Thinking of selling your car? You might be surprised at the difference a few tweaks can make to its value. While some factors, like age and mileage, are out of your control, there's plenty you can do to ensure your car fetches the best possible price. Let's delve into some tips to make your car shine brighter than the competition when it's resale time.
First Impressions Matter: The Power of Presentation
Clean is King (and Queen): Give your car a thorough wash, inside and out. Don't forget the boot, vacuum those carpets, and wipe down the windows. A clean car screams "well-maintained" to potential buyers.
Wax On, Worries Off: A good coat of wax protects the paint and gives a brilliant shine. It shows you care about keeping your car looking its best.
Minor Touch-Ups: Small scratches, dents, or faded trim can be easily addressed. Fixing these imperfections can significantly improve the overall look of your car.
Service History: A Trustworthy Tale
Proof is in the Paperwork: Having a complete service history with receipts shows potential buyers you've maintained the car properly. This builds trust and justifies a higher asking price.
Stick to the Schedule: Following the manufacturer's recommended service intervals demonstrates responsible ownership. If any service is due soon, get it done before selling.
Embrace the Details: The Big Picture Matters
Address Warning Lights: Don't ignore those pesky dashboard lights. Get any underlying issues fixed. Unchecked warning lights raise red flags for potential buyers.
Original Over Aftermarket: While certain tasteful modifications can add value, avoid extensive or outlandish ones. Stick to factory parts whenever possible, as they're generally considered more desirable.
Fresh Scents & Clear Conscience: Eliminate lingering odours from smoke or pets. A neutral air freshener can work wonders, but don't overdo it.
Beyond the Basics: Strategic Selling
Know Your Market: Research similar cars for sale to get a realistic idea of the going rate. Price yours competitively to attract interest.
Highlight the Good Stuff: Play to your car's strengths in your ad. If your car has optional extras like a sunroof, heated steering wheel or CarPlay, it can increase the car’s value and help it sell faster thanks to the added desirability.
Be Transparent: Disclose any existing damage honestly. Transparency builds trust and avoids wasting anyone's time.
By following these tips, you can significantly improve your car's value and ensure it stands out from the crowd. Remember, a well-maintained, clean, and accurately priced car is more likely to find a happy new owner – and put more money in your pocket. Now go forth and sell smart!
Get your car valued
We can value your car, providing an instant valuation on what we would buy it for today. However, valuation tools make various assumptions, so that doesn’t mean that’s the most we’ll pay. If your car stands out with a great specification, low owner, or has had a major recent service, we’ll likely pay more.