It doesn’t matter whether you want to trade up or whether you are looking for a cheaper vehicle, you will always want to maximize the value of the car that is sitting on your driveway. You may have a little hatchback, a sporty number or a classic SUV. Whatever it is, you can try and get the big bucks for it by employing a range of techniques. It doesn’t matter whether you are great at selling, your car will be the focus of any potential buyer’s attention. Take a look at these three easy ways to make sure you achieve top price for your set of wheels.
Maintain It
Forget about running your car from A to B on a regular basis without getting it serviced. Every year, you should be heading to a reputable garage or dealership to give your car a thorough servicing. Mechanics will be looking out for exhaust emission issues, oil leaks, electrical faults, and inefficiencies that stop your car from running at its optimum. Choose a garage that doesn’t overcharge for parts. You could even source your own parts from a site like Automotive Stuff and get a mechanic to fit them for you. By making sure that your car has a full service history, you are showing potential buyers that it has been cared for.
Every week, you should also be carrying out your own maintenance checks. Check the fluid levels including the oil and brake fluid. Ensure that the wipers work, the tires are at the correct pressure and that the lights are working. Doing this will ensure that your car runs well. Any issues you find can then be fixed at your local garage. By maintaining your car, it will remain in good condition, helping it to achieve a great resale price.
Test Drive
Any buyer will want to test drive your car. If they have a driving license, this is legal. Make sure you sit in the passenger seat with them as they drive your vehicle. Don’t be over chatty. The more you talk, the more they will think that you are nervous or trying to speak over a dodgy noise. Allow them to ask questions and answer honestly. Ensure the test drive route you select allows the potential buyer to gain speed, go through the gears and turn both left and right. By being open and honest, you are showing them that you have nothing to hide.
Get It Washed
It sounds simple but a simple valet can make even the ugliest of vehicles shiny and smell like an ocean breeze. For a simple $20 outlay, you could achieve a clean and well-coiffed vehicle that looks great in photos. Show off your car on an online auction site or in the classifieds, and the buyers will begin enquiring. Don’t be afraid to pitch one buyer off against another. Keep your sales price listing reasonable, and don’t overegg your maximum resale value. Account for taking a bit of money off because many buyers like to think that they have got a great deal.
Selling cars isn’t easy, especially if yours is looking a little worse for wear. Follow this guide and ensure that you can maximize the resale value of your set of wheels.
