Everyone wants to get the best amount they can when selling their used car. According to the New York Times, there are many factors that go into determining what your car is worth to a buyer. Knowing what adds or detracts from the value of your car will help you obtain a fair price when selling it.
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Maintenance
Have you made sure to keep your maintenance current? A prospective buyer will ask to see your maintenance records. Be sure all your oil changes and tune-ups are up to date. If you vehicle has not had a front-end alignment recently, check to see if your car needs one and have your tires rotated at the same time. A well-maintained car has a higher resale value than a car that has been haphazardly cared for.
Mechanical Problems
If you are experiencing any mechanical issues, get them repaired or be willing to deduct the estimated cost of the repairs off the selling price. Be sure to keep the receipts of any repairs to show the prospective buyer. Buyers can be scared away from a sale when it’s obvious a repair is needed.
Safety Inspection
Get a current state safety inspection sticker that assures buyers the tires, lights, and brakes are in good operating condition. Have a tune-up, oil change, have all the necessary fluids topped, and have the air checked in the tires. It’s a small investment for the reward.
Car History
Another worthwhile investment is a CarFax report. Buyers like the assurance of knowing the details about the car they are purchasing. If you find any errors in the report call the company right away to have them corrected. Remember, many people go to CarFax or similar reporting companies before they make an appointment to see a car.
Detailing
Nothing discourages a buyer more than a dirty or smelly car. Have your car detailed, including the engine bay, carpet steam cleaning, tire shine, stain removal, air-freshening, and bumper sticker removal. If you smoked, the smell will be gone. If you had pets in your car, their stains and odor will be removed. Special seat conditioning products make your interior look almost new. Buyers are drawn to a clean looking and smelling car.
Photographs
Take photographs of your car at every angle. Take close-ups of the interior, dash, any amenities, tires, door and window detail. Use the photographs to market your vehicle online through social media.
Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds
According to Easterns Automotive Group, in order to get a fair price for your car, you need to know what it is worth. You can get a good value approximate by checking with the two well-known agencies. Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds have been quoted millions of times over the years and are highly respected by professionals as well as the average car buyer. Base your price for your car on the Blue Book or Edmunds stated value.
Selling a car can be an exasperating experience, but if you follow all these suggestions you should get the best price for your vehicle.
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