by Andrew Rohrlich
Selling your car as a private seller can be attractive if you want a higher return than you would get from trading it in. But before you list it for sale, it's important to ensure your car looks attractive and is in good working order. After all, nobody wants to buy a car that looks worn or has mechanical problems.
In this guide, you'll find out why it's worth repairing and maintaining your car before selling it privately. You'll also learn the repairs and maintenance tasks you complete to ensure your car is ready to sell.
Is It Worth Fixing Your Car Before Selling It?
Selling a car can be a daunting process. You want to make sure you get as much money as possible for your vehicle, but repairs and upkeep can be expensive. So is it worth fixing your car before putting it on the market? The answer is usually yes. Here's why:
Repairs Can Increase Your Vehicle's Value
If you have been diligent about maintenance on your car, chances are that any necessary repairs will be minor. If you make these minor repairs, you could increase the value of your vehicle by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. This is especially true if the repair has something to do with safety, such as a broken headlight or worn-out tires.
People who buy cars want to know that they are getting something safe and reliable, and addressing any safety issues can go a long way toward making potential buyers feel secure in their purchases.
Repairs Can Make Your Car Easier To Sell
Making repairs on your car before selling it can also make it easier to find a buyer. After all, no one wants to buy a car that requires extensive work and maintenance immediately. Prospective buyers may not want to take on the cost of repairing an old vehicle when they could just go out and buy something in better condition instead. Taking care of any needed repairs shows potential buyers that you care about giving them a good product. It makes them more likely to take a chance on buying from you.
Repairs Can Help You Negotiate A Better Price
Making repairs before selling your car can help you negotiate better prices with potential buyers. After all, if someone comes in and sees minor problems that have already been fixed at no cost, this could give them the incentive to pay more for your vehicle than they would for one in a worse condition requiring further work or attention after the purchase. Making small investments in your car now could mean bigger returns later.
Repairs and Maintenance To Do Before Selling Your Car
So you've decided it's worth spending some money on fixing your car before selling. Here are some key repairs and maintenance tasks you should consider to get the most value for your vehicle:
Wash and Detail Your Car
Before making any repairs or maintenance, take the time to give your car good washing and detailing. This will help it look its best when potential buyers come to check it out. Make sure to clean the interior and exterior of your car, including vacuuming the seats and carpets, wiping the dash, wiping down all hard surfaces, potentially waxing the paint, and cleaning the windows inside and out.
Replace Broken Headlights
Visible body damage, such as broken headlights, can significantly impact your car's price. You want to convince potential buyers that the car is worth its price tag. Replace any burned-out headlamps, signal, and brake lights with new ones. Sellers often forget or overlook the importance of replacing broken and burned-out lights.
Most used car buyers know they are buying a car that someone has been using for a long time. Such buyers often look for the slightest red flags suggesting that you haven't been maintaining the car regularly and negotiate for lower prices. Replacing any broken or burned headlights prevents one of the possible indications of a neglected car.
Change or Refill Fluids
Routine maintenance is an integral element of keeping your car in good shape. Your prospective buyer wants to be sure that you've been maintaining your car regularly by changing and replenishing the fluids. One way to assure them that you didn't overlook this crucial step is by changing and refilling fluids before putting the vehicle on sale. Common fluids that require change and refill include;
- Coolant. Refill the coolant to prevent overheating.
- Transmission fluid. Change or replenish the transmission fluid to ensure smooth shifts.
- Brake and clutch fluids. Replace these fluids from time to time as they become contaminated with water, air, and particles which can damage your car's braking system.
- Windshield Washer. Refill the windshield washer reservoir regularly to keep your windows clean and clear.
Fix Windshield and Power Windows
The windshield and power windows are highly noticeable features that most prospective buyers will grumble about should they be damaged or broken. Therefore, fixing the windshield and power windows are important repairs to complete before selling your car.
This will also help you get a better price because it eliminates any potential need for costly auto glass replacement or window motor repair.
Oil Change
An oil change is key for keeping engines running smoothly over time. Plus, it helps keep cars running efficiently and safely during test drives. Get an oil change right before putting your car up for sale so potential buyers know they won't have to worry about this anytime soon after purchase.
Replace Tires (If Needed)
If the tires aren't in good condition, you should replace them. Otherwise, they can lead to unsafe conditions while driving in different weather conditions (rainy weather = slippery roads). Before selling your car, you should always check the treads and replace them if worn or less than the recommended tread depth.
This is an easy way to make your car look better and improve safety for the next owner. If they're still in fairly good shape, consider getting them rotated and balanced to make sure they last. Also, ensure they're properly inflated — this can improve gas mileage and reduce wear and tear.
Fix Cosmetic Imperfections
Touching up minor cosmetic imperfections can make all the difference when selling privately. A simple paint job touch-up or wax job can show your care for detail and help maximize your return. Especially for high-value cars, buyers are looking for well-maintained vehicles in optimal condition.
Therefore, fixing up some of these cosmetic nicks will not only boost resale value but also inspire confidence from potential buyers in choosing your car as one of their top contenders.
Minor Engine Maintenance
Before showing potential buyers your car, you should make sure the engine is in good shape. A small investment in motor oil and filters can go a long way in presenting a car that runs like new. It helps to check your dipstick every couple of weeks to ensure that the level and quality of oil still fall within the manufacturer's recommended levels, and replace it if needed.
This simple step looks after metal surfaces, helps keep engine parts lubricated, removes contaminants from the fuel, and reduces wear and tear on internal engine parts — prolonging their life and improving their performance.
It also serves to give prospective purchasers confidence in their purchase. Consult with a certified mechanic to check if other engine maintenance or repairs are necessary for the vehicle.
Car Ready To Sell? Here's What's Next
Privately selling your car can be a great way to get the most money for your vehicle. However, it's important to make sure it is in top condition before you list it. Taking the time to do repairs and maintenance on your car before putting it up for sale can help you get more money and ensure that whoever purchases your car gets a reliable vehicle.
To increase the value of your car before you sell, consider washing and detailing the exterior and interior, replacing any broken headlights, changing or refilling fluids like transmission fluid or brake fluid, fixing windshields and power windows, getting an oil change, replacing tires if needed, fixing cosmetic imperfections such as scratches or dents, and doing minor engine maintenance.
Completing these steps before putting it on the market gives you a much better chance of getting the most money for your vehicle and ensuring it will be a safe ride for its new owner.
This article was written by Andrew Rohrlich. As a brand and product marketing expert, Andrew Rohrlich has crafted products, experiences and communications for household names like Gap and for multiple automotive technology businesses. For nearly a decade Andrew has studied automotive retail in depth from a customer point of view and aggregated the industry’s best research, thought leadership and know how to provide credible and important information to auto shoppers and sellers.
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