Its satisfying to get top dollar for your car, but its hard to do in a competitive economy and it takes calculated planning. While each and every car has unique opportunity for upgrade, there are some near-universal ways to dramatically increase sale price. Theyre listed below for your benefit. While every situation surely unique, the principle of these ideas should hold true and help you get that desired value back when you part ways with your vehicle.
1. Promote originality
The first thing a potential automobile buyer will do is look up the Kelley Blue Book or base value of their targeted model. Your goal should be to have a car that cant be valued based on stock specifications. You want a car that is exclusive to every other of its type, regardless of how you accomplish it.
If youre selling a 2011 Subaru Outback, you want more than the $15,000 its being asked for on the market because you added window tint and a brand new sound system. These things matter to buyers, and you deserve to get compensated for the work youve done.
The key: The take home here is that in addition to adding original features to your car, you need to make it known to the buyer that the asking price encompasses the improvements youve made. The car is worth more because of the additions and the person buying your car will have a unique model to all others. Youd be surprised how far this type of mindset can go on a sale. Pinpoint anything youve done to the vehicle, and flip it to a positive for the buyer. From there, youll get extra value.
2. Clean it like your kitchen
While this is known, it isnt often executed to the level it needs to be. You need your car to be so clean that people feel uncomfortable in it. This is a perfect example of how you increase sale value. To raise your asking price above what the evaluators say you should be asking, you have to surprise people. Getting a potential buyer to think that your car is cleaner than their last three rentals is a good place to start.
The key: No one wants to buy a dirty car, and no one will ever pay a higher-than-reviewed asking price if a vehicle isnt clean as a whistle. Take your time and make the effort. Itll be worth it because youll recoup extra cash when they drive away.
3. Maintain the machine
Not only do you need to maintain your machine if you want top dollar, but you need to prove it to your buyer. Its a good idea to keep record of all your oil changes, tire rotations and other maintenance. Additionally, it doesnt hurt to verbally highlight any and all preventative measures you took throughout your ownership of the vehicle. If you carried out expensive work on the brakes, simply to make them last longer, share that information.
Part of maintaining your machine is showing a potential buyer that youre the owner they want to trust on their investment. It will make people more comfortable with your increased sale value if you show a paper trail of quality ownership. Theyll trust you, and the car.
The key: Any time someone is purchasing anything used, they want to believe that the owner took care of the possession. You can do this by putting a concerted effort toward the maintenance of your car.
4. Put some new shoes on it
Everyone likes a new pair of shoes, and every car buyer loves new tires. Make the investment and your buyer will be willing to compensate you in return on the sale date. When someone is looking at paying above market value for a car, they want to see legitimate icing on the cake. A brand new set of performance tires can do the trick.
The key: Buying a car with new tires is like buying a house with a new paint job. It just matters. If youre expecting a glittering price, make the tires a legitimate part of the deal.
Automotive sales are a tricky subject, especially when youre asking for higher-than-market price. Promoting originality, cleaning adequately, maintaining the machine and putting new tires on the vehicle will push you over the top and convince a buyer youre worth it.
