5 Tips To Get The Most Value When You Sell Your Car to a Dealer

For many people today, a car is much more than a mode of transportation.  It can be an essential tool for work, a tranquil sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of modern life, or a labor of love to keep one busy.  Like a good friend, it’s easy to emphasize the strengths and downplay the flaws in the automobile you’ve gotten to know well.  But when it comes time to sell your car, it is important to know that the prospective buyer will not be as sentimental about your ‘baby’ as you are.  However, there are a few things you can do in preparation to help ensure you get the most when you do sell your used car to a dealer.

1. Clean and Inspect

A dirty vehicle may not be a bad one, but first impressions matter!  Get a professional detailing or bust out the old soap and bucket, but make sure your car is as clean as possible before taking it in to sell.  Don’t forget the wax!  It’s also easier to inspect a clean car for any damage or imperfections.  

2. Repair and Document 

Make sure to drive it and note any performance problems.  Depending on what you find during the inspection, you now have a chance to repair it before you sell your car.  Minor damage like small dents or scratches can usually be fixed fairly easily and/or cheaply, as can topping up fluids and replacing bad light bulbs. If the problem is more serious, document the issue with clear photos and inform the dealer. You may be getting less than a perfect vehicle would fetch, but they can usually repair it for a lot less than you could!

3. Compile Documentation

Gather up all the paperwork you have on your car, including title, registration, and service history.  Regularly maintaining your vehicle will help it keep more value for longer.  Dealers usually have access to history reports, so you don’t need to include one.

4. Include Accessories and Extras

Make sure you bring any and all accessories and duplicate/extra items associated with the car.  Spare key?  Bring it.  Memory card for the navigation system?  Bring it.  Additional features can add to the value of your car, but a dealer won’t count it unless the feature is complete.

5. Determine Value

The more research you do before you head to the dealer to sell your car, the better positioned you will be to get a good price.  Check the Blue or Black book value, as well as the asking price for similar cars for sale.  Being informed and honest about the condition of your car are extremely important to determining the value you can expect for it.  Step into the negotiating room with a specific number in mind, and start negotiating!

Selling your car to a dealer can be easy or hard, but it should never be intimidating.  Doing a little preparation, presenting a clean, well-maintained, and properly documented car, and knowing what it is worth can give you the resources and confidence to negotiate the best price you can.  If you are in the Concord, Huntsville, or Charlotte area, Hendrick Toyota Concord can help make the process of selling your car even easier!