I’m a car expert and these FIVE things could get you an extra 5,000 on the sale of your used car. How many have you done already?
With daily costs rising and fuel prices rising, owning a car is becoming increasingly unaffordable.
As a result, many car owners are willing to cash in on their car and find a cheaper alternative.
But this decision should not be taken lightly and according to one car expert, there are many things that need to be carefully considered to help drivers get the best value from their used car.
Now experts from CarMats.co.uk have shared five ways you can make thousands from your used car.
A motoring expert has shared five ways you can make thousands of pounds from your used car – and car owners may have overlooked some of these simple steps
1. Keep it clean – worth about €200
According to the experts, leaving your car covered in junk and junk can hurt its resale value.
They said: ‘An immaculate exterior and tidy interior create a positive first impression for potential buyers as it shows the car has been well cared for.’
Small investments such as high-quality car mats and seat covers can protect your car from wear and tear and increase your profits by around €200.
2. Remove any minor cosmetic damage and scratches – worth approximately £1,000
While car owners may not think that minor scratches and imperfections on the car’s exterior will make a difference, it is certainly something that new buyers will notice.
But according to the experts, ‘Banding out minor scuffs isn’t as difficult as you might think, all it takes is some T-Cut and a little elbow grease.’
If you want to make a profit of up to £1,000 they advise you take care of it before selling.
According to experts, small scratches can make all the difference in selling your car and deter potential buyers
3. Keep up to date with services – worth approximately £2,500
According to the experts, regular car maintenance will not only improve the car’s performance on the road, but also improve your resale value.
They said: ‘Consistently taking your car for service adds an important selling point, as potential buyers are often willing to pay extra for a car with a full service record.’
4. Evaluate which seller is right for you – worth approximately € 1,200
Although there are several platforms available to sell your car, from eBay and car dealer to Facebook Marketplace. The experts say it’s best to avoid quick-sell sites.
They said: ‘It may be tempting to opt for the convenience of selling your car to a dealer or a quick sale company, but if you want to make the most money possible, selling privately can increase your profits by up to 10%. ‘
5. Ensure all car documentation is in order – worth up to £5,000
Finally, drivers should make sure their affairs are in order before selling their car.
They said: ‘By presenting a complete set of documents in good condition, you tick the buyer’s boxes and make your used car an attractive option.’
According to the experts, this could increase your profits by £5,000 as these are sought after by first-time buyers.
Ash Young, Managing Director at CarMats.co.uk added: ‘When selling your used car, don’t forget the impact of regular maintenance, maintaining the interior and exterior of your car and selling privately. In today’s challenging economic environment, these steps can make a significant difference.’