Whether you’re moving away or have decided to upgrade vehicles, you’re going to be tasked with selling your current ride. But how do you improve the resale value of your car?
To help you get the most for your vehicle Gino’s has put together a list of tips that will help you sell your car for a higher price and in a timely fashion.
Get Your Paperwork In Order
When you decide to sell your car it’s essential to have all your documentation in order.
Serious buyers will want to know as much about the car as possible including registration validity, logbook service history, warranty information, proof of ownership and any owing finance.
Do some research, check what you’re legally required to provide in your state of residence and anything additional you can provide will only help. If you don’t have a copy of your vehicle service history, ask your mechanic to provide you with one – most should be able to pull records to show that you’ve consistently maintained the vehicle.
The more information you can provide upfront the more secure the buyer will feel purchasing your vehicle and the more you’ll be able to list the car for.
Clean, Clean, Clean
A top to bottom clean of the interior and exterior of your car will greatly increase the resale value of your car and help it sell faster.
This sounds obvious but you’ll be surprised how many people list their cars for sale without a thorough clean.
Empty any personal items, check under the seats and boot for anything that you might’ve forgotten about. Don’t forget the engine bay, remove any loose leaves and dust. This will often be the first thing that someone looks at.
If your car is looking particularly worse for wear, consider spending money on professional detailing or a cut and polish. A more intensive cleaning will help restore your car's original appearance making it more appealing to potential buyers.
A dirty car says all the wrong things about its condition even though you might’ve had regular services. Say all the right things and give your potential buyers a good first impression with a clean car.
Repairs and Service
Spending money on fixing your car before you sell it might seem counter-intuitive although it will often land you further in front.
Check the tyres have tread and don’t have bald patches. Tyres are one of the first things prospective buyers will check and try deducting from your asking price.
The easiest way to check your vehicle is roadworthy in every aspect is to have it serviced. A mechanic will be able to go through everything from oil filters, battery checks, brakes, fluids, steering, tyre pressure, suspension and air filters to ensure everything is up to scratch. Gino’s offers a range of different automotive services for every budget if you don’t want to go over the top and need someone you can trust.
Investing to fix any underlying issues will reassure people that the vehicle is in great condition and they shouldn’t expect any out-of-the-ordinary problems to arise soon.
For a repair or general service, including wheels and tyres, contact us.
Choose The Right Time To Sell For A Better Resale Value
If you aren’t in a hurry to sell it might be worth paying attention to the market demand for used cars.
This changes month to month and while it’s not ideal for everyone it might help you get a better price for your vehicle. Factors such as decreased fuel prices can help generate demand and in turn better resale values.
If you’re taking your car to a dealership try avoiding busy days. Dealers will likely be more willing to listen and offer you a better price when there isn’t an endless supply of cars to choose from.
Perfect Your Listing
Whether you’re listing online or in a printed classified, your listing will be a buyer’s first interaction with your vehicle.
Make sure the description is enticing and thorough. Provide as much information as you can upfront and try your best to excite people. Highlight all the positives but don’t go over the top.
A picture is worth a thousand words so make some effort to get quality photos of your car. That doesn’t mean hire a professional, most mobile phones take an excellent photograph that will do your car justice.
A nice location such as at the park or quiet street can help elevate your picture and attract serious buyers. Consider the time of day too, a photo at night will be hard to make out all the details and in the middle of the day, the sun is often too harsh. Aim for early morning or later afternoon before the sun goes down. Try incorporating a range of different camera angles to offer a comprehensive look at the car.
There you have it, Gino’s top tips to increase your car’s resale value.
If you’re looking for assistance with getting your car ready for sale Gino’s offers a range of services from panel beating repairs to automotive services, wheel alignments and more. To find out more get in touch with our friendly team today.
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