When it comes to selling your vehicle, cleaning and care shouldn’t take a back seat.
It can be tempting to list your car on the market as soon as you’re ready to move on, but sellers should consider how much money they could be losing by neglecting to detail, repair, and maintain their used vehicles.
Take a look at these five ways you can increase the value of your car and make the most money when selling your vehicle.
1. Exterior Detailing
A shiny car looks like a new car, and a quick trip through the car wash won’t get the fresh, clean look you need. Ensuring that your car’s exterior is detailed will make a great impression and help you get the most money out of your sale.
Bird droppings, bugs, UV rays, and general use can fade and tarnish your vehicle’s paint over time, as well as damage your headlights—creating a cloudy effect on the surface. Rain and snow can also cause rust stains on your rims and vehicle body. An exterior detail—which includes washing, drying, waxing, polishing, and wheel and tire care—will help erase these signs of wear and tear and increase your vehicle’s resale value.
Car dealerships all around the country invest in auto detailing services to increase auto resale value. Why not try it for your own sale?
2. Interior Detailing
While it might be tempting to just quickly run a vacuum over your upholstery and carpet, it’s often not enough. Professional detailers know the specific types of cleaners to use on your car and how to find the mess in all of the nooks and crannies most car owners would miss.
Potential buyers will notice even seemingly small messes immediately—crumbs in the back seat, the spilled beverage that you never really got out of the carpet, and the dirt, dust, and grime that made its way into the vents and cup holders. An interior detail will help make your seats, carpet, trunk, engine, dash, and console shine and smell clean—helping buyers justify spending a little extra money on a “new” car.
3. Mechanical Maintenance
Just because you’ve tuned out the clunky sounds coming from your engine doesn’t mean your potential buyer will be so forgiving. Even simple fixes such as replacing a fuse or topping off fluids can make a huge difference when it comes time to sell your vehicle.
You’ll want to address bigger issues your car is facing too. Whether it’s repairing a part in the engine or fixing your transmission, neglecting to make these repairs puts you in danger of having to sell your car “as is.” Repairing the larger problems with your car will allow you to sell it for the full price it’s worth.
4. Provide Service Records, Manuals, and Handbooks
You’ll want to eliminate any doubt in the buyer’s mind about the condition of your car by sharing service records with them from the duration of your ownership. These records should include regular detailing services and routine maintenance performed on the car. It can be a relief to them knowing that they’re purchasing a pre-owned vehicle that was well-taken care of and maintained.
Another huge bonus for buyers is to have the manuals and handbooks ready and available in the car in case a need arises. Resist the temptation to throw them away since retaining important guides can increase your buyer’s chances of purchasing your vehicle.
5. Preventative Care
One of the best things you can do to prepare to sell your vehicle is to regularly maintain it during your ownership. Common wear and tear can add up to serious auto damage if left alone. Neglecting to consistently service your vehicle for oil changes and regular tune-ups can also decrease the value of your vehicle long-term.
Regular auto detailing is also crucial in maintaining the value of your vehicle. While one-time details will help increase your vehicle’s resale value, one of the best things you can do to make the most money when selling your vehicle is maintain its exterior and interior while you’re still driving it. Getting your car detailed regularly is an investment for the future and an added perk that the buyer will enjoy when it comes time to sell your vehicle.
Protecting and maintaining the interior and exterior of your car can only improve resale value and will leave your buyers happy to purchase a well-maintained, pre-owned vehicle. With regular maintenance and detailing, an old car can look and perform like new and ensure you get the most money when selling your vehicle.
Premier’s mission is to create happiness through professional detailing, and our purpose is to exhibit a philosophy of servanthood! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us or visit our website. Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well!
