Are you ready to move on to a new car but not sure how to get rid of your old one? Selling your car can be a nerve-racking experience. Let us help with our tips on how to prepare your car before you sell it!
Give It a Deep Clean Inside and Out
It’s simple and obvious, but whether you’re planning on selling your car to a dealership or privately, you want it to look it’s best, which means a deep clean inside and out. You want your car to look brand new even if it hasn’t looked that way in years.
Handwash it carefully on the outside. If there are any small dents, scrapes, or scratches, now’s the time to fix them. Clean every nook and cranny you can so that it looks like the day you bought it all over again.
Inspect It Closely
Keep your eyes out for any remaining flaws as you’re cleaning your car inside and out. If there are more serious defects, like a chip in your windshield, you should fix them immediately before attempting to sell.
After your inspection, take the car for a test drive and try to imagine you’re a buyer driving your car for the first time. How does it handle? How’s the acceleration? If it helps, get a friend who’s never driven your car to take it for a spin with you. Listen to honest thoughts about the vehicle.
Bring It In for a Check-Up
Before you put your car up for sale, you want to ensure everything is working as it should. Bring your vehicle in for a check-up where a professional can look at it. A potential buyer will probably want a mechanic to look at it anyway. You don’t want to be surprised by anything they find later.
While you’re there, get your fluids topped off and your tires filled and rotated. You want your car running at peak capacity when you sell it!
Gather All Documents
One of the most important ways to prepare your car before you sell it has nothing to do with the vehicle. You must have all the necessary documents and paperwork available for interested buyers to look over. You’ll need the deed, but you also want to pull all the service records and documentation you’ve collected over your vehicle’s lifespan.
If your car has had any major repairs or replacements, you’ll want the receipts and records available for the buyer to see. The more information you can offer, the better a potential buyer will feel about purchasing your car.
After you’ve cleaned your car, inspected it, brought it in for a check-up, and gathered all the necessary documents, your car is now ready to be sold! If you follow our tips thoroughly, you’ll get a good price for it, too!
