Selling your car can be a hassle. And, let’s be honest, you’re probably worried that you’ll lose money on the sale. But the process doesn’t have to be stressful. There are a lot of options for selling a vehicle these days, from traditional dealerships to eBay, Craigslist and other online platforms. And by taking care of the basics, you can add thousands of dollars to your car’s resale value.
Luckily, most of what you can do is fairly easy and inexpensive. But, that doesn’t mean you should neglect this step. Remember, in the eyes of a buyer, a well-presented vehicle is a well-maintained vehicle, and a well-maintained vehicle is worth their money. A clean interior and a shiny exterior build confidence not only in the car, but in you as the seller. And it helps the car stand out among its competition. All of this often translates to a quicker sale and a better deal for you.
A lot of the pre-sale car care depends on the type of vehicle you have, its age and condition, as well as how you intend to sell it. But the key elements that you need to be aware of are:
- Paperwork
- Presentation
- Mechanics
- Salesmanship
1. Paperwork
Before you try selling your car, you’ll need to have its title and registration. A bill of sale, odometer statement and release of liability (should damage occur between the sale and the change of registration) can also be useful during the title transfer process. Other legal requirements differ from state to state, so you will want to reach out to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to clarify their current requirements.
Additional documents of importance include:
- Maintenance records
- Warranty records
- Accident or damage reports
- A list of modifications made to the car
Obtaining a recent mechanical inspection report is also a good idea. A responsible buyer will likely ask for one, and it’s not expensive. Note that in some states, periodic safety inspections are a must. And even if you don’t live in one of those states, your state may require an inspection prior to a sale or transfer of ownership.
Buyers may also ask for a vehicle history report from Carfax or AutoCheck. Although buyers can pull such a report themselves, it will make you appear more trustworthy if you do it for them. Other descriptive information should include the vehicle identification number and the phone numbers of previous owners.
2. Presentation
How rigorously you undertake this step depends greatly on how you intend to sell your car. For a simple trade-in, you can keep your pre-sale care to a minimum. Dealerships have their own processes for polishing used vehicles, so it really isn’t worth your time and money because you won’t be able to move the needle very far.
If, however, you are prepping for a private sale, extra effort can certainly convert to extra profit. Therefore, consider repairing any dents, dings or scratches to the body surface. At the very least, the car should be washed and vacuumed. Also make sure bumper stickers and non-essential decals are removed. It’s a good idea to have the car detailed to ensure that it’s spotless, particularly if you’re selling a more expensive brand.
As you clean your car, be critical of wear and odors. Remember that although you might not notice familiar odors from food, pets or smoking, prospective buyers probably will. Clean everything in the car—including the trunk. This means wiping down hard surfaces, deodorizing upholstery and replacing the rugs, if necessary.
