How to prepare your car for sale

There has never been a better time to sell your unused car. The secondhand car market in Australia is experiencing sky-high prices due to several factors, and it won’t be slowing down anytime soon. Some of these factors include a global shortage in microchips slowing down the global supply chain, mixed with increased demand due to the pandemic.

With that said, if you’ve got a vehicle sitting idle in your garage, now is the time to put it on the market. And just like with anything in life, first impressions count. Preparing your car for sale will go a long way in terms of securing the best payment, so here’s a step-by-step guide of what you should do.

STEP 1. TIDY YOUR CAR

First things first, empty your car of all unnecessary items. This includes car seats, especially if it’s still in an infant’s carry box, mats and spoilers. You want to clean away any stains on the seats and carpets, and make sure that the dashboard is free from scratches too.

STEP 2. GET IT SERVICED

Ensure that your car is in tip-top shape, as this will give the impression that you are trying to sell a vehicle in a clean and flawless condition. Go for an oil change, as well as an air filter check. If your car needs additional services, now would be the time to do it. On top of getting your roadworthy certificate, getting your vehicle serviced by your local mechanic will show prospective buyers that you’ve taken good care of the vehicle, in-turn increasing its re-sale value.

STEP 3. GET THE INTERIOR DONE

Now that your car’s been taken for a spin, it’s time to get the interior done. This is where you’ll want to show off your fine taste in either leather or fabric upholstery, fancy electronics like a built-in GPS and XM radio, etc. Lastly, you’ll want to keep the windows clean and your interior smelling fresh.

STEP 4. GET THE OUTSIDE DONE

The next step in preparing your car for sale is to get the exterior done right. You’ll want to keep it spic-and-span as this is the first thing that people will see. Bring out the shine with a cut and polish, and make sure you don’t forget the door jambs!

STEP 5. TAKE PHOTOS OF YOUR CAR

Now that everything is in tip-top shape, it’s time to take pictures of your car to put on the website. You should have a wide shot of your car as well as some close-ups so people can see the details, such as the air filters and engine. Once you’ve done that, it’s time to put the vehicle up for sale and wait for the inquiries to come through!