There comes a time in every car owner’s life when it is time to wave goodbye to that old vehicle and hope that it finds a good new home. It’s a difficult process, but also important to remember a few considerations before putting your used car on the market.
So, if you’re selling a car it is important to remember a few factors.
Budget
Before you start marketing your old car, set a clear budget for what you expect to achieve. This can be accomplished by researching online and trade magazines to see what others are selling your make, model, year, and mileage for. For a quick sale you’ll want to market your car at the lower end of this range, or if you have time to sell, stick to a higher price. Decide what your lowest price will be and try to stick to it. While it is easy to sell on impulse to lowball offers keep in mind that the buyer might be looking to resell your car at a profit. While every person’s financial situation is different, a reasonable rule of thumb is to keep your price at a level that is reasonable and in line with the market value.
Vehicle History
Make sure you have all paperwork relating to the service history and registration of the car. Records of any upgrades or repairs should be presented. Be transparent about the history of your car and honest about the history of the vehicle. Be prepared to answer questions about the use of the car. Has it been used mainly for long-distance drives or short intercity driving.
Interior
Make sure you clean the interior upholstery. A professional steam clean is a good option. Make sure the care looks, feels, and smells as new as possible. First impressions are important. When a potential buyer steps into the car, they should feel like they are entering a car that has been taken care of and loved throughout its life. The smell of the car is also an important factor to consider. Water leaks or water damage can cause a musty, mouldy, or mildewy odour, and cigarette smoke odour is difficult to remove, so make sure the car smells as new as possible. Check that the audio systems are working, including radios, Bluetooth, and CD players. A comfortable ride also depends on the heater and A/C systems working. If anything is not working properly get it fixed for marketing.
Engine
Any potential buyer will be likely to pop the bonnet and take a look at the engine before test driving. Make sure the engine is clean, oil levels are correct, the battery is sound and everything looks in order. Once your buyer test drives the car make sure there are no unusual engine noises, rattling, and it runs as well, of not better than any of the similar models on the second-hand market.
