Selling your used family car is a process that begins with getting the car ready both mechanically and aesthetically. Car buyers want to know that they are getting the best deal for their money, so it is essential that you take the following steps to prepare your car for sale.
Know the history of your car
When you prepare to get a cash for cars instant quote from Sell My Car, it’s a good idea to arm yourself with a few answers to questions that may be asked. Even if you were the first person to own the car, you should have the car’s history report on hand to share with potential buyers. By doing so, you can answer questions such as:
- Does the car have a salvage title?
- Has it ever been in an accident?
- Has the car ever had fire or flood damage?
Besides the details contained in a history report, you should be able to present records of the car’s maintenance and repair history, too. Try to have all the invoices, receipts, and records available for potential buyers.
Get the vehicle inspected
Buying a used car is daunting, but potential buyers do want to buy a trustworthy vehicle. A few things that you should have inspected that could help seal the deal include:
- Check the engine lights
- Burned out light bulbs
- Worn tires
- Cloudy headlights
- Squeaky breaks
It’s a good idea to have the car inspected by a reputable mechanic and then, if there is anything wrong, consider replacing and repairing minor problems which will help to increase the value of the car. Don’t forget to keep the receipts for the repairs!
Shine it up!
Detailing is important if you want to get top dollar for your car. Start with a clean and shiny car though, and you’re off to a good start! If you are going to clean the car yourself, make sure you get down into those nooks and crannies and remember to check hubcaps and headliners for grime and dust. Here are a few extra steps that will help get the car ready for sale:
- Shampoo and replace the floor mats instead of just vacuuming them
- Get debris and dirt out of the cup holders
- Wax the interior and exterior to get them sparkling
- Clean fingerprints off mirrors and door handles
- Get rid of streaks on mirrors and windows
- Use a wheel brush and cleaner to make your tires shine
- Get your documents in order
You will need several documents to sell your car, such as:
- Current registration documents
- The vehicle title
- Proof of inspection
With your documents in order, you will be better able to sell the car right away and get cash in hand if you use a car buying company.
Follow these top tips and make sure you give your used family car the TLC it deserves, and you will be well on your way to sending it off to a new owner in now time at all!
This article is contributed by Katrina Fernandez
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