Can I sell my car for more? Here’s 10 ways to maximise the resale value of your car
“I want to sell my car for more money.”
Don’t we all. We all want to do the same but where should we begin? The answer is that selling your car for more cash starts long before you put it up for sale. Let’s go right back to the start.
Buying a car make and model that will hold its value best is a smart move. But even this is just a piece of the ‘sell my car for more’ puzzle.
Here are 10 ways you can maximize your car’s resale value once you’ve bought it.
1. Keep your car’s records
Don’t throw out your maintenance records. That way you will have proof that the maintenance was always done regularly and on time.
2. Keep your car’s original colour
Don’t paint your car lime green – neutral colours are always more in demand and never go out of style. Generally speaking, lighter cars (i.e. silver, white) are more popular in hotter climates, like Northern Territory and Queensland, and darker cars (black, dark blue) are more common in cooler climates, like Victoria.
3. Keep up the maintenance on your car
Make sure to do regular maintenance on your car, and keep all the receipts for the record. This will not only increase the resale value of your car, but it will also keep it at optimal performance while you own it.
4. Replace your car’s tyres
When it comes to your tyres, it is better to replace all four at once rather than 2 at a time, and have them rotated and balanced on a regular basis. This will increase tread life, keep your car running more smoothly, and cause less wear & tear on other parts. Make sure all 4 are matching when time comes to sell your car – mismatching tyres are not only hazardous, but will also decrease the car’s resale value.
5. Clean & wax your car regularly
When the car looks like it has been kept clean, it will also give the impression that it has been maintained well in other areas too. Wash and wax the car on a regular basis – it will cost you much less than having an extensive detail job done right before selling it.
6. Clean up after your kids
If you have kids, have your car professionally cleaned before selling it. Chances are, you will have food and drink stains or melted plastic toys in unexpected places, which will reduce the desirability of your used car.
7. Have your car inspected by a mechanic
You can then decide if you want to fix any problems or sell the car as is. Sometimes, putting in $1000 worth of repairs can raise the car’s resale value by as much as $2000. Either way, being aware of any mechanical problems your car might have will help you understand its realistic value.
8. Avoid customising your car
Generally speaking, any modifications will decrease your car’s resale value. This is because a customised car is a niche vehicle – not everyone wants that special suspension system you installed. If you do any customization, stick to non-invasive additions, like new wheels or a stereo that won’t require you to cut up the dashboard. Always keep all the original parts. When time comes to selling the used car, strip all the custom modifications and reinstall the original parts.
9. Avoid posting videos of your car online
Most people don’t realise this, but a potential buyer might Google your name and car model before buying it. If there are any videos on Youtube of you doing something messy to your car, racing, getting into an accident, or getting arrested in your vehicle, it may deter potential buyers.
10. Avoid road accidents
Any collision history will decrease the resale value of your car. A trained used car appraiser will know when your car has had collision repairs, even if you don’t mention it. If you do get into an accident, use a repair shop with experience and a good reputation, and insist they use original manufacturer parts.
When you are ready to sell your car, fill out our enquiry form to find out how much your car is worth. We’ll proice your car quickly and you’ll have it sold even quicker.
At least some things in life are easy!
