ALT-1 Selling your Car
Anyone can successfully sell a car if they pay attention to a few simple details. The process itself is somewhat methodical and is covered in many publications. Getting the best price is hidden in the tactics gleaned from insiders: Used car sales people.
People buy a car with their eyes. Have the vehicle professionally detailed including a high quality polish and wax. The engine compartment and trunk are just as important as the outside. Most buyers know nothing about the mass of machinery and wires under the hood. Dirt, grime, leaves, branches and small animals will ward off all but the bargain hunter. Speak to your detailer about adding an accent pinstripe and door edge moldings. The stripes will add a distinctive look and the molding will hide those unsightly, and common, edge chips.If there are any worn rubber pieces, such as the brake or clutch pedal, replace them. Most can be had from aftermarket auto parts stores. Dealers and specialty catalogs will have them at slightly higher prices. Think about installing new or replacing worn floor mats as well. If the upholstery is threadbare commensurate with the age of the car, you might get away with leaving it alone. Seat covers are an inexpensive alternative. Many styles and colors are available online and through the auto parts stores. Visible signs of wear equal abuse, something the buyer will notice and avoid. Don't overlook the tires. No matter what you say, the prospective buyer will think there is something wrong if there is excessive wear on the tires. A set of inexpensive skins will allay any fears about serious mechanical problems.Throw a Hail Mary pass. Offer the serious buyer an opportunity to take the car to the mechanic of their choice for a pre-sale inspection. If something serious enough to blow the sale is discovered, offer to pay for the inspection. If it passes inspection, they have the honor of paying for the service. This tactic will display your confidence. The worst thing you can do is say "I don't know", when asked about a perceived problem. To insure their sincerity, draw up all of your sale documents subject to the inspection, take a deposit and you drive the car to the shop. In this way, you still control the vehicle but you have a contract so they can't back out without good reason.The other part of a successful sale is attitude: Don't seem desperate to sell (unless you really are and then all bets are off). Have you ever noticed how the used car salesman will make the car seem unobtainable when they have an interested buyer? It is a lot like fishing with a lure: The more the "bait" moves out of their reach, the harder they bite. This does not work with looky-loos. Once the prospect starts asking a lot of questions, takes a test drive and asks more questions, they are on the bait.
The final advice is to remember the first tip: People buy a car with their eyes and heart. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of identical new cars, but only one like yours. The simplest tweaks to the look of the vehicle will grab your buyer.
