Are you planning to sell your car to a dealer or an individual? If yes, then the overall condition of your car will determine its price and how fast you will sell it. If you want to sell it at a good price and in record time, then you need to ensure that it is in perfect condition. Prospective buyers are very keen and well-armed with facts and tools to calculate and analyze your car in detail. Therefore, if your car is not in great condition, then finding a buyer will be quite challenging, and if you do, you will have to sell it a lower price than what you had anticipated.
Most car owners are more concerned about the age of their cars, but that is not a big issue. What matters is the overall condition of your car. If it is well maintained, you will sell it at a good price regardless of its age. In this post, we are going to give you tips on crucial improvements to make on your car to make it more appealing to prospective buyers.
1. Replace brakes
Brakes are one of the most crucial parts of a car. It is also among the first things that buyers check when buying a second-hand car. Even a slight imperfection on the brake, such as worn out pads, will make the buyer have second thoughts about buying the car or take advantage of it to ask you to lower the car price. Therefore, before you think of selling your car, you need to ensure that the brakes are in perfect condition. Ensure that the rotors are in good condition and the brake pads have enough rubber. If you discover that the rotors have bent out of shape, replace them with new ones. A bent rotor not only produces a weird noise but also compromise the car stopping power.
2. Replace radiators hoses
Another important improvement to make on your car before listing it is replacing radiator hoses. This is important, especially if your car is quite old. Old radiator hoses are susceptible to leaking, which will make your car less desirable to the buyer. The best solution to this is replacing radiator hoses with brand new ones, especially if the current ones are leaking or cracked. Also have the radiator checked by the car experts to see if there are faults such as a damaged thermostat, radiator cap or leaks in the tank. You will have the upper hand when negotiating price if radiator hoses are in great shape.
3. Limit cabin vibrations
Cabin vibrations are more prevalent in old cars because of increased engine mounts and worn out suspension bushings. If your car has rampant cabin vibrations, you need to replace these two crucial parts. Fortunately, these two parts are affordable and also easy to replace. You can replace them on your own without hiring an expert. Increased cabin vibrations is a sign that your car is not well maintained. Prospective buyers may reject your car or take advantage of that to negotiate a price drop.
4. Check the car’s light
This is a very important thing that most people usually overlook when selling their car. Prospective buyers will inspect all the lights before making their final decision. If you find out that some lights are not functioning properly, even if it is just one light, the buyer may change their mind or request a price drop. Therefore, before you list your car, ensure that all lights, including the fog lamps, headlights, cabin light, turn indicators and DRLs are all functioning properly. Replace any spoiled lights and fuses before you list your car.
5. Ensure that the power windows are well lubricated
Just other parts of that car, power window regulators usually wear down with time. If you notice weird sounds coming out when rolling the window glass up or down, then that is a clear sign that the power window regulator is worn out and need lubrication. Lubricating the power windows is recommended because it helps to make the glass move up and down quickly and quietly.
6. Detail your car
The overall look of your car will determine if the buyer will be interested in buying it or not. One of the best ways to improve the look of your car is through car detailing. This procedure helps to remove any imperfections on the car exterior, including scratches and dents. Car detailing also cleans the car interior, including the door panels and dashboard, making the car more appealing to the buyer. If you want to make your car look like a brand new one, then you need to get it detailed.