Preparing your car for resale

To make sure your car fetches the best price and catches the eye of potential buyers when you're ready to sell, it's important to ensure your car is in great condition and that you have everything well-prepared.

When getting your car ready for resale, giving it a thorough clean and presenting it in its best condition will assist you in selling it quickly and for a higher price.

Preparing your car for resale can be broken down into five simple steps that we’ll cover in this handy blog post, so read on to understand how you can enhance your car’s appeal and make a lasting impression on potential buyers. 

• Clean your car
• Check for repairs
• MOT status
• Gather all relevant paperwork
• Get your car valued 

Preparing your car for resale

1. Clean your car

Ensure your car is clean and tidy both inside and out before presenting it to potential buyers. 

A clutter-free interior, including glove box and door bins, can greatly enhance its appeal. A well-maintained appearance is crucial as buyers may question the car's previous care if it appears dirty or has an unpleasant smell. Consider either personally cleaning the car with a vacuum cleaner and detailing brush, or investing in a professional for time-saving and optimal results.

Focus on cleaning areas such as floor mats, car seats (using appropriate cleaners for upholstery or leather), eliminating odours, washing the paintwork gently, and tackling grime on the wheels with a long-bristled brush.

Check if your car requires any repairs

Ensure all the car's electrical components are functional, including lights, wipers, radio, air conditioning, and displays. Also check and top up your car’s various fluids such as:

• Washer fluid
• Coolant
• Brake fluid
• Engine oil
• Power steering fluid
• Transmission fluid/Gearbox Oil

Assess the condition of the tyres, including the spare if applicable, and ensure all mechanical aspects are in good working order. Address any minor issues or damage to improve the car's appeal and potentially increase its sale value. 

Consider removing modifications that could negatively impact the car's worth. For major repair work, it may be better to negotiate with the buyer, as the cost of repairs might outweigh the value they add to the sale price.

Check your car’s MOT status

To increase your car's appeal and avoid price negotiations, consider obtaining a recent MOT if your current one is expiring soon. A valid MOT certificate not only demonstrates the car's good condition but also eliminates any leverage for buyers to negotiate a lower price based on potential issues.

Gather all your paperwork

In addition to the car itself, don't overlook the importance of gathering all relevant paperwork, including: 

• Purchase receipts
• MOT certificates
• Records of past services or repairs
• V5C Logbook
• Service history
• Car Warranty (if its still under warranty)

Having a comprehensive documented history enhances the value and appeal of your car to potential buyers. It also provides them with the reassurance that the car has been well taken care of.

Get a free car valuation

After ensuring your car is in good condition and gathering all the necessary paperwork, it's time to determine its value. 

With a free car valuation, you can accurately price your car, which can lead to a quicker sale and help you make informed decisions about how much you should demand for your car.

Our car valuation tool provides a reliable estimate by utilising data from the automotive industry, updated daily to reflect current market trends. What’s more, you'll have an up-to-date and competitive valuation for your car within minutes when you use Sell 2 Swansway, letting you sell your car with confidence. Get your free and simple valuation today. 

Is it worth servicing a car before selling?

A comprehensive vehicle inspection is the simplest way to assess its overall condition and identify any necessary major repairs before selling. By addressing these repairs beforehand, you can potentially increase your car's value by up to 20%.

Is it worth fixing scratches on a car before selling?

Before selling your car, we recommend addressing scratches yourself and seeking professional repair for more severe damage. By taking care of these issues, you can prevent the devaluation of your car due to scratches or damaged rims. Read our in depth guide answering do scratches afffect my car's value?

Sell your car in no time with Sell2Swansway

Ready to sell your car and get the best value for it? Discover how much your car is worth or sell it online with Sell2Swansway. 

Our easy-to-use online platform provides a quick and accurate valuation, ensuring you get the most out of your vehicle, with: 

• A 7-day guaranteed, no obligation quote
• Hassle-free collection
• Direct payment into your account 

Don't wait, take the next step and sell your car hassle-free with Sell2Swansway today!