How to Boost the Value of a Used Car

Your car has helped you through many adventures during your life. Now, it’s time to let it go in favor of something else. This is the right time to sell it. Currently, the average price of a pre-owned vehicle has increased by $1000 or more.

Since you’re interested in the “or more” portion, there are some items required to sell your vehicle. Here are a few ways to boost the value of your used car.

Check Prices Of Similar Vehicles Near You

Pricing your used car is similar to the way home values are determined. It isn’t done through national values. Rather, estimates are determined by local sales prices.

The same must be done for your used vehicle. Examine the websites of car dealerships in your area and review the average prices of similar makes and models. Additionally, peruse regional listings at car valuation sites. Since these locations have comprehensive calculations on used car prices, you receive accurate information.

Collect The Proper Documentation

No matter how old your vehicle is, you need to maintain documentation throughout your ownership. Of course, it must have an updated registration. However, this only notifies the potential buyer that it’s legal with the state government.

What they really want to know is the repairs and upgrades the car has gone through. So, keep these records in a safe location for quick retrieval. On top of this, request a Carfax report on your vehicle. This details any accidents and other damage to the vehicle under your possession and that of previous owners.

Get Your Car Repaired

A car isn’t sellable if it can’t be driven away or parts are ready to fall off. Buyers want some form of reliability in their used cars. To boost its value, take care of the necessary repairs.

Some items you can do yourself. For instance, replacing windshield wipers and headlight/taillight bulbs. Other items, including the repair of drivetrain and powertrain parts, require the assistance of a skilled service technician.

For example, if you’re interested in selling your Mini Cooper, you want to go to a Mini Cooper repair West Chester PA shop. Something like Otto’s Mini or an equivalent location.

These shops hire subject matter experts on your vehicle. In turn, they know what must be repaired to boost your car’s value. Plus, they set reasonable prices so your return on investment is satisfied when you sell the vehicle.

Keep The Car Clean

A buyer won’t look at your car if the interior and exterior are filthy. Obvious signs of neglect on painted surfaces, garbage on the floor, and an overflowing ashtray signify that you didn’t take care of the vehicle. Hence, you must keep it clean during normal use.

First, don’t smoke in or near the car. This causes issues that can’t be fixed with a cursory wipe down of the surfaces. Once the smoke gets into the seats and carpet they require deep cleaning.

Second, maintain daily upkeep. Discard any trash on the seats and floors, wipe down dusty services, and vacuum areas. Wash the vehicle on your own or take it to a car wash for a professional cleaning.

Get It Appraised

Before you put your used car up for sale consider getting it appraised by a professional. Through this method, you know its estimated sales value. As a result, it comes off the market quicker than other vehicles.

An appraiser calculates the price of your used car through several factors. These include the year it was made, the current mileage, and where it was driven. They review accident and damage reports and examine the vehicle’s current state. From this, you’re provided with documentation on the amount you should get when you put the car up for sale.

Overall, the items mentioned above are a good start to boost the value of a used car. However, they don’t happen until you make the necessary moves. Reading the information and putting it aside without action does nothing to help your car’s value.

There’s no need to do everything at once. Collecting the necessary documentation is probably the simplest task. So is cleaning your vehicle. When those are done, address the necessary maintenance jobs before sending it to a shop for repairs.