How To Get The Most Value When Selling Your Used Car
Getting full asking price when selling a car is a unique skill that not many have. Like anything, it takes practice and a bit of know-how to ensure your vehicle sells for top dollar. The items on this list, however, don’t take much skill. They’re quick and easy tips and tasks that can help you make the sale. Read on to discover some tips for getting top dollar when selling your used car and how to give it a last-minute clean and shine that will help it look its best.
Exterior Improvements
The best place to start when selling your car is to give it an extensive cleaning. This starts with the outside of the car. A good hand wash and wax will help you discover any and all flaws your vehicle may have. Next, you’ll have to decide how to fix them.
Wheels are constant-use parts that take a beating. It’s very common for wheels to have a bit of curb rash or wear along the outside of the rim. You can try to attack this with a good cleaning and a heavy-duty wheel wash, but curb rash doesn’t usually go away. While this wear is common, it can affect your resale value.
One great tip is to use our All-Fit Rim Trim™ to help keep some of that curb rash out of sight. You can learn more about getting your rims looking good in this article. Similarly, if you have issues with scrapes on your vehicle’s front bumper or lower lip, check out our All-Fit Lip Kit. It can help cover existing rub spots and prevent future damage. It also adds a finished look and ups the style factor a few notches!
Another high-traffic area you should check is your trunk lid and edges. This is a loading zone that is often scuffed and scratched. Flex Trim and Dual Flex are two great options for covering any damage you might find in these areas. Door edges also take a beating, and may need some attention. If you find dings and dents too deep to repair there, installing Edge Trim is a perfect solution.
Interior Upgrades
Inside your vehicle, your best bet is to remove any floor mats and give the interior a thorough vacuuming. Spot clean any interior carpet stains, and then give the same treatment to the floor mats and the seat upholstery. Don’t forget to get into those cracks between the seats, console and dash areas.
If you discover any issues around your dash trim or areas between the seats, check out this blog for help on fixing scratches or even dashboard rattles. Gap Trim is a great option for hiding nicks and cracks, and it gives the interior a uniform and stylish look. You should also thoroughly clean the inside of the widow glass and remove any stickers or decals. Wipe away any gunk or buildup from the dash buttons, steering wheel and indicator stalks. The cleaner the interior of the car feels, the better your resale value.
Other Helpful Tips
In addition to cleaning the car inside and out, here are two more tips to help you get the most for your car:
- Wash the engine bay of your vehicle, being careful to avoid any electronics. Most cars have a nasty engine bay, and a clean one looks good and lets the buyer know that you took care of the car.
- Secondly, take tons of great photos and do your best to disclose any cosmetic issues so people come to see the car with reasonable expectations.
When it comes to personalizing or adding that custom touch to your vehicle, look no further than All-Fit Automotive. All our products are made in the USA and offer easy installation, which can be done in your driveway. We’ve received multiple awards at events like SEMA, and with over a decade of experience, you know our products will complement your ride. If you have questions, you can contact us here, or give us a call at 619-500-3669.