•
Out of sight, out of mind — Focus on minimizing the problems you can see.
Broken windows, scratched paint, exterior and interior blemishes, etc. Don't worry
as much about changing the oil, getting an expensive tune-up or changing the spark
plugs. Dealers almost always do these things on their own. They will most likely
try and talk down your asking price based on what you both can see. The better
the car looks, the better off you'll be.
•
Be prepared — Know what you old car is worth, know how much you want to
get for it, and stand firm. Before you go in, set a baseline in your mind that
you're not willing to break. If the deal isn't right, go somewhere else.
So
maybe you looked at the numbers, want to make some extra money, and you've decided
to sell the car yourself. There are a lot more options available to individual
sellers than there used to be. Listing your car in the local paper or posting
those oh-so-stylish black and orange "For Sale" signs in the window
can prove effective, but those tactics are becoming a bit dated. Online
classified listings at Yahoo! Autos offer more sophisticated options
that are almost always more cost-effective and can reach a broader audience. But
even before you start advertising, there are several things you can do that will
help ensure that in the end, you get the best deal.
•
Flatter your car — First impressions are important and the way your car
looks will be the first thing any potential buyer will notice. Give it a good
scrubbing inside and out. Spend some time polishing with a good car wax and run
through the inside with a vacuum. Clean the armrests, the ashtrays, all the nooks
and crannies, and even the trunk. Stale French fries lodged between the seat cushions
might not be a fair indicator of the car's condition - but it's quite a turnoff
nonetheless.
•
Keep the motor clean — Consider hosing off the engine with a degreasing
agent.
• Perform a general maintenance check — Change the oil
and make sure all other fluids are topped off. Make sure the tire pressure is
at the level outlined in the owner's manual.
•
Change the spark plugs — Many buyers request to pull a spark plug to check
for deposits of oil, and to assess the condition of the engine. And if they don't
ask, pull the new sparkplugs for them.
• Get all your paperwork
in order — Prepare a folder containing a list of all maintenance records, the
owner's manual, registration and title. The more organized you appear, the more
confident a potential buyer will be that you've taken good care of the car.
So
now the car is shined up, the paperwork is in order and you're ready to sell.
Here are some important tips that will help you move your old car quickly and
effectively. (CONTINUE...) | 