Whether you’ve chosen to sell your existing vehicle due to a car upgrade, a change in circumstances or simply to generate some extra cash, consider taking these simple steps if you wish to achieve a quick, smooth and easy sale:
Steps to take before selling:
-Clean the car and make sure it’s fully functional – Clean your car thoroughly and renovate any components that may need sprucing up (such as mirrors, windows, seating and doors) – the appearance of your car can directly correlate with its resale value. Ensure that your car is fully functional and try to conduct any minor repairs before undertaking the next step – this could save you money in the long run.
-Get a car service – Once you’ve identified and fixed any minor issues, take your car to a professional garage or auto repair shop for a full car service. Servicing your car will give you a full picture of your vehicle’s status and help you to ensure that it’s performing at the optimum level – a car service will also expose previously missed functional issues and other problems that could potentially reduce resale value.
-Gather the relevant paperwork – When selling a vehicle in the UK, you must provide the buyer with all of the relevant paperwork associated with the car – this may include receipts from inspections, full service history, your car’s log book, a car history check, proof of purchase and the car handbook. By collecting all of the relevant evidence and paperwork well in advance (and making sure that this is all matching, valid and up to date), you should be able to make a smoother sale.
-Make sure it has the MOT – One of the most crucial pieces of paperwork you’ll be required to provide as a seller is a valid MOT test certificate. Whereas a car service provides an in-depth assessment of your car according to manufacturer guidelines, annual MOTs (which assure that a vehicle is safe and roadworthy) are a legal requirement in the UK.
-Delete all your personal info: Before handing over your vehicle to a new owner, make sure that you’ve removed all traces of yourself from the car – try to sell the car ‘as good as new’. This could include deleting your details and specifications from the navigation system and cancelling any subscriptions associated with the vehicle. While this is important if you want to make an easy sale, it’s also key for data protection and security.
-Think about the little details: Consider the new driver’s comfort when getting your car ready for resale, and try to make your vehicle as attractive as possible. If your budget allows, consider updating the car’s paint job, fixtures, fittings and features, right down from the stereo system to the seatbelts. Paying attention to the smaller details is likely to generate extra value when selling.
