This is a very important part of the process of selling your car. The main purpose here is to get cars to look and feel as new as possible with little investment so that customers feel comfortable paying a higher asking price. The grooming process makes it easier for buyers to transition to their new pre-owned car and hence increases your chances of getting your asking price. Let’s check out some tips to get your car to look as new as possible:
1. Remove stickers and other personal belongings or accessories
Before selling your car, make sure to remove all bumper stickers and interior stickers, and unpair all Bluetooth devices. We just mean that it is best to make the new buyer feel like the car is their own and not pre-owned. That way, the transition for them is smoother and they will be less likely to haggle. Plus, sticker and adhesive removers are cheap, costing approximately $10, so it's super easy. If your car is in high demand in its stock state, it is best to remove any or all modifications and replace them with OEM stock parts. Before altering your vehicle, it is best to keep the standard parts on hand in case the vehicle gets in demand.
2. Get your mechanic to inspect the vehicle
The next step is to have the vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic. An inspection by a well-known local mechanic can raise your asking price. A standard inspection should include mechanical and safety inspections and the usual cost is between $100 and $250.It's also a good idea to mention any serious mechanical issues during the sale to avoid problems later. A mechanic's inspection sheet can be added to your list of documents and used at the time of sale.
3. First Aid Kit, Toolkit, and a Spare tire:
Possessing all of the accessories provided by the OEM when you purchased the vehicle can add value. These factors indicate the level of care paid to the vehicle throughout ownership. Having a complete first aid kit, toolkit, and a functional spare tire can increase the vehicle’s value since it reduces the workload of the next owner. Extra keys and the owner's manual can also be valuable here. You can get a first aid kit and a jack with the toolkits for about $60.
4. Taillamps and Headlamps
If the lights function well, the value of the car increases because it reduces the amount of trouble the buyer has to go through. You can get bulbs according to the manufacturer’s specifications for under $50 apiece. With the help of the owner’s manual, this could be a DIY (Do It Yourself) job. Clean the glass cover as well, just for the final touch.
5. Fix Dents and Scratches
So let's get your car looking like new again! And how do we go about doing so? Good news: you can get dent fixers and scratch removers online for a total of $70 on average. You can fix it in a couple of hours on the weekend or after work and be done! It makes the car more appealing and raises the price.
6. Floor mats and carpets:
Floor mats and carpets are covered with years of dust and dirt and are some of the interior bits that are overlooked the most.
- If your old mats are washable, wash them.
- If they aren't, you can order replacement all-weather mats online based on your vehicle's specifications.
- Vacuum the carpets as well.
- You can also clean and polish the interior to make the car feel as new as possible.
New mats and an interior polish will cost under $70, and you can use the polish on your new car later on.
7. Deodorize the interior
A lot of new buyers are put off by the interior scent, especially if you smoke in the car. You can get an electronic deodorizer for $25 to get all the smell out of the car. You can go one step ahead and get a “New Car Smell” spray for about $10 to $12, which can improve the buyers’ experience when they inevitably come to inspect the vehicle.
8. Cleaning the exterior
You can get your car detailed for $80 - $300 depending on the vehicle size and the state you live in. The detailing process often involves cleaning and polishing both the interior and exterior and can uplift the look of your car. You can either wash your car yourself or take it to a car wash. However, you’ll have to do the 6th step yourself as well. Make sure that you wash the wheels and wheel wells, including the mudflaps.
Also read: How to Take Best Photos Before Selling Your Car
Doing these things can improve the ownership experience of the new owner, which means that you can increase your asking price. You’ll be spending around $300-$500 but you can increase your asking price by twice the amount with relative ease. Please keep in mind that the decision to perform more expensive grooming processes such as Mechanic Inspection and/or Car Detailing should be based on the condition of your car. If your car is really old and the steps mentioned above will barely make a difference, it is not a worthwhile investment. However, if your car only needs some cosmetic maintenance and has the potential to look nearly unused, then you should consider these steps.
