How to Get the Most Money Out of Your Car
Selling your car is a great way to get the cash you need. Maybe you need to make repairs to your home, or maybe you want to pay off some debts or unexpected medical bills. Maybe you just want to raise the money to buy a new car or to go on a nice vacation.
Selling your car could help you raise thousands of dollars in just a few days or a few weeks. You’ll have few other opportunities to do the same thing.The choices you make when selling your car will have a big impact on how much you get for it. Here are a few things you can do to maximize your sale and make the most of this opportunity:
List in the Classifieds
You might think that the dealership is your best option for selling your car. However, the dealership is likely to lowball you in order to make room for its own profits. After all, the dealership can’t sell a car for the same price it paid for it. Otherwise, it wouldn’t stay in business.
The dealership also can’t sell a car for higher than someone could get on the secondary market.When you sell in the classifieds, you can get the secondary market prices. You don’t have to take a cut by dealing with a middle man. Instead, you keep all the profits yourself.
Get It in Top Shape
No matter where you sell your car, you’ll get more money for it if you get it in top shape. Make any minor engine repairs that are needed, and take care of minor surface issues, such as paint scratches or glass chips. Then detail the car to make the paint job shine and the upholstery look as good as new (or as close to it as possible).
Offer Maintenance Records
The more information you can provide about your car, the more confidence you can offer the buyer. Maintenance records will show buyers that you have taken care of the car well. If you haven’t kept these records, you can reconstruct them by going through old receipts and bank or credit card statements.
If you have a regular mechanic, you can also ask for a printout of the services you have received.Make sure you get the most you can for what may be your most valuable possession. Use these tips to maximize the sale of your car.