Before drivers enter the market for a used car, they often have to sell their own vehicle first. While there are many factors that go into the price of a car there are a few things that sellers can do in order to ensure that their vehicle goes for the price they desire.
MSN Auto recently compiled some tips that explain a few good habits that will help drivers sell their car for a higher price. They talked to Charles Vogelheim, editor of the Kelley Blue Book, for some thoughts on the car selling process.
Although maintaining the vehicle and ensuring that it is in working order is obviously an important consideration, Vogelheim points out that aesthetics play a big role in influencing what the vehicle is eventually valued at.
“The most important thing is to clean the car inside and out,” Vogelheim told the news source. “If the car is older, a good wash and wax on the exterior and vacuum of the interior is probably enough. The extent of the detail will vary depending on the age of the car.”
Vogelheim says that the car doesn’t necessarily need a full detailing. For those who want to save a bit of money, one of the premium options at a full service car wash will usually do the trick.
That takes care of the interior, but for the exterior, Vogelheim recommends paying special attention to dents, chips, scratches and dings. These imperfections can severely affect a driver’s ability to sell a vehicle. This can be a quick fix, and if a car has multiple flaws, many repair shops will do the work at a reduced rate.
Beyond that, buyers should focus on repairing any damage, as this can also prevent a vehicle from being sold. Lights, mirrors and windshields are all highly-visible areas that should be repaired in order to ensure a better price.
“The difficulty with repairing body damage is that the greater the amount of damage, the less return on your investment you will get when you sell the car,” said Vogelheim. However, he cautions that these can often be dealbreakers, especially if the buyer is considering trading their car into a dealer rather than selling to a third party. “You don’t want to give a buyer a reason to not buy your car.”
Finally, drivers should be certain that they have a vehicle’s service records in order. This can go a long way toward assuring a driver that a vehicle is in working order. At the same time, Vogelheim cautions that a driver is not required to provide any type of warranty on their vehicle, and should set the terms of the agreement clearly in the bill of sale.