How to get your car ready to sell

Moving on your old vehicle takes some time and effort from your part. It does depend how well you looked after and maintained it is as to how easy this will be. Doing a good job on this can increase your sale price and make it easier to sell. This guide can be used as a checklist, and you can do as much or as little as you want from it.

Trade Ins

A good way to move on your old car is use it as a trade in on a new car or better used one. This has good and bad points to it.

Good Points

• Makes it easy, no need to detail your car, list it, or deal with potential buyers.
• Discounts the price on what you are buying by the value of the trade in.

Bad Points

• You need to buy from a car dealer to get a trade in deal.
• Dealers will offer you a price lower than market value as they need to make money on your car.

A good rule of thumb is if your vehicle is going to cost a lot of time and money to bring it up to scratch to sell, then a trade in maybe a better option for you.

Thorough Cleaning Inside and Out

To kick things off, you need to roll up your sleeves and give your vehicle a thorough clean inside and out.

Exterior Clean

Start by washing the exterior with a quality car wash and wax solution, paying extra attention to areas like the wheel arches and along the bottom edges of the body. It is a good idea to include door jambs and the drip rail around the boot once the exterior is finished.

Interior Clean

After drying off the exterior, it's time to tackle the interior. Grab a vacuum and get rid of any crumbs or debris lurking in the seats and carpets. Don’t forget to do the boot. If the dashpad and top of door trims look a little sun-bleached use protectant/restorer to bring back their colour. Use a cleaning brush for the fiddly parts like vents and dash controls.

Give the windows a good clean too, inside and out, for that extra shine.

Engine Bay

It is a good idea to check the engine bay. Most buyers will lift the bonnet and have a look. Make sure there are no leaves or debris around the edges. A quick degrease will get off light dust and grime and make it look more presentable. Cleaning your engine bay does require you to be careful around certain components, especially if you’re going to use a pressure washer or hose, which can cause damage if used improperly.

The cleaner the car is inside and out helps give the impression of being well looked after to a potential buyer.

Addressing Imperfections

Once the car is looking squeaky clean, it's time to address any minor imperfections. This might involve touching up paint chips or using a scratch remover to buff out any surface scratches. Even things like hazed headlights. A headlight restorer is cheap and makes the vehicle more presentable. If the driver’s seat is ripped or worn a set of front seat covers will make it more presentable.

While it might seem like a small detail, fixing these imperfections can make a big difference in how the car presents to potential buyers. 

Professional Detailing for Added Bling

If lack of time or interest in DIY car care is your thing, look at getting it professionally detailed. Detailers do this stuff for a living and have all the right tools and equipment to do the job. Even if you clean your own car regularly a detailer can give it that extra wow factor. A thorough detailing will make the car look brand new, from polishing the paint to conditioning the interior, a detailing can give the car that showroom shine.

Photos of the Vehicle

Now that your vehicle is looking as good as it can be, it is the ideal time to do a photo shoot. Good photos are vitally important to attract potential customers. If your photography skills are lacking, get someone in that can help you. The classic ¾ shot from the front and rear are a must, as well as an interior shot. Ideally use a slightly overcast day and take the vehicle to a car park where there is plenty of room to get around it and take the shots.

Mechanical Maintenance

Ideally you want your vehicle to start and run, drive well, stop well, and handle well to get a good sale price. A well-maintained vehicle should already be doing all this. If your vehicle has some issues for example noisy brakes or trouble starting or rough gear changes it is worth getting this checked. It may be an expensive fix, or a cheap fix and it is up to you whether you fix it or sell the vehicle with the issue. Any issue a potential customer finds gives them a bartering chip for you to lower your price.

Road Worthy Certificates, Safety Certificates, Pink Slips

Unfortunately, in Australia every state has different laws when it comes to selling second hand vehicles. Some states require you to have an inspection certificate stating that your car is fit to drive on the road. How this is implemented even varies between the states when selling a car. It is important that you know what is required and the vehicle registration office in your state should be able to help you with this.

Organising Documentation

When it comes to selling a car, paperwork matters. Make sure you gather all relevant documentation, including service records, registration papers, any inspection certificates and any warranties or manuals. Having these documents on hand shows potential buyers that the car has been well-maintained and cared for.

Pricing Strategy

Setting the right price is crucial when selling a car. Do your homework and look at comparable listings to determine a fair and competitive price for your vehicle. Consider factors like the car's age, mileage, and condition when setting the price. Even things like the registration are due to expire can make a difference. Always start at a higher price than what you think the vehicle is worth as it gives you room to negotiate down and you can always drop the price. If you need to sell quickly for whatever reason (Registration is due) go in at a lower price.

Presentation is Key

When it comes time to show off the car to potential buyers, presentation is key. Make sure the car is parked in a well-lit area free from clutter and consider adding some finishing touches like an air freshener or a new set of floor mats to spruce things up.

Utilise Online Platforms

In today's digital age, the internet is a powerful tool for selling a car. You should take advantage of online platforms like car sales websites and social media to reach a wider audience of potential buyers. Even car clubs for your particular make and model are a good source to use. Make sure to include plenty of high-quality photos and a detailed description of the car to attract interest.

Be Responsive and Flexible

Lastly, be responsive and flexible when it comes to arranging viewings and test drives. Respond promptly to inquiries and be willing to accommodate potential buyers' schedules. A positive and accommodating attitude can go a long way toward sealing the deal. If you don’t want them coming to your home, meet at a car park or nearby store location and take a friend or family member with you. 

Selling Your Car

Getting a car ready to sell requires a combination of presentation and attention to detail. By following these steps and putting in the effort, you can maximise the value of your vehicle and attract potential buyers willing to pay top dollar.

If you’re in need of hard parts to fix up your vehicle before selling or even just car care and cleaning products to give it a final touch up, head into your local Repco store or shop online for everything automotive.