Selling Your Car? Do this to Make the Most Money

Preparing your current vehicle to sell is a lot like going on a first date; you want to do what you can to make a great first impression. To get the most money from a vehicle sale, it’s worth investing some time to make prospective buyers feel love at first sight without any red flags. With that in mind, we’ve gathered some tips to help you sell your car for top-dollar.

Fix any minor issues

Start by fixing any mechanical issues, however small. Do the windshield wipers work? Do the power windows roll down? How about those lights? Are any out and in need of replacement? These are easy fixes that could break the sale or reduce your final offer.

Change oil and top off fluids

Change oil and top off other fluids, like the windshield washer fluid and power steering fluid. Those smaller details can provide prospective buyers an immediate sense of value and assurance that you have taken great care of your vehicle.

Quiet noisy brakes

If a test drive reveals brake noise, chances are the deal is off before it begins. AMSOIL Brake and Parts Cleaner quickly removes contaminants from brake pads and rotors with no major disassembly required.

Consider buying new tires

While somewhat expensive to replace, tire tread and wear are among the first things car buyers look for. If your tires are near the end of their life, new tires can increase the value significantly.

Wash your vehicle

Now that you’ve dealt with any mechanical issues, it’s time to make it shine. A clean and fresh-feeling vehicle is essential to make a positive impression. AMSOIL Car Care products make it easy.

AMSOIL High Foam Car Shampoo is hard on dirt and gentle on coatings and finishes. Its pH-neutral formulation delivers powerful cleaning action without harming coatings and finishes. Unique, hybrid technology of surfactants, cleaning agents and degreasers provides optimal foaming action to lubricate surfaces and lift and carry away contaminants.

Make it shine

After your vehicle is clean, you’ll want to maximize its shine to wow any potential buyers. AMSOIL Ceramic Spray contains the latest SiO2 ceramic technology to repel water, enhance gloss, reduce water spotting and cut drying time. It protects painted and plastic surfaces against the elements for up to 12 months with a simple spray-on, wipe-off application.

Refresh the interior

Get inside your vehicle with a shop-vac and go to work cleaning up all the evidence of your kids, dogs and bad habits. AMSOIL Interior Detailer restores like-new luster with no greasy residue. It’s free from dyes, films and silicone, and is safe on all surfaces, including plastic, trim, dashes and displays.

Clean windows and mirrors

Use a quality glass cleaner on both the inside and outside window surfaces. AMSOIL Glass Cleaner is excellent at this task, removing grease and grime quickly with no streaks or haze.

Degrease the engine

Want to go the extra mile? Open the hood and shine up the engine with AMSOIL Engine Degreaser. A clean engine will provide confidence in the vehicle’s mechanical condition.

Take eye-catching photos

Capture images just before sunset or sunrise to get the best lighting. Watch for distracting reflections on the finish. If you can, find a good location that removes distractions from the background.

Know your value

Whether you’re taking it to a dealership or selling it privately, know your vehicle’s value and be prepared to negotiate.

Kelly Blue Book is the standard for determining value, but be realistic as to the vehicle’s condition. Don’t list your car at “excellent” pricing when it’s more on the “good” side of the spectrum. You can be sure your potential buyer is researching this number, too.

Check online for comparable listings in your area to ensure you’re in line with the going rate.

Ready the paper trail

Before you list your vehicle, have the title, maintenance records and any relevant paperwork ready. The last thing you want is an offer before you’ve had time to locate the items necessary to close the deal.

A win-win deal

Following these tips should reward you with a nice payout when you sell your car. Your vehicle’s next owner will also drive off happy with their new-to-them vehicle.