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When selling a car, we are interested in getting as much money as possible. There may be hundreds of vehicles like ours on the market, so buyers will always keep in mind the maximum and minimum price at which a particular model trades.
When selling a used car, it is essential to know the strategies to increase its value and get the best possible price. If you are thinking of selling your used car and don’t want to deal with the typical buyer who haggles hundreds of euros every time they see a flaw, here are a few tips so you can get the most out of the sale:
Repair minor flaws
Fixing minor flaws in the car can make a big difference in its second-hand market value.
Scratches and dents can make a bad impression on potential buyers. Repairing these flaws will significantly improve the vehicle’s appearance. You can purchase scratch repair kits at auto parts stores or online. For larger dents, you may need to visit a body repair shop.
Nor should you skimp on replacing the windshield wipers or polishing the headlights. Ultimately, it would also be interesting to repair wheel rim damage so these defects aren’t glaring.
Improve the overall appearance of the car
The first impression we make on the buyer is key. And here, car cleanliness is paramount. A car that looks clean and well-maintained will make a good impression on potential buyers.
Before showing the car, make sure it is clean both inside and out. If you can give the bodywork a coat of wax, so much the better. This way, it will be spotless.
Prepare a detailed description
It may seem silly, but omitting information or not being transparent can cause the buyer to negotiate with low expectations. An ad that says “Selling Honda Civic 2.2 diesel, 140 hp and 139,000 km for 9,000 euros” is not the same as one described as follows:
Selling a 2009 Honda Civic 2.2 i-CTDi (140 hp) with a diesel engine and 139,000 kilometers. It is in excellent condition and has been meticulously cared for and maintained. All services have been performed at an authorized workshop, following the maintenance schedule recommended by Honda. The car has undergone regular inspections of oil, filters, engine, and other essential components. The clutch was replaced at 125,000 kilometers, and it had a minor defect in the steering system that was also resolved by an official workshop.
Features:
- 2.2 i-CTDi diesel engine with 140 hp, with very low fuel consumption
- 6-speed manual gearbox.
- CD MP3 radio with auxiliary input and steering wheel controls.
- Fabric upholstery in good condition, without stains or wear.
The sale price is 9,000 euros. A test drive is offered to check the condition of the vehicle and verify its excellent performance. The car is located in Madrid, but I can travel to nearby towns by prior arrangement.
Write a detailed description of the car’s features and conditions, including information on the engine, mileage, equipment options, and any improvements you have made. This information will be useful to promote the vehicle and attract more buyers.
Also include your name and a contact method. Any buyer will trust someone who sells a car with an extensive and sincere text more than someone who is brief and only seeks to have the buyer see the car in person.
Do not pay to advertise the car
Advertising can be a useful tool to reach more potential buyers. Platforms like Wallapop allow you to pay a few euros so that the ad reaches more people.
A car that is difficult to sell will make us lose quite a bit of money on ads, resulting in a lower profit margin. In addition, some buyers will be suspicious if they see a featured ad. As a general rule, we only recommend featuring the ad if you are in a big rush to sell.
Take good photos of the vehicle
High-quality photographs can make a big difference in potential buyers’ perception of your car. Make sure to take sharp, well-lit photos that show the vehicle from different angles.
It is not necessary to use a professional camera or call your photography expert friend. Decent photos can be taken with any mobile phone. Simply make sure your car looks in the pictures just like it does in real life. This way, the buyer’s expectations will neither rise nor drop when seeing the car in person.
Nothing to hide? Don’t hide the license plate
It is usually very common to cover the license plate in photos. You can do it for privacy, but you will also lose good buyers if you do.
If the license plate number is visible, the buyer can check the online history with CARFAX and other alternatives. If you want to hide the license plate, but don’t mind someone paying to see the history, make it clear in the ad text. Indicate that if someone wants to see the history, you can give them the plate number or even provide the report.
All these tips will allow you to get the maximum amount of money for your used car, as well as reach buyers who will be willing to spend a little more money on a car, as long as it meets their expectations and requirements.