Selling your car is more than just handing over the keys. A little preparation can be the difference between a quick, profitable sale and your ad languishing online for months. Think of it as a final pit stop to get your vehicle race-ready for the market.
Follow this easy checklist to ensure your car puts its best wheel forward.
1. Give it some TLC
First things first: grab a bucket, sponge, and a little elbow grease. A clean car says, “I’ve been cared for,” while a dusty, cluttered one says, “Please don’t open the glove box.”
Clear out the boot, check under the seats, and banish those forgotten coffee cups. If you want to go the extra mile, a professional detail will make your car sparkle like it’s auditioning for a commercial.
2. Fix the small stuff
No one expects perfection, but loose fittings, burnt-out bulbs, or a dangling mirror can make buyers nervous. Tighten, top up, and touch up wherever you can.
Tyres looking tired? Replace them if needed, bald tyres are not only unsafe but also a perfect excuse for buyers to haggle down your price.
3. Check the paperwork
Before you list your car, make sure your documents are in order. Depending on where you live, you might need a roadworthy or safety certificate. It’s best to check early, so you don’t get caught in a last-minute scramble.
Also, dig out your service history, receipts, and registration details. A tidy pile of paperwork tells buyers your car has been loved, not neglected.
4. Clear any finance
Still paying off your car loan? No problem, just give your finance provider a call to confirm the payout amount. Buyers will want reassurance that there are no strings (or loans) attached when the car changes hands.
5. Take great photos
Think of your car’s photos as its dating profile! They need to show off their best angles. Find a clean, well-lit spot (morning or late afternoon light works wonders), and snap shots from every key angle: front, rear, interior, boot, and engine bay.
Avoid cluttered backgrounds. Your car deserves the spotlight, not your neighbour’s recycling bins.
6. Write an honest, engaging ad
A good listing balances charm and truth. Highlight the positives, recent servicing, low kilometres, new tyres, but don’t gloss over issues. A little honesty now saves a lot of awkward explaining later.
And remember: buyers can tell when a description sounds too good to be true. A realistic, confident tone wins every time.
7. Set a fair price
Before you decide what your car is worth, do some research. Check what similar cars of the same model and age are selling for. Be realistic, nostalgia adds zero dollars to resale value, even if you and your car have been through a lot together.
8. Play it safe
When meeting potential buyers, keep things public and professional. Bring a friend along for test drives, and never hand over keys until you’ve verified their licence. Trust your gut! If something feels off, it probably is.
Conclusion
Taking these steps doesn’t just prepare your car for sale; it also prepares you for a successful, stress-free transaction. By presenting a clean, honest, and well-documented vehicle, you transform from just another seller into a trustworthy one.
Now you’re ready to list with confidence and find your car the perfect new home. Happy selling!
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