How to Prep Your Car for Sale to a Dealer

How to Prep Your Car for Sale to a Dealer: Maximize Your Offer

Selling your car to a dealer is a convenient way to get cash fast, but preparing your vehicle properly can help you maximize the offer you receive. Investing a small amount of time and effort initially can lead to significantly better outcomes. If you're looking to sell your car at Upper Valley Auto Mart in White River Junction, Vermont, here are some key steps you should take to ensure your vehicle looks its best and is ready for appraisal:
1. Clean the Exterior: A Good Wash and Wax - First impressions matter. 

A clean car shows the dealer that you've taken care of it. Give your vehicle a thorough wash, removing dirt, debris, and grime. After washing, apply a coat of wax to bring out the shine and protect the paint. This step can make a difference when your car is inspected, as it shows that you've maintained the exterior well.

2. Tidy Up the Interior: Less Clutter, More Appeal

Dealers are more likely to offer a competitive price for a car that looks well-maintained inside and out. Start by removing all personal belongings, trash, and clutter from your vehicle. Vacuum the seats, floor mats, and dashboard. Wipe down surfaces and clean out compartments. A clean interior gives the impression of a well-kept vehicle, which may boost your offer.

3. Fix Small Repairs: Address Minor Issues

While you don't need to make major repairs, handling small fixes can increase your car's value. Replace burned-out light bulbs, fill any low fluid levels, and fix minor cosmetic issues, such as small scratches or dents. These quick repairs can be effective during appraisal, as they show the dealer the car is in good condition.

4. Gather Essential Paperwork: Be Prepared

Having all your paperwork in order will streamline the sale process and build trust with the dealer. Make sure to bring the following:

  • Current registration to verify the registered owner of the vehicle and to verify the vehicle is registered, so that it can be evaluated and driven if necessary.
  • Vehicle title if you have it, as this will be needed to transfer ownership.
  • If your vehicle has an outstanding auto loan balance, bring a copy of the most recent or upcoming bill from the finance company. This bill should show the account number and provide contact details for obtaining a loan payoff amount.  Our dealership will be able to assist you with completing the paperwork necessary to have the loan paid off and the title forwarded to the dealership.
A complete history of your vehicle, including maintenance records and receipts for recent repairs or upgrades, reassures the dealer that the car has been well-maintained. This can also help you receive a better offer.

5. Conduct a Final Inspection: A Fresh Set of Eyes

When you see your vehicle every day, it's easy to overlook some issues. Ask a friend, neighbor, or family member to give your car a once-over. Sometimes, someone who doesn't drive your car regularly can notice small problems that you might miss. This external perspective could help you spot and fix anything before heading to the dealership.

6. Check Tire Condition: Ensure Safe Driving

Tires play a crucial role in your car's overall condition and resale value. Inspect your tires for tread depth and wear. If they are in poor condition, consider replacing them if you have another set in storage that you have bought for summer or winter driving and probably won't need if you your vehicle.

7. Remove Personal Data: Clear Electronics

Vehicles today come with built-in infotainment systems that store personal data such as phone contacts, navigation history, and saved addresses. Be sure to reset the system and erase any personal data before turning in your car. This is important for privacy and ensures the next owner won't have access to your information.  This should include checking your glove box to make sure any paperwork with personally identifiable information is removed.

8. Find your Owner's Manual, 2nd set of keys and wheel lock key.

With spare keys costing upwards of $300 in some of today's vehicles, it is important to get all your keys together when having an offer made on your vehicle.  If not, a dealer will be contemplating the cost of getting a second key for the next purchaser away from their offer.  Having the owner's manual will also save the expense of the dealer having to buy another manual for the car.  If you car has locking lug nuts for the wheels, it is critical to make sure that key is in the glove box so the dealer can see they won't have the expense of removing the locking lug nuts and replacing them with matching factory lug nuts.

By following these tips, you'll be better prepared when selling your car. Taking a little time to prep your vehicle can result in a smoother transaction and help you get the best possible offer.  Have questions, stop by our team at Upper Valley Auto Mart has bought hundreds of vehicles for cash and would be happy to help you figure out the best way to maximize your vehicles value.  If you are looking to sell your car for cash, we are buying, give us a call today or start the process with our on-line valuation tool.