How to Get the Most Money for Your Used Car

If you’re looking to sell your car, it’s only natural that you should want to get the best price for it. With supply-chain issues causing new cars to have waitlists of up to a year long, there’s never been a better time to make the most of the market and sell your beloved ride.

However, selling your used car can sometimes be difficult, and there’s lots that can happen to your car in its lifetime to depreciate its value. With that being said, there are several steps you can take to get the most money possible for your new car and end up with a pretty penny in your pocket. Here are our tips to keep your vehicle protected and ensure you can sell it for a fair price.

Maintain Tyre Pressure and Fluids

Many drivers neglect to check the oil in the car and stay on top of the air in the tyres, which can have a substantial impact on how smoothly your vehicle operates. On one hand, the oil in your car helps the engine to maintain its peak level, and having the correct tyre pressure will help improve your car’s mileage.

Putting in the effort to regularly check the oil and air pressure of your car tyres is easy and affordable and a solid investment in the value of your car if you choose to sell it. It can stop issues from getting out of hand and requiring expensive repairs or replacements that can chip away at how your car looks and operates.

Keep It Clean

While this might sound like an obvious one, you’d be surprised. With the stress of day-to-day responsibilities and the mess often left behind by kids and pets, it can be hard to keep your car clean and the more your vehicle is neglected, the harder it is to reverse the damage. Body corrosion, faded seats and carpets and stains can all build up over time and make it harder to get a decent price for your car.

Because most people tend to be visual buyers, cosmetic issues can make many potential buyers instantly disregard your car. Try and give your car a thorough cleaning at least twice a year, if not more. If you can afford it, we recommend using professional cleaning services on both the interior and exterior for the best results possible.

Use Rust-Proof Spray

Rust can be a car’s worst enemy, corroding and spreading inside and out. It’s your job as a car owner to avoid rust at all costs, especially if you live in a colder climate and your car is regularly exposed to extreme temperatures in the wintertime. If this applies to you, you should routinely wash your car to remove the salt deposits that can lead to rust in the long run.

If you’re serious about avoiding rust, you can get your car undercoated with a rust-proof spray that will prevent these rust deposits from building up on its frame, fenders and underside of its quarter panels. There are also commercial sprays you can buy to provide affordable and accessible rust protection year-round.

Park Smartly

If you’re lucky enough to have a garage, start parking your car in there if you aren’t already. We all know garages are great for storing old furniture and boxes, but if you want your car to stay looking its very best it needs to be parked inside.

This is especially true if you live in particularly hot or cold climates. Exposure to too much sun can fade its outer surfaces such as its body paint, mouldings and trim. On the other hand, cold temperatures can eat away at a car’s engine and other components it relies on to operate smoothly. A garage can go a long way in helping maintain your vehicle with ease and avoid expensive repairs or cutting the price of your car when you choose to sell it. If you don’t have a garage, try and park in the shade or in covered parking garage near your home.