Prepare to Sell Your Car
When it's time to sell your car, whether to a private party or as a trade-in to a dealership, you'll want to
maximize the dollars you put in your pocket. Here are some tips, according to MSN:
Make it presentable
The most important step is to clean the car inside and out. Wash and wax older
vehicles and consider taking newer vehicles to a professional detailer.
Fix obvious damage
Fix any broken items that are easy to replace, but remember, the greater the
amount of damage, the less return on your investment you will get when you sell the car.
Consider paintless dent repair and airbrush touch-up
Paintless dent repair can be a good alternative
to traditional body shop repairs for small dents and dings. Airbrushing is cosmetic and makes the car look better.
Check the windshield and tires
Consider replacing a cracked windshield, depending on the location of
the crack and how large it is. Tires should have some tread life left on them and should be fairly new to avoid a
deduction when the car is appraised.
Remember the service records
Keep records complete and neatly arrange them for prospective buyers.
This instills trust that you've taken good care of the vehicle.
Other considerations
Be objective about the condition of the vehicle, and be honest about any
serious problems. Ask for payment by cashier's check or money order to avoid the hassles that can result from a
personal check or a cash transaction.
Call the credit union and ask a loan officer
to help you determine a fair price for your used car. And ask us, too, about loan options for the new car
you plan to buy.
Published October 22, 2001
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