Expert shares 5 essential tips to get the best price for your used car including toothpaste hack
As the year progresses and we move closer to spring, the prime time to sell your car is just around the corner. Selling a car can feel stressful, especially for first-timers looking to sell their vehicle for the best price. But by neglecting these key fixes, you could be losing out on hundreds of pounds.
With that in mind, Pamela Murdock, a used-car expert at Available Car , shared her advice for sellers looking to shift their vehicle. From repairing scuffs and scratches to replacing missing keys, addressing these issues can increase your car's value.
Murdock said: “Addressing any existing problems before selling a car is essential because it not only increases the vehicle's value but also builds trust with potential buyers.
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“Buyers are more likely to negotiate a lower price if they notice any issues, so fixing them upfront can save you from significant price reductions and help sell the car faster.”
To help Brits get the best deals, Ms Murdock has created a checklist of essential repairs and improvements to make sure your car is in top condition before putting it on the market.
1. Repair any visible damage
By addressing minor dents, scratches, and paint chips you can enhance your car’s exterior appeal and attract more potential buyers.
Repair any chips or cracks in windows or the windshield to prevent safety risks that would deter potential buyers. Clean and polish the wheels, restore cloudy headlights, and fix scuffed rims for a fresh look. If there are minor scratches, toothpaste can remove them, while WD-40 is great for removing old stickers and sap.
What's on the inside counts too! By vacuuming the seats, carpets, and floor mats, and removing stains and odours you can make your car appear and feel brand new.
2. Update your MOT
If there are less than three months left on your MOT you should get a new one. Getting a new MOT not only shows that the car is safe and road-legal, but it also demonstrates to buyers that you’ve taken care of the vehicle and are confident in its condition.
3. Replace any faulty components
Replace any faulty components that could reduce the car's value, as potential buyers often check for these issues before making an offer.
Ensure all dashboard buttons, knobs, and displays are functioning properly and confirm that the air conditioning and heating systems are working as expected.
It is worth getting a professional to perform a car service to check other major components that may not be checked in an MOT, such as engine oil, transmission fluid and brake fluid. They can provide you with receipts or written evidence that your car is in good working condition and ready to be purchased.
4. Maintain important documentation
Making sure you have maintained a comprehensive service history for your car signals to prospective buyers that the vehicle has been well looked after.
Of all documents, the V5C logbook is the most important. If you do find it is missing, you should get a replacement before selling, as not having one can significantly reduce your car’s value.
5. Replace missing keys
Finally, if you’ve lost a set of car keys, it’s essential to replace them before selling your car. Replacements can cost hundreds of pounds, and most buyers will be deterred by the potential expense of sorting this out after purchase.