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Sterling Parts Blog

Preparing Your Car For Sale - Essential Tips

April 18 2019

 

Is it time to upgrade your vehicle? Sometimes, saying goodbye to your car can be hard and emotional, however, we can make it just that little bit easier for you. Here are some simple car tips to prepare your vehicle for sale so you can sell it fast with highest possible price.

 

1. Set a limit

Depending on personal views, sometimes cars are seen as investments. From this perspective, it is important that you set a budget on any improvements you make on it - it is important to set a limit on how much money you want to spend before you dont get any returns at all! Once this is completed you would know roughly what can be done in order to get your car the best form.  

 

2. Service your car

Do you notice how your car runs that little bit smoother after servicing? Full car services can make a lot of difference to the driving experience and consequently the re-sell value of your car. Don’t forget to include the service book, manual and receipts for any work done for yourself or any previous owners. That shows potential buyers that your car has been properly taken care of and would maximise your sale price.

Tip: If you usually use premium fuel for your car like 98, be sure to mention it to potential buyers.

 

3. Minor replacements are worth doing (some)

Understandably, some people don’t want to make expensive repairs for the car they are selling. For example, in most case, new tyres or air conditioning compressor won’t make any different on the selling price.

Buyers might bargain down the price if they see any faulty external parts. Therefore, improving visible items for maintenance could make a huge impact. You might want to change broken tail lights or bar covers which can be replaced inexpensively online and easily installed.   

 

4. First impressions are important

First Impressions are important when you are trying to sell anything. Once you have prospective buyers lined up, you will need to give a ‘freshen-up’ car wash before they call to inspect.

When doing the wash, consider the following:

 

  1. Wash your car to remove all dirt and other deposits from the painted surface.
  2. Clean the windows, inside and out, so they sparkle.
  3. Vacuum your carpet.
  4. Remove your personal items from the boot and cabin.
  5. Your entire car should be empty of all personal belongings.
  6. Get your car a new air freshener.

 

Tip: Place old newspapers on the car carpet so you don’t need to vacuum after each test drive.

 

5. Time for snaps

Again, as a matter of first impressions, it is important that we do not forget photos matter! Take a good set of pictures of your clean car. Be sure to keep the background simple, and take pictures of both the exterior and interior from different angles.

Make sure besides showing that the car is in good condition, also honestly mention any damage so potential buyers won’t get surprised when they see the car.

Tip: Lighting is important, we recommend to take photos outside on a sunny day so your car sparkles!

 

 

More car care tips here.

Related article: https://www.sterlingparts.com.au/blog/2018/11/01/How-to-find-Affordable-Auto-Parts-Online-In-Australia.