When it’s time to sell your current vehicle, whether to a private party or as a trade-in, you’ll want to get every penny possible. Sure, the vehicle’s age, mileage, and current popularity all play a major role in how much you can get for it. However, some other factors can increase its resale value and desirability. A little effort on your part now can put more money in your pocket later.
If the vehicle you want to sell isn’t a basket case, you most likely won’t have many problems trying to sell it. Even with a clunker in poor condition, you can still get cash for cars. Some of our suggestions will work for both newer vehicles and older ones. Don’t settle for the minimum resale price when you can get a little more.
Know Your Vehicle’s Value
When selling your used car, it’s crucial to know what is its resale value. Without this knowledge, your price could be too little or too much. If your price is way above its resale value, you’ll have difficulty selling it to a private buyer. If you’re asking for too little, it’ll probably sell much quicker, but you’ll have left money on the table.
Several online car value estimators will supply you with the resale value of your vehicle. All you’ll need is the VIN (vehicle information number) along with some other basic information like the car’s value and within seconds, you’ll know what you can expect to sell it for. The most popular online car appraiser calculator is Kelley Blue Book.
Clean and Detail It
The curb appeal of a used vehicle is important. A prospective buyer’s first impression is lasting and you’ll when to make a good one when showing your used car. Whether you’re trading yours in for a brand-new model or selling it to a private party, a clean car will get you more money than a dirty one. A spotless vehicle shows that it’s been properly maintained and cared for.
You can attempt to scrub, clean, and polish it yourself, but for it to look its best, this job is much better given to the pros. A professional auto detailer will clean every nook and cranny of your car. They have the knowledge and the tools to ensure that your vehicle is absolutely showroom clean.
Fix the Small Stuff
That small chip in the windshield or those scratches on the door may have become invisible to you, but the rest of the world sees them just fine. To get the most money for your used car, fix all the small stuff that you’ve been ignoring or putting off. Paying for minor repairs will oftentimes increase the resale value of your vehicle. The less buyers have to point out, the less likely they are to lowball your asking price.
Gather Up Maintenance Records
Proof that you’ve properly maintained your vehicle will make it easier to sell. Collect all of the maintenance records that you have and show them to anyone interested in purchasing your car. Receipts for oil changes will show that you’ve taken care of the vehicle, and well-maintained ones will typically have fewer mechanical issues as they age.
All types of vehicle maintenance documentation can help to ensure you get the best price for your used car. If you’ve purchased new tires, brake pads, or replaced any other components recently, these are further proof that you took care of your car.
Sell It To A Specialized Dealer
If you’re trying to sell a much older car, one that is an eyesore and perhaps doesn’t even run, you’ve probably figured out that no one is interested in purchasing it. The cost of repairs most likely far outweighs the vehicle’s value, so there’s no sense in fixing it. Once a vehicle is close to or has reached the end of its lifespan, no amount of fixing or detailing will make it desirable.
Owners of junk cars can still get top dollar for their run-down junkers. Their best option is to sell it to a dealership that specializes in buying cars that have outlived their usefulness. They’ll pay more than a scrapyard will and some even offer free towing.
The Bottom Line
With a little bit of effort, you can get the most amount of money for your used car. Knowing its current resale value will ensure that you’ve priced it properly. Fixing minor damage and having the vehicle properly detailed by an expert ensures that the car’s first impression is a good one. Having all of the proof that it’s been maintained through the years proves that you’ve given it the TLC it deserves.
Even junk cars have value. Don’t waste your time trying to sell yours to used car lots or private buyers. Take it to a specialized dealer that purchases hard-to-sell vehicles.
