This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. All opinions are 100% mine.
When it comes to buying and selling our possessions, there are few things that are bigger than our cars. While getting rid of a sofa on Craigslist or selling old toys on eBay can be a rather simple process without much to think about or much to lose at stake, it’s a bit different with a vehicle!
Your car is valuable and you want to get the MOST value from it when it comes time to sell. To help you maximize the amount you get from your sale, we have some helpful used car selling tips courtesy of Nationwide.
This helpful article on Nationwide’s blog, Prepping Your Ride for Resale: Used Car Selling Tips, will help you maximize the amount you get from your sale. Here are a few of the highlights:
Used Car Selling Tips – How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Resale
Trade-In or Private Sale?
While trading in a car can be very easy, you generally won’t get as much for it vs. a private sale. That means you should approach each time of sale differently. For trade-ins dealers aren’t expecting a pristine vehicle. But, if you’re making a private sale you will get a much better price if everything is in working order and looking good.
Appearances Matter
The better your car looks, the better your chances of getting a good price for it, especially when it comes to a private sale. Make an effort to get your car clean and shiny.
You can take this on yourself or have it detailed by a professional. Ensure everything is clean and replace any minor things like stained floor mats.
Follow Your Nose
Besides the look of your car, make sure it smells good! If you have pets or people have smoked in your car, you might need to have the interior shampooed.
And since you have been driving around in the car for years, you might be accustomed to the smell. Ask an “objective smeller” to smell your car and give their opinion. If it’s an “all clear”, then just spend a buck or two on an air freshener and you’re good to go.
Check the Exterior
If you did take your car to be detailed for the interior, they should also take care of minor scratches on the exterior. You can also shine up the headlights using our tips to restore your headlights for under $30.
Take a Look Under the Hood
Finish up your cleaning by using a rag to wipe around under the hood to remove dust. To make sure your battery is good and charged, you can use a battery tender.
If you go farther than that you’ll have to take care because of all the electronics under the hood of modern cars, but you can spot clean with a cleaning solution to shine things up.
Marcie Wahrer says
These are all excellent tips on selling a vehicle. I know a good wash, detail and vacuum can really go a long way!
Dana Valento says
great tips! i have no plans yet to sell my car but if time comes ill remember this post! Thank you for sharing it!
Amanda Love says
I’ve been thinking about selling my car so that I can upgrade, and I really appreciate these tips that you have here! It’s important to prepare the car properly in order to attract potential buyers easily.
Jeanine says
This is great. I have a friend who has been trying to sell her car for the better part of 4 months now, and will have to direct her here. She’s been complaining about the whole process so its something she could use advice on.
Our Family World says
very bright idea. my dad was planning to resale his vehicle since he wanted to upgraded to the bigger one! great tips thanks for sharing
shelly peterson says
Such great tips. My daughter is thinking of selling her car here soon. This will be helpful to her.
@ Hip Mama’s Place says
Reading this is perfect timing for me because i am in the market for trading my vehicle. I am going to follow these great tips when i go to trade my car in.
Theresa says
Great tips! Hubby will probably be ready to trade his car in before the year is up, so we will definitely get it spruced up as best as we can before getting rid of it.
Meagan says
These are some great tips. We also checked under the seats. Most people don’t do that.
Mitch says
Greta article! Great reminder that you don’t want the buyer, or yourself to run into any surprises in the middle of an inspection! Who knows what you might find if you don’t check first!
Annemarie LeBlanc says
I agree with all these tips. I always make sure my car stays and smells clean inside and out. Although I am not thinking of reselling my car (yet), I think these tips, if followed to the letter, will help command a better price for a used car.
Pam Wattenbarger says
These are great tips to prepare your vehicle for resale. It’s important to make sure it is ready.
Colleen Lanin says
Following your nose is an EXCELLENT tip. You’d be amazed at what you can find secreted away under the seats of your cars, ESPECIALLY if you have kids.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
These are all great tips. Selling your car is like selling a house. You have to get it clean and looking its best if you want to get top dollar on it.
robin masshole mommy says
I traded in my last car for the car I have now and I am honestly surprised they took it. I ran that thing into the ground!