At last, the time has come for buying a new car. You're, of course very happy. After long thinking, arm-chair discussions with your mates and sleepless nights the time is near for you to park your new baby in the garage.
But, in the garage lays your faithful steed that served you good and know it's time to for him to go. Unless you want to keep your old car or you have garage space, the proper thing to do is to sell it.
When you decide to sell, here's some tips that can help you sell your old car and perhaps get a few bucks more.
1. Do the maintenance that's required. This seems stupid knowing that your not going to be the owner anymore but doing this has two major purposes: the next owner will be safe on the road and you can sell it with a clear conscious. Next,the buyer will ask for a test drive. If there is anything suspicious with the car (squeaks, rumbles etc.) the buyer is lost. You don't have to go to the extreme, but do the essentials.
2.Wash the car. Do it properly and don't be lazy to hose the spots that you don't usually go by.If the paint is worn out, go to a professional car wash. They can give it a good polish an waxing. This is not meant to hide anything, but let's be honest. Everyone likes to see a clean car.
3. If the engine is nice and dry, don't wash it. The only thing the buyer will see is a nice bone-dry engine and this is good. He'll have a sure sign that the engine is intact. However, if you've a had a recent repair regarding leaks (oil, coolant etc.) wash the engine. Be sure to tell the potential buyer what kind of repair you made or else it will be suspicious thus pushing away the buyer.
4. Clear the interior. Vacuum the tapestry good, you don't want the buyer to see any leftovers of a meal eaten in the car. If the plastic in the car is worn out buy a spray for the car interior, it should give a good shine, making it look better. Also, clean the glass on the car, both inside and out.
5. If the car has any broken minor parts (mirror, rim-cap, cup-holder etc.) replace it if it's not too expensive. Most buyers are driven away by things like these.
6. Put a nice air-fresher inside. Buy a nice, mild one. The effect is different when the buyer opens the car to a fresh aroma opposed to opening the car and running away.
7. Empty the car from your personal belongings. What you have to leave inside, put in a box so you can take it quickly out. You wouldn't want to forget anything important or make the buyer wait because you can't find something.
8.Prepare the proper paperwork and maintenance book. This is a major plus in selling your car and the buyer is more likely to buy a car that has a known history.
9. Spare some time for a brief chat with the buyer. There are all sorts of people. Some will look at the car briefly and make there decision or some will take there time. In any case, be polite and honest as much as you can. If the buyer sees your lying, be sure your selling is finished.
10. After you've done all of this, keep the car in the garage as much as possible. Usually the buyer comes along when the car is the most dirtiest thus reducing your efforts.
Finally,remember this: despite all the "heroic"stories your going to hear about car selling (it's going to be fast, I did a few minutes of work and looked like new) nobody made a quality sale without having to do some work,being honest and spending some money.
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