The decision to purchase a new car can be an exciting time. Who doesn’t love a shiny new paint job, new car smell and all of the update in-vehicle technologies? For most people though, it also means having to sell your current ride to a new owner.
Many choose to trade the vehicle in with a dealer if they are going that route, but sometimes you can get more for the value of your car if you sell it to a buyer on your own. Before you do though, be sure it is safe, up to date on all required maintenance and most importantly clean for prospective buyers to check out.
Think about it. Would you buy a car that smelled of stale smoke? Or had old French fries stuck between the seats? If you want to get a good return on your vehicle you’re going to have to present it well.
Here are 3 things you should do when it comes to cleaning your car to sell it.
Vacuum & Shampoo the Interior
Like we said when your prospective buyers open the door and look inside they should not smell foul odors or see a dash full of dust and crumbs. Would you purchase a car that looked like that? Take the time to vacuum all the rugs, seats and crevices. If there are stains and stuck on dirt you could also shampoo or wipe them clean depending on the fabric.
Wash & Wax
Other than a for sale sign, one of the best ways to catch someone’s eye interested in buying is to have your car clean and shiny –literally. The only way to achieve this showroom shine is to wax x your car. If you don’t know how or never have done this, it is best to have a professional handle it as waxing done wrong could leave you with smudges and smears that are difficult to remove.
Lift the Hood
Most car shoppers are going to want you to pop the hood. When they do they’ll be checking your oil levels, looking for any signs of issues with the engine and also to see how well you’ve cared for the car. In addition to getting a tune-up before you sell you should wash more than just the outside. Open the hood and wash down the engine bay too. Pull out all of those old leaves and debris stuck in the corners and make sure it’s as nice on the eyes as the exterior.
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