Most people selling a car want to get the most money they possibly can for that vehicle. Why would anyone want to take less when they could get more, right? What many people may not know is that there are steps you can take to help ensure you get the most money out of that sale. Spending just a little time doing research and prepping your car before you list it can lead to hundreds, if not thousands, more in your pocket. Follow the guide below to maximize how much cash you get from the sale of your car.
Do Your Homework
The first step in getting the most money for your car is knowing how much it is actually worth. There are plenty of industry research tools available online that can help you understand your car’s value such as the NADA, Kelley Blue Book, and others. This allows you to set a reasonable and fair asking price while also making sure that you do not start your price too low. Even if you have a junk or scrap car, you should do your homework to understand the scrap market before contacting potential buyers so that you can be in a strong bargaining position when negotiations begin. This research does not take much time, and it can really pay off in the end.
Wash And Wax Your Car
While this tip might seem obvious, it is quickly apparent that many people do not realize how much difference a clean car makes. Potential buyers do not want to buy a car that is dirty and smells bad. A good wash and wax will do wonders to the curb appeal of your vehicle, and this shows that your car has been cared for and well maintained. In addition to the exterior, make sure that you give your interior a good cleaning too. Vacuum the carpets and seats, wipe down the interior trim, and even shampoo the carpet if it needs it. If your car is fairly new and in good shape, then it is probably worth the price to have it professionally detailed. You will likely be able to recoup the cost of the detail plus some in the additional money you can get from the sale.
Get Creative
Since the pandemic began earlier this year, selling your car for cash is becoming even more difficult. You need to get creative in your marketing techniques so that people can see what you are selling and see the value in it. Be sure that you take plenty of pictures so that people do not have to come look at the car in person to pique their interest. In addition to pictures, make sure you add video to your ads too. Many people today are offering “virtual test drives.” This is where you actually get in the car, explain the features, and take a short trip while filming it all. A virtual test drive can be a great way to showcase your car without the need for someone to come and ride in it themselves.
Know Your Audience
The way that you market your vehicle has a lot to do with your pool of potential buyers. If you have an expensive used car, then your target buyer is going to be different than if you are selling a 30 year old car that barely runs. Tailor your ad and content to the people who you think are most likely to be interested in buying your car. You also have the option to contact a car buying service instead of selling to a private party. These services are buying up cars nationwide – both junk cars and used cars. This can be a great option if you need to sell your car quickly or if you have a vehicle that might be difficult to sell otherwise.
Conclusion
If you have a vehicle you need to sell, make sure you follow these tips to help put the most money in your pocket. These steps will not take much of your time, and the results you see from them will be well worth it. Assess your vehicle, know your audience, and showcase your car in the best light possible. You will be able to sell your car in no time, and you will be able to get top dollar for it!
Leave a Reply