Trying to sell your car can be a taxing experience. You've got to deal with all the paperwork and such, of course, but you also need to concentrate on finding a buyer. It's not enough to put a listing in the local paper or online for your car. You also need to take the time to make your used car presentable.
When someone goes to buy a used car, they don't expect it to be in new condition. They expect some wear and tear. However, if there is damage, first you need to be upfront about it in your ad. And second, you need to make an effort to make your car presentable. This is about curb appeal, or how your car looks from the street.
There's no need to get your car detailed. After all, you're selling it. Why spend more money on it? Instead, you can take a little time and improve the appearance of your vehicle so it makes the best first impression possible.
First of all, wash the exterior of your car. Use a solution that won't leave spots and make sure you wipe down the glass to prevent streaking. Next, tackle the interior. Vacuum up all the debris inside, including on and under the seats and in all the nooks and crannies. Check all pockets and compartments and remove items, including from the trunk. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe down all the hard surfaces. If it's especially dirty, use an interior cleaner to remove tough stains.
And one more time, just for posterity's sake, check and double check that you've removed all of your personal items from the car. Leaving your items inside can make the car look messy at best and prevent a potential buyer from envisioning a car as their own, at worst.
Don't forget to pop the hood and wipe down the engine if it's inside a plastic case. You want to make sure it looks nice and clean. And don't forget to top up the fluids.
Finally, touch up scratches on the car's paint. If they're not very deep, just use a clear coat pen to cover them up.
Once you complete these steps, back away from your car. Walk all the way around it looking at it from top to bottom. If you notice any other problem issues, correct them. If not, you're ready to start seeing potential buyers!