How to Prepare Your Used Car for Sale

Selling your used car shouldn't be something you do on a whim. In the car industry, a simple repair might translate into thousands of dollars on resale, especially if you are selling to a dealership or trading in. You can count on the fact that the dealership's mechanics are going to check for all these factors, so make sure that you're ahead of the game. If you don't, you might wind up selling your car for much less than it's worth. So before you start passing out flyers, try these simple tasks to prepare your used car for sale.
Exterior Cleaning

The better your car looks, the more it's going to garner in resale value. Start by giving your car a "bath" with soap and water, making sure to scrub dead insects from the front bumper and mud from the fenders. Make sure you get the windshield and all of the other glass features, including your sunroof if you have one.

Next, purchase a bottle of your favorite tire dressing and spend at least four or five minutes on each tire, paying careful attention to the grooves in the tread. Most tires will look like new after a good scrubbing, but make sure to follow the directions on the back of the bottle. Use a stiff brush with an easy-grip handle to make the job easier on your arms and shoulders, and drive the car forward a few inches when you're done to get the rest of the tires.

Interior Cleaning

Just as important as exterior cleaning, you'll need to clean the interior of your used car to prepare it for sale. First, wipe off the dashboard, console, doors and all other vinyl features with a soft, dry rag. Then apply a non-greasy protectant to these areas using a sponge or a clean, soft cloth. Rub the protectant into the vinyl until there aren't any streaks.

You should also take the time to wash and vacuum all of the carpets in your car and condition any of the leather features. Make sure there aren't any crumbs or dirt between or under the seats, and take the time to clean the trunk as well as the back seat. Clean out the glove compartment, the console and any other areas of the car where you might have stored personal items.

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