Getting a good deal when selling your car

Getting a good deal when selling your car

When you come to sell your current vehicle, it's a no-brainer that you'll want to get the most money you can for it. The value of a car comes down to more than simply it's make, model and year of manufacture, and it can be very easy for two vehicles made on exactly the same day to fetch vastly different amounts on the open market. To get the most from what you are selling, there are a number of points to keep in consideration.

The condition of a vehicle is very important to it's final valuation. When either selling to an online car buyer or crafting a classified ad for your car, you'll need to make clear what condition it is in. It is very doubtful you'll ever be able to sell a car to someone without them taking a look at it, and so you'll need to make sure it's up to scratch, and any problems have been fixed where possible. In fact, you should really take time to improve the your vehicle before you even think about getting a car valuation.

If you know of existing problems, it would be best to visit a local trustworthy garage and get a quote for fixing them. It is best to choose a dealership that deals with specific your brand of vehicle; for instance if you have an Accord, choose a Honda dealer. The cost of such work will in most cases be worth paying, as they'll likely increase the value of your car. Lingering problems are bound to be off-putting to potential buyers; the least amount of hassle for a new buyer, the more likely they are to buy.

An easy way to improve your used car valuation is to fix any cosmetic issues it may have. This may be simply touching up a few nicks and scratches, but larger parts of your vehicle can be replaced with either new or used parts. For example, your steering wheel may have seen some wear and tear and looks worn - a cheap replacement may very will make it look more attractive in the eyes of potential buyers.

The overall price you get for your motor can also depend on just how long you are willing to keep it on the market for. If you need money quickly, you may be tempted to put a low price on it, in an attempt to attract more buyers. You should use a variety of sources in order to determine a good value for your car, such as our site, or a free CAP valuation through the Honda website. Cars can quickly depreciate in value, especially if they are young, so sticking a high price on it and waiting weeks or months for the right buyer may end up hurting you more than helping.

Always ensure the car is well cleaned and looking in good condition whenever showing it to a potential buyer or a vehicle inspector. Whilst a clean car does not necessarily mean a good car, first impressions always count. So get that vacuum out and give the interior a going over, and either give the car a good washing with a chamois and some elbow grease, or take it to the car wash and get it cleaned professionally. Lastly, make sure your fluids are topped up, as many people will check levels, and if they are running low may be put off a sale.

---

---