Everyone wants to get the most money possible when selling a car, so we thought we’d share our top tips on improving your car’s value before putting it on the market. With significant delays in the arrival of new cars in Australia, the secondhand vehicle market is going strong. Many people are looking for the best secondhand cars available, so it’s worth putting in a little extra effort to reap the rewards.
We want you to get the most money possible for your vehicle, so we put together a list of tips that will help you sell your car for a higher price and in a timely fashion.
Having all your documentation in order is critical when selling your vehicle. Buyers want to know as much as possible about the car before making an offer, so if possible, have the following ready for viewing:
• Registration Validity
• Logbook service history
• Warranty information (if still under warranty)
• Proof of ownership
• Any owing finance.
Each state has slightly different rules around what information sellers must provide, so check quickly to see the rules in New South Wales. If you don’t have a copy of your vehicle service history handy, you can always try asking your mechanic to provide one. Most service centers can print your records if you have consistently serviced your vehicle. The more information you can provide upfront, the higher the likelihood of selling your car.
No one wants to take a dirty, crumbed-filled car full of takeaway wrappers and stains out for a test drive. Investing in a thorough clean inside and out can bring new life into even the oldest used cars. Bright shiny surfaces inside and sparkling windows and tyres can increase the resale value of your vehicle and help it sell faster.
Real estate agents often advise their clients to remove personal items and clutter from their homes to help sell faster; the same goes for your car. While you may love that bobblehead on the dashboard and the funny bumper sticker, they can put off prospective buyers. Empty your vehicle of personal items and check under the seats and boot for anything you might’ve forgotten.
Don’t be afraid to lift the bonnet and remove any loose leaves, dirt, and dust from the engine bay. This will often be the first thing someone looks at – even if they know nothing about cars.
While you might be reluctant to spend any money on a car you’re planning on selling, fixing up minor issues can pay dividends in the long run. Check your tyres as these are one of the first things many prospective buyers will check – and if the tyres look even a little shabby, they will ask you to deduct the cost of new tyres from the purchase price.
A quick service and roadworthy check will put prospective buyers at ease, knowing they are buying a good used car, not a lemon. A good service centre will go through everything from oil filters, battery checks, brakes, fluids, steering, tyre pressure, suspension, and air filters to ensure everything is up to scratch.
Learn the importance of regular car servicing.
The secondhand market is still going strong. However, it can fluctuate monthly, so if you are happy to wait until demand is high, you can sell for more. And don’t forget that factors like fuel prices can affect possible sales, so if fuel is costly, wait until the cycle has calmed. If you lack the time or energy and wish to sell your car to respected secondhand car dealers in Paramatta like Tony Lahood Motors, try to bring your vehicle in on a quiet day. You can always call us first and let us know you are on your way.
Writing a good listing can significantly improve your sale price. Remember that your listing is the first time a buyer interacts with your vehicle. Ensure your description is enticing and accurate. Offer as much information as you can upfront and get excited about how great the car is. Include as many pictures as possible so your buyers can see your vehicle from every angle.
Take your car to a park, beach, or river, and spend some time getting good photographs. A good location can positively influence prospective buyers. Try to take your photos in the morning or afternoon to get the best lighting possible.
If you’re considering selling your vehicle, now is the perfect time to book your car for any last-minute fixes. Please book online or call us on 02 9748 2344 and speak with one of our friendly staff members.
Our car service centre is conveniently open Monday to Saturday 8 am-4 pm. Find our workshop at 130B Platform, Lidcombe. Our skilled mechanics are experts in servicing, diagnosing, and repairing vehicles and have experience performing repairs on all car makes and models, from minor servicing to major repairs.
Take all the hard work out of selling your car and come straight to us at our Parramatta Road car yards! We make things easy for you when you sell your car to us. We assess your vehicle, give you a genuine offer, and then complete the formalities when you find it suitable.
We’ll take care of the paperwork and settle the deal through a bank cheque, cash, or a bank transfer – whatever you wish. Get in touch with us, and we will handle the rest.
