How to Get the Most When Selling Your Vehicle

Four Tips That Will Maximize Your Car’s Sale Value

Selling your used car for the maximum value isn’t a game of luck. It’s a game of skill.

With the current microchip shortage that’s happening right now in the automobile world, it means that private sellers can now sell their used vehicles for a premium. If you’ve been to a used car lot lately, then you’ve already seen this for yourself. With inventory in short supply, prices have never been higher for both new and used vehicles.

So, what does this mean for you? Can you list your car online and expect to fetch a fortune for it?

Well, not exactly. Although it is indeed a seller’s market right now, you will still be in competition with every other private seller and used car lot in your vicinity. Although selling a used car is easier than it was a couple years ago, you’re still going to need to put in some work if you want to get the maximum amount of value for it. Here are four tips that ensure you’ll be able to do that.

#1 – Fix What You Can

No used car is going to be absolutely perfect, nor should a buyer expect that. However, the closer you can get your car to pristine condition the better chance you’ll have of selling it out on the open market. Fix what you can, but don’t feel like you have to go overboard and restore the entire car. Here are a few things to consider when doing that:

• Service and Warning Messages: The last thing a car buyer wants is to inherit a bunch of service and maintenance tasks upon buying your used vehicle. Whether it’s low tire pressure or running low on wiper fluid, do what you can to clear out your used car’s service and warning messages. This will give used car buyers peace of mind.
• Lights: Make sure all head and taillights are in good working order. You should also take the extra step and give the casings a nice thorough cleaning for an improved visual impact.
• Windshield: Chips and cracks in a windshield are an eyesore and can drastically affect the vehicle’s overall aesthetic. Depending on the condition of your windshield, you can either get the chips and cracks sealed, or you may have to go all the way with it and replace the entire windshield.
• Tires: No seller expects brand new tires on their vehicle, but we don’t recommend trying to sell your used vehicle if there’s no tread left. In the event that your used car has bald tires, replace them with the cheapest set of new tires you can find.
• Dents and Scratches: Every used car has cosmetic damage. It doesn’t directly impact how the car drives, but it does impact how potential buyers view the car. Do what you can to resolve the cosmetic stuff for improved curb appeal.

#2 – Have Your Service Documentation Ready to Go

Another big win that you can give yourself in the “peace of mind” category is by having a detailed service record of your used car. No need to go crazy with it. Provide what you can regarding services such as oil changes and inspections. This lets the buyer know the car has been properly cared for while in your possession.

#3 – Aim High and Be Willing to Compromise

If there’s one rule you should follow when negotiating, it’s this: ALWAYS list high and be ready to negotiate down. Use other car selling sites and Kelley Blue Book to get an accurate value of your used vehicle. Once you’ve done that, feel free to add about 10% to it for when you list it for sale. This puts you in a win-win situation. If the buyer negotiates you down, you still get what the car is valued at. If they don’t negotiate down, you get to walk away with a little more than you expected.

#4 – Be Responsive

The car selling process moves quickly, and you can be sure that you’re not the only person the seller is talking to. That’s why it’s important to always be responsive with potential buyers. If it takes you several days to return a call or an email, you’re likely going to be left in the dust.

Ready to Sell Your Used Car?

Fetching a fair price for your used car doesn’t have to be hard work. In fact, many private sellers who are searching terms like “sell my car” or “sell my car online” have discovered car buying businesses that offer large cash sums to obtain used cars. These online car buyers routinely are able to offer more because they have no intention of reselling your vehicle once they get it. If you’ve had bad luck on the open market or are simply trying to make the car selling process easier on yourself, it’s worth checking out.