“Do I accept the first offer put down, or do I hold out for a higher bid?” These are the most pressing concerns on your mind when trying to sell your car. Whether you are selling privately, trading your car in or selling your vehicle through an online platform – your primary goal is to recoup the most cash you can for your second-hand vehicle.
We all have that magic (cash) number that we want to put towards a new set of wheels. But the truth is, to get the maximum trade return on your used vehicle, you need to reverse a few lanes back and get your car into gear well before you sell.
Here are a few tips to ensure that you hold all the right cards at the negotiating table, to successfully sell your car for more.
#1 Check your tyres
A burst tyre or a puncture is not the only indication that your car’s tyres are not up to scratch. Even the slightest misalignment can lead to further problems over time.
The tread depth (depth of the tyre’s rubber that is in direct contact with the road) also needs to be a minimum of 1.6mm deep – not only to meet SA legal requirements but also to ensure a constant and smooth grit on the roads. Not looking after your tyres by checking them regularly can have catastrophic consequences. Look after them in the same way you would your nails!
#2 Take your Dashboard Warning Lights Seriously
Low engine oil pressure, faulty airbags, brake warnings and many more – these are not just fancy colour displays on your car’s dashboard! These warning lights – triggered by sensors – give the average driver an important indicator that a certain element of your car’s core functionality is not right. It also gives you a temporary window of opportunity to have these faults examined by a professional before major damage is incurred. When trying to sell your car that comes with a warning light, you can be guaranteed that this will be scrutinised, and may end up putting a major dent in your final selling price.
#3 Clean your car – thoroughly and regularly
Coffee spills on the regular commute to work, a flying popcorn show in the backseat, or going all ‘Peppa Pig’ through muddy puddles on off-road trips. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
Keeping your car in spotless condition, both on the inside and outside can sometimes feel like a full-time job. However, don’t wait until just before you sell your car to give it a major clean. If you haven’t done so already, adopt a New Year’s resolution – all year round – to take your car for a regular weekly wash (or rope in the kids). To ensure that our car is in showroom condition, consider scheduling a full valet at least once every 6 months.
#4 Keep your Service Record Tight and Thorough
Your vehicle’s service record is not just a fancy guideline to keep your car prim and proper at regular intervals. It is a vital logbook that documents the entire service history of your vehicle and serves as tangible proof that your car has been taken care of, throughout its lifetime. When the time comes to sell your car, being able to hand over a comprehensive service record will work in your favour in getting the maximum cash return.
#5 Simply Drive well
The last point of this checklist goes without saying – “drive well and you will sell well.” Once the original vehicle leaves the showroom, the depreciation calculator has already kicked in. Your best method to keep depreciation in check and make back as much money as you can when you need to sell your car is to continually drive well. That means maintaining good driving habits; gentle use of brakes, navigating turns and parking, and even taking regular eye tests to ensure that your vision is up to scratch. By embodying these top five tips, the rest should take care of itself.
A car is a significant investment, and you will be hopeful of retaining its full market value when the time eventually comes to sell. If you are looking for a safe and swift method to trade it in, look no further than an online platform where you can sell your car for the highest cash price. Because when you’ve gone to all the trouble of looking after your car well, you deserve to sell your car for more.