How to Prep Your Car for Resale

Selling your car can be an exciting but challenging process, especially if you’re hoping to get the highest possible price. It comes as no surprise that a car that looks clean and ready to drive off the lot will attract more buyers and boost your resale value, but even the most conscientious drivers usually have to put in some effort to get their vehicle ready to list.  

Here are seven essential steps for automotive enthusiasts preparing to enter the car market.

1. Clean and Detail Your Vehicle

A shiny exterior and spotless interior don’t just make a good first impression — they also signal to potential buyers that your vehicle h

as been well cared for. Whether you decide to invest in professional maintenance care or do the work yourself, don’t neglect the details. 

• Deep clean surfaces 
• Vacuum  seats, carpets, floor mats, and air vents 
• Address any stains and odors
• Wash mirrors
• Clean undercarriage, wheels, and trim

Try to see your vehicle through the eyes of others. The crumbs, dust and grime that you completely overlook in your daily driver will stand out to a potential buyer and make your car feel more worn than it is. 

2. Invest in Body Work and Paint Correction

Even a small dent can reduce the resale value of your car by 5-15%. For this reason, drivers who address imperfections prior to listing their vehicle almost always see a return on their investment.

Touch-ups and paint correction can give your vehicle a like-new shine that gets buyers’ attention and increases perceived value. Remember to include your headlights in the process — yellow foggy lights present a safety issue and can significantly age your car. 

3. Check Your Tires and Wheels

Tires and wheels are easy to overlook, but they make a big impression on buyers. Start by scrubbing your tires and applying a tire shine product. Clean the wheels thoroughly to remove brake dust and grime that may have accumulated over time. 

Finally, make sure the tire pressure is correct and the tread is within safe limits. Buyers will appreciate knowing they won’t need to replace the tires soon.

4. Perform Routine Maintenance

The key to getting the best price for your car is making it as turn-key as possible for prospective buyers. Nothing ruins a deal faster than indicator lights flashing during a test drive, so it’s best to be proactive. 

Check and top off essential fluids like oil, coolant, brake, and transmission fluids. Replace old wiper blades, squeaky brake pads, burnt-out headlights, and clogged air filters. Buyers will appreciate knowing these basic maintenance items are already taken care of.

5. Gather Service Records

Savvy buyers want to see a car’s history, and organized records give confidence in the car’s condition and maintenance. Get these documents in order along with your title paperwork so you’ll be prepared to move forward with a good deal right away. 

6. Clear Out Personal Data

It’s basic sales psychology: you’re more likely to close the deal when the buyer can easily imagine themselves as the new owner of your car. Left-behind personal data in your car’s infotainment system doesn’t just disrupt this fantasy, but it’s also a potential source of frustration for the buyer. 

Clear your GPS history, phone contacts, saved addresses, and other preferences. A factory reset often does the trick.

7. Prevent Accidents With Paint Protection

If you don’t have immediate plans to put your vehicle up for sale, don’t underestimate the value of preventative maintenance. 

Protecting your car with PPF, ceramic coating, and window tinting film early on can drastically reduce the work of getting your vehicle ready to sell when the time comes. When properly maintained, professional paint protection has a long lifespan that can benefit you as well as the next owner of your car.