When you sell a car you want to get as much money as possible for it. However, many sellers don’t make any attempt to do this and receive far less than they should for their vehicle. First impressions last. If the interior and exterior of your car looks great, you’re more likely to sell your car faster and for more money. This is vital, especially if you need the money quickly or intend to put the money towards the cost of another car. These are some effective ways to sell your car for more.
Don’t Abuse Your Car
Unfortunately, many car owners don’t treat their cars with respect. This often shows on the interior and exterior of a car. Poor driving habits also take their toll on a car’s engine, brakes and other parts. Driving with more caution, avoiding rough terrain and regularly maintaining your car will avoid these problems and make it more appealing to buyers. If you don’t take care of your car you will have to spend more on repairs which reduces the amount you make from the sale of your car.
Detect and Repair Engine and Emission Problems
Going to a garage or repair shop costs money. Car parts are expensive and many mechanics charge way too much for their services, especially if they think you have no knowledge about cars. However, there is a way to avoid this problem.
Car diagnostics systems like TOAD (Total OBD and ECU Auto Diagnostics) are able to detect engine and emissions problems in almost every type of car. For example, if the check engine light appears you can find out why this is happening.
Similar car diagnostics systems used by garages and repair shops cost thousands of dollars. This type of diagnostics service is expensive if you get a mechanic to do it. TOAD costs much less and includes all the features more expensive systems cost.
This ECU, OBD and OBD2 reader is a collection of downloadable applications and manuals which can be used to detect problems in most types of cars. It’s a trusted system designed by people in the industry and used by millions of car owners, mechanics and garages.
Once a problem is detected you’re notified about it through an easy-to-use interface which appears on your laptop or computer. This software digs deep into your cars system and finds problems more inferior products are unable to detect. Once it detects a problem it is then able to recommend repairs or changes you need to make. You may be able to make the repairs yourself. However, if you need to get the help of a mechanic, you know what work need to be done and how much it should cost. This avoids any overcharging which can reduce the amount you actually make when your sell your vehicle.
Repair the Bodywork
Small scuffs, scratches and dents can make a car look older and less attractive to sellers. These problems don’t affect the running of a car but they can affect the price. The good news is you can easily fix these problems. However, make sure you know what you’re doing. Adding compound to scuffs, scratches and dents will fix the problem. If it’s not done properly, your car may look worse than it did before you tried to fix the problem. If you’re unsure about how to do this work get some help. It may cost more but it will add value to your car.
Clean and Wax your Car
This is the simplest way to make your car look more expensive. However, poorly prepared sellers often forget to carry out this simple task. The first thing a buyer will see is the exterior of your car. Cleaning and waxing the outside of your car takes very little time and doesn’t cost very much. It costs even less if you do the work yourself.
Once the buyer sees the outside of your car, they will then want to sit inside. This is the vehicle they will spend large amounts of time in so the inside should be spotless too. Remove any obstacles that can cause problems such as paper, soft drink cans or other items that should be placed in a garbage can.
Stains and odors can also turn off potential buyers. Remove coffee stain, grease stains and smoking stains if you smoke. Odors can also be removed by adding citrus peels or other car products that remove these smells. Some of these odors and stains may be impossible to fully remove. Replacing mats and upholstery may be required. It’s an extra cost but it could be the difference between selling your car and not making a sale.
Change Oil Filters and Oil
More astute buyers will know what to look out for when they are buying a car. Others bring a mechanic with them. In either case, make sure you change the oil and oil filters regularly so that your car’s engine runs smoothly and is clean when it’s tested by a potential car buyer.
Wheels and Rims
The wheels and rims of a car are another feature buyer’s notice immediately when they’re viewing a car that’s for sale. Add new tires, make sure they’re inflated properly and clean or replace the rims. Make sure there is a spare wheel and wheel changing equipment in the trunk. These are small details that can add value when it comes to the amount you receive for your car.
Selling a car can be a stressful process. You want to get the right amount of money for your car without spending too much on repairs. Cleaning your car, diagnosing problems with the appropriate ECU, OBD and OBD2 reader, taking care of your car and maintaining it properly are all simple ways to ensure that you get the best price possible for your car.
