Whether you are upgrading your current ride, converting an asset (car) into cash or looking at other options like an e-scooter, you’d have to go through a rather uncomfortable process of selling your car. While buying a car is somewhat easier, selling one is a tough decision and a completely different experience. Why? Because buyers will always look for flaws to bring down your car’s value and try to get it at the minimum possible price. You, on the other hand, would want it sold at a fair price, and we want to help you achieve this goal. So, before you advertise your car, let’s walk you through nine essential things to take care of for selling your car smoothly and at the best possible price!

1. Determine the value of your car

You need to know how much your car is worth before you can list it for sale. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most accurate way is to get an appraisal from a qualified automotive professional. You can also browse online marketplaces or visit car dealerships to see what other similar used car models or variants are selling for. This will give you a good idea of what your car is worth, and it will also give you a baseline price to work with when negotiating with buyers. Whatever way you choose, it would be beneficial to understand the factors determining a used car’s value.

2. Get it inspected

Before you list your car for sale, it’s a good idea to get it inspected by a qualified mechanic. This will help you identify any potential problems buyers might find during a test drive. It’s also a good idea to get an inspection because it will give you a chance to fix any problems before listing the car. This will make your car more attractive to buyers and help you get a better price.

3. Detail it

A clean car is a happy car, and a happy car sells for more money. Spend a day giving your car a thorough cleaning, inside and out. Wash the exterior, wax it, and polish the chrome. Vacuum the interior, shampoo the carpets, and wipe down all the surfaces. The better your car looks, the more money you’re likely to get for it.

4. Give it a reset / erase personal information

One of the most important things to do before selling your car is to erase all personal data from the infotainment system. This includes your phone contacts, music library, and navigation history. You should also delete any personal photos or videos stored on the system. Why is it necessary? First, if you don’t do this, the new owner will have access to all of your private data. Secondly, a freshly reset infotainment system gives the feel of a new car, just like when you reset your phone before selling it.

5. Gather all the required paperwork

Before you can sell your car, you need to gather all the required paperwork. This includes essential documents like the car’s registration and insurance documents (CTP or the “green slip.”) But, you might also need to present additional documents as per the laws of your state. For example, selling a car in Queensland would require you to show a “Safety Certificate.” So, make sure you know about your state’s laws concerning vehicle registration procedures.

6. Decide how you want to sell

There are a few different ways to sell your car, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. You can sell it privately, through a dealership, or at an auction. Each option has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you. You should keep in mind that selling your car privately through an online marketplace will get you the best possible price, so we recommend selling it with Grays. The next steps will talk about how you can get a good price on an online car marketplace. 

7. Take sharp, clear pictures

Pictures are worth a thousand words. When listing your car for sale, take sharp, well-lit photos of your car from all angles. You should also take close-up photos of noticeable features, like the engine or the interior. Buyers will want to see what they’re getting, so don’t be afraid to show off your car’s best features.

8. Give maximum details and upload

Once you have decent photos of your car after inspection and detailing, it’s time to list it for sale. Be sure to include all of the essential details in your listing, like the make, model, year, mileage, and price. Also try to include a catchy description of the car’s condition and any features that might attract buyers.

9. Negotiate and sell it

The final step is to actually sell your car when your listing attracts customers. This is where your negotiation and sales skills will come in handy. Be prepared to haggle with prospective buyers and stand your ground on the price. Explain to them why your car is worth the money you’re asking for.  However, remain flexible and open to offers instead of saying “no” to every other guy checking out your ride. If you’re not comfortable negotiating, you can always ask a friend or family member to help you out. And that’s a wrap! Follow these steps, and you’ll hopefully get the best price for your car.