by Heather Conary
When
you buy your next car, you might think about trading your older one in
to a dealership. While this is convenient, and may be the best option
for you, it can be more lucrative to sell your car as a private party.
Using the same process and techniques that dealerships use to sell
cars, you can make sure you get top dollar for your investment!
Getting Your Car in Shape
Before
you get ready to sell your car, you should make sure it is in the best
shape (physically and aesthetically) that you can get it in with a
minimal investment. Keep in mind how a vehicle looks at a dealership
when it’s for sale: it is clean, well-maintained and ready for the new
owner to personalize and make it their own. This is the kind of
atmosphere you want to replicate when you sell your own vehicle.
Getting It in Good Working Order
·
Have your oil changed, whether you do it yourself or take it to a
shop. This will ensure that it is in peak running condition.
· Have the fluids topped off, including wiper fluid, antifreeze, and oil.
·
Do a walk-around to ensure that everything is in good working order.
Check your headlights, taillights, blinkers, windows, locks, window
controls, and seat controls.
· Check the tire pressure and make sure they are correct. This ensures a smooth ride, particularly if a buyer test drives it.
· Fill the gas tank.
·
If your inspection is near due, you might consider having it done (if
your state requires), particularly if you have an older vehicle. Some
buyers prefer to know that they will not have any problems for a period
of time after they purchase the car.
· Replace any burnt-out bulbs, even if you are not near due for an inspection.
Making It Look Showroom-Worthy
·
Clean out your vehicle. Check the glove box, console, door pockets,
under and between the seats, the floor, and the trunk. Gum and straw
wrappers are usual suspects, as are change and pens.
· Wash and vacuum it; waxing it is a plus! Nobody wants to buy a car that is covered with cookie crumbs and dust.
· Wipe down the dash and interior panels. Dust bunnies are not good salesmen!
·
Funky or musty smell? Get an air freshener. You can go to any parts
store, or even some big-box stores, and purchase the same “new car
smell” air freshener that car manufacturers use in vehicles when they
head to a showroom. Tough smell that won’t budge? Smells like
cigarette smoke permeate the fabric and interior of the car. It may be
worth it to invest in a professional cleaning to have it removed.
·
Have you put any bumper stickers or window clings on your car? If
you’re planning to sell, this is a good time to remove them, or have
them removed. You want a buyer to be able to visualize the car as
being theirs, and your favorite bumper sticker may not be their
favorite! This also applies to anything you have dangling from the
rearview mirror or seat covers or floor mats (not everybody loves lime
green seat covers or floor mats with flowers on them!)
Coming Up
Stay tuned for Part 2 next Monday, where we’ll talk about getting your information organized and ready to sell!
To get a printable checklist to walk through Part 1: Getting Your Car in Shape, visit www.illuminationdesign.com/askpatty
