We all go through this process. Your current vehicle is nearing its end or life priorities have changed and you need a different vehicle. You can trade in your vehicle when you purchase a new one but you won’t get top dollar because dealerships need to make money. However you do save on taxes by trading in your vehicle. But if you want top dollar for your used vehicle, selling it privately is the way to go. Here are some tips that you can do to get the most money back into your pocket.
- Clean it
Nobody wants to see or sit in a vehicle that is dirty. Give it a wash and vacuum or if you want it to look like it just came out of the showroom, spend a bit of money on a detailer. Having a dirty vehicle when trying to sell it makes the purchaser think that you didn’t care for your vehicle.
- Remove your stuff
This might seem like an obvious thing to do but it happens more often than you think. To some people, cars are like little mobile storage facilities with dozens of little nooks and crannies to keep stuff in. So make sure you go through the trunk, center console, under the seats, door pockets, and any other storage compartment your vehicle may have.
- Fix the dents
This one is something that most people will not choose to do but if your vehicle is worth a substantial amount of money compared to similar models, it’s worthwhile to hire a professional dent remover for a few hundred dollars.
- Windshield cracks
Like dents in the bodywork, windshield cracks or chips can devalue your vehicle. Usually insurance covers the full cost of a replacement windshield and you just have to pay a deductible.
- Check under the hood
Take a look under the hood to make sure that all the fluids are topped up, air filter is clean, and nothing stands out of the ordinary. A car that is low on brake fluid or power steering fluid, may send a message to the buyer that the vehicle was not taken care of while it was under your ownership. While you’re there, consider changing the oil. Fresh oil at the correct level looks much better to a potential buyer than black oil.
- Paper trail
Find as much documentation on the vehicle as you can. Receipts from part purchases or from when the vehicle was serviced are a big plus to potential buyers.
- Take good pictures
You will have more success drawing potential buyers to your ad with a good set of photos of your vehicle. Take pictures during the day and all around the vehicle. Highlight key features of your vehicle such as a navigation touchscreen or heated seats or sunroof.
- Think like a potential buyer
What would you like to see when you’re looking to buy a used vehicle? Usually most people look at cleanliness, damage, and maintenance. Address those issues on your vehicle and you’ll be in a better position to negotiate a higher selling price.
Selling a vehicle can be just as stressful of a time as purchasing one. But follow these tips and the process will be that much easier for you to do and also get more money for your vehicle.