Selling your car is a big deal for some, but a common occurrence for others. It depends on just how bored you get with your model. Whilst some see cars as an investment for the long term, with factors like family, lifestyle and work commitments determining how long they’ll be holding onto their vehicle, others trade cars as easily as they can get through hot dinners. So for those of us who aren’t as experienced when it comes to handing over the reigns, what do we need to do?
Look For An Estimate
Don’t undersell yourself – but don’t be greedy, either. Have a look online for what dealerships are selling the same make and model of your car at and pitch yourself just below. Remember that dealerships are always adding amounts on to cater for getting the car ready for sale, commission and other fees. There are few people who are willing to pay forecourt prices to a private seller.
Get Cleaning
It’s estimated that a thorough clean will add £100 onto the value of your car. If you’re doing the work yourself then a couple of hours graft will have earned you the extra, but if you’re busy then it may be worth putting your car in for a deep clean valet to save yourself time. Don’t forget to add an air freshener to keep it smelling top.
Think About History
Adding tax to a car doesn’t affect the value anymore – it doesn’t move with the buyer as it used to, so advertising that you car has tax for the amount of months that you have paid is a redundant point. Look for a garage that offers MOT services and book in for one if it’s due. A car with a new MOT is worth a whole lot more than one without. Newer cars tend to have a service log book, and it’s essential that this is on show to prospective buyers to show that you have been taking care of your car – any receipts or proof of upkeep should be available to prove it’s been well-maintained.
Look For The Minors
What you may be overlooking could be a point of focus for those who are coming to look at your car. Don’t sell yourself short over something simple that could be fixed easily. Go over your vehicle with eagle eyes and put right anything that needs sorting. Chips, cracks and scratches should be eradicated to the best of your ability. Any stains in your interior should be tackled as soon as you can to make sure that they’re faded or completely gone by the time it comes round to selling. Don’t just look straight ahead; try and look at your car from all angles to really take into account everything that may need work doing on it. A little T-Cut goes a long way tackling scratches. If you’ve had your car properly valeted then you shouldn’t need to do much to the outside, but checking the tyres and the tread that they’ve got left is important to determine whether they will need replacing before the sale.