There comes a time when we must say farewell to our old trusted vehicle. Whether you are interested in trading up or selling outright, there are simple things that you can do to make your car shine in the eyes of another potential owner. Here are 4 easy steps to make your car sellable.
- Deep clean the interior of your vehicle or have it professionally cleaned. This is the first tip and probably the most important. Make sure you get the trunk as well as the glove box and any extra storage spaces.
- Make sure it smells good. Sometimes just cleaning the upholstery will do the trick, but if you need extra freshness, auto parts stores and discount stores have thousands of car fragrances to choose from to help create the perfect scent for your car. If you smoke, sprinkle baking soda on your carpets, let sit overnight, then vacuum or you can try some odor removers specifically formulated to remove the smell of smoke. Try not to smoke in your car for at least a week before you sell.
- Wash and wax the outside of your vehicle. Getting rid of all the dead bugs and dirt will keep your vehicle looking its best and a fresh wax will add dimension to its shine. Don’t forget to shine and inflate your tires properly!
- Defog the headlight. If your headlight covers are hazy or yellowed, defogging them will make your car look newer instantly. A headlight restoration kit will get the job done for about $15 and can be completed in about an hour.
- Change the oil and top off all fluids. You can do this yourself if you are handy or a professional oil change can be less than $20 (look for coupons), and usually includes checking your other fluid levels too.
- Make sure it is always presentable. Keep up the appearance of your vehicle by always decluttering your car of any belongings on a daily basis.
I would be glad to work with you on your trade-in and help you pocket your car’s maximum value so, when you ready to start the search for your next ride, give me a call!
