Is it time to sell your car? Having no car payments is nice, however, if the odometer says you're approaching big repairs and hefty maintenance bills, then it’s time to do the math. It just doesn’t make sense when you're beginning to spend more on your old car than it would cost to purchase a replacement. Each car has it’s life, yet there’s really no specific mileage that determines it. Many of today’s vehicles routinely exceed 100,000 miles without experiencing major mechanical problems. But sooner or later... it’s time.
So how do you prepare your car for a buyer? The first thing you’ll want to focus on is passing a buyer's inspection. If you and your car are properly prepared, it will be easier to show, advertise, and even command a better price for your automobile. First, consider the cleanliness of your car. What condition would it need to be in for YOU to be impressed? Most buyers are turned off by messy, dirty cars. When given the choice, they almost always choose the clean, tidy one. Thoroughly cleaning your vehicle is absolutely crucial; you can do this yourself for just a couple hours and a few bucks. Make your car look its absolute best; the buyer is more likely to see it as their best choice!
Next, show the buyer how well you’ve taken care of your car. Pull out your maintenance records and organize them neatly in a folder so that prospective buyers can review them. This is documented proof that you’ve kept your car in excellent condition. Keeping your car clean and waxed is also good for your car and impressive to potential buyers. Consider that buyers may have browsed sites like Cargurus.com to get a idea of what your car is worth in its current condition; you want it to look its best. Those who start thinking about the resale of their car when they purchase it, will have a much better shot at getting their price. If you’re one of the majority of car owners who don’t meticulously maintain your car then it's time to get to work on “reconditioning”. Start fixing, cleaning, and replacing whatever is needed to bring your car’s condition up to snuff. The bottom line is that when presenting your car to a potential buyer, it should be perfectly in order. A clean, well maintained car with the original keys, manufacturer's owner’s manual, and all maintenance and service documentation will impress most any buyer. The checklist below will help you prep your ride for a potential buyer’s once over. Our inventory may also give you an idea of what buyers expect when shopping for a used car. Give your car a fighting chance even if you haven’t planned ahead! Get to work & good selling!
THE USED CAR SELLER’S CHECKLIST
Have the oil and other mechanical fluids serviced. Smart buyers check
Clean the battery. If the battery is more than a few years old, replace it.
If the car was not regularly serviced, have the belts replaced and the hoses inspected.
Service the tires and replace if worn
Replace the windshield wiper blades if they are more than 6 months old.
Replace burned out lights (interior and exterior)
Replace cracked and damaged headlight and tail lights lenses
Get all of the trash out, including the greasy French Fries between the seats
Remove everything from the glove box except the owner’s manual, insurance papers and the registration (buy a replacement owner’s manual if it’s missing)
Remove ALL devices that did not come with the car from the factory (radar detectors, GPS, MP3 players, cell phones). Less clutter and less likely to disappear.
Fix all switches, knobs, handles, etc. that do not work properly (shows improper maintenance)
If the parking brake does not set firmly, have it adjusted
Make sure the A/C blows cold, If not, have it serviced. Also, if the A/C smells bad, have it treated
Lubricated door hinges and trunk hinges
Clean and treat door, hood and trunk seals and trea with a vinyl & rubber protectant
Clean the engine compartment and treat all plastic and rubber surfaces
Clean out the trunk. There should be nothing in the trunk that did not originally come with the car. Make sure the spare tire and jack are clean and stowed where they belong. A rusty jack should be cleaned and repainted or replaced. Remove an moisture from the trunk
Vacuum the interior until every last crumb is gone
Shampoo cloth seats, carpets and floor mats
Clean and condition all vinyl surfaces and leather seats
Make sure the dashboard , console, arm rests, cup holder, ash trays and steering wheel are spotless
Clean the interior glass until there are no streaks or smudges
Scrub the exterior, paying extra attention to the bumpers, area around the gas cap, door jambs and other soiled areas.
Make the tires and wheels look like new
If your alloy wheels are damaged, have them repaired
Remove all bumper stickers and personalized license plate frames
Repair all minor nicks, chips, scratches and dings
Make your paint perfectly smooth and clean by using a detailing clay bar
Polish the paint until i is free of swirl marks, water spots and fine scratches
After polishing, wax the paint to protect the shine and dress all of the trim
Sources:
http://guidetodetailing.com car ownership tips, preparing your used car for selling
http://www.forbes.com most important things to do to prepare your car for sale