There comes a time in every vehicle owner’s life when you have to wave goodbye to your (t)rusty, reliable old friend to make way for the new. Whether you want to invest in an electric vehicle to do your bit for the environment or need something that looks a little less shabby when you pull up to work, it’s important to get the best possible price for your old car.
Not sure how to sell a used car? Don’t worry, we’re going to provide you with some simple tips that can help you maximise the value of your vehicle. From taking professional looking snaps to cheap car interior cleaning, these are our top tips…
1. Take good quality pics
Taking high-quality pictures is essential because along with your write up, they are all online browsers have to go on when deciding whether to enquire about your car. The good news is you don’t have to be a professional photographer or have an expensive camera to take some decent shots.
– Show that you’ve got nothing to hide: If it’s free to post as many pictures as you like then upload at least one image from every angle, inside and out, to give buyers an accurate impression of your car. You should also include a picture of the instrument cluster to show that the mileage reading is consistent with your ad.
– Select a suitable backdrop: You don’t have to park in front of a stately home but we do suggest choosing a location that’s well-lit and looks respectable. A private driveway or in front of a local green space is fine.
– Shy away from bright lights: You might think the brighter the better but bright sunlight can leave your snaps bleached and over-exposed. Instead, choose an overcast day or take your photos in the morning, ideally between 7am and 9am.
2. Dig out all the paperwork you can find
A common reason people struggle to sell a used car is due to a lack of paperwork. Potential buyers will rightly want to see the vehicle’s service history so they can check it has been maintained properly. If you have looked after the car well then that’s a major selling point, so make sure you dig out all your documents, organise them neatly into chronological order and make sure ‘full service history’ is displayed loud and proud on your advert.
3. Repair any minor scratches and dents
Scratches and dents not only detract from the appearance of a vehicle, but they can also severely decrease its value. Offering the potential of a bad first impression to a potential buyer, could inevitably lead them to not trust its overall condition or, in extreme cases, even buy it. As a result, repairing minor dents and scratches is always a good decision to increase its resale value.
4. Give it a thorough clean
Giving your beloved banger a thorough clean inside and out can make a huge difference to the number of views your ad receives online and even the price you’ll achieve. The condition of the wheels and tyres is something prospective buyers will look at closely. You can use a solution of white vinegar and water (equal parts of each) to clean the wheels, while brushing a thick paste of baking soda and water onto the tyres and washing it off will make them look as good as new.
When it comes to your car interior cleaning, the dashboard, floor mats and door frames all require close attention. A teaspoon of washing up liquid mixed with a cup of water will remove all but the most stubborn stains on your car seats. Then it’ll be just about ready to go!
Waterless car exterior and interior cleaning
At Dropless, we provide a waterless car exterior and interior cleaning service that’s good for the environment and even better for your car. Find out more about our waterless wash and download the app to book yours online.