People often have stories to tell about their cars. Maybe it journeyed with them for thousands of miles, or they might have a vintage model they’re proud of.
But some people need to sell their vehicles as time goes on. Is your Ferrari as valuable as one you saw up for auction? Some of your habits may affect your rare car’s price tag.
1. Damage
The first point is obvious: any damage will diminish your car’s value. Chips, scratches, and worn tires all decrease the value of your vehicle. It may even be illegal to drive with a chipped windshield!
Get the necessary repairs for your car before trying to sell it.
2. Mileage
Mileage also decreases the value of your vehicle. Like trading cards and comic books, any sign of wear will dent the price tag on your car. But mileage is more like your car showing its age. You should view a valuable car with a lot of miles with the same skepticism as a 2-year-old hamster.
That said, caveat emptor if you see a car with low mileage at a price that seems way too affordable. Don’t just check the mileage; ask about service records as well.
3. Paint Colour
Suppose you want to sell a blue car. That shouldn’t be a big deal, right? But any color aside from black, white, or grey is more likely to sell. It will also not depreciate as much as, say, a car painted gold.
4. Poor Maintenance
Along with making sure your car does not have noticeable damage, any car you wish to sell should be clean and otherwise well-maintained. The tires should match, the interior should be free of dirt and stains, and so on.
If you smoke, a non-smoker can tell from your car immediately. Make sure your car is clean before you sell it.
5. Customizations
As a rule, custom cars are designed for one person’s tastes. Customizations range from bumper stickers to exotic paint jobs. Aesthetic modifications that are exactly what someone wanted may not be suitable for the wider market. Beyond that, internal modifications decrease the chance that someone will be able to work on your vehicle.
There are a few exceptions to customizations that will not dent your car’s value. For example, added safety features on a car that would not otherwise have them might increase interest in your vehicle. Older cars with modern comforts are also pretty safe to sell.
6. Expectations
This is the hardest, most complex idea because it is the least predictable. The expectations of your car will vary with the kind of car it is, the exact model, and even your location! But here are a few to keep in mind:
- Think local. If your car has the right tires for a snowy road in Canada, you should probably sell it to other people who drive on those roads.
- Consider what people want out of your car. If your car is a luxury vehicle and the leather is peeling off of the seats, see an upholsterer to get that fixed before trying to sell it.
- Know your audience. Has someone been eying your car? Will you be selling to a used car dealer, or will your vehicle be going up for auction?
- Keep your maintenance records. Even if people are expecting a damaged vehicle, they will want to know that it’s lived a long, well-cared-for life.
Conclusion
It is important to take good care of your car if you need to sell it. The better condition your car is in, the more people will want it. Remove all scents, dirt, and bumper stickers from your car to make it more appealing.
But most importantly, show how well you have cared for your car over the years. Maybe the buyer will love it just as much as you did!
