Listing a Car For Sale in the Classifieds
by: Michael J Medeiros
Opposed to trading-in, selling a vehicle can provide a
significant financial gain. Dealerships have moderate overhead
that forces them to offer reduced trade-in values. In addition,
they attempt to maintain a profit margin, as any business should.
These expenses are passed on to buyers who take advantage of
trading-in their current vehicle for the purchase of a new or
pre-owned automobile. By attending to a few details, devoting
time, and utilizing classifieds a consumer can achieve a quick
sale and maintain monetary rewards for their efforts.
Attend to the Cars Exterior
Similar to selling a home, the cars exterior will provide a
lasting first impression to prospective buyers. Wash the vehicle
with a quality Car Wash. Ensure that brake dust is removed from
the cars rims and wheel hubs. Remove built up road-dust from
creases in the cars body. Pay extra attention to decorative
moldings, door jams, and spaces between body parts. After washing
the car, dry the vehicle with a shammy, to prevent dust from
sticking to the clean surface.
Once the vehicle is dry and the surface is cool, wax the entire
car with a quality carnauba wax. Read the instructions carefully
before applying carnauba wax to the finish. Use a small hand
applicator to wax creases and difficult to reach areas of the
cars body. These areas are especially important to the external
appearance of the vehicle.
Tend to rubber and plastic on the vehicles exterior. Apply
high-gloss sun protectent to moldings and tires. Using an
applicator, apply a generous amount of sun protectent product
evenly. This should remove dulling that occurred from the sun or
dust. Any product that is accidentally applied to the vehicles
finish should wipe-off easily, as a result from the fresh wax
that is protecting the finish.
Clean the Cars Interior
Use quality glass cleaner to remove built up residue from skin
oils, cigarette smoke, and moisture that dried dust to the glass.
Clean gauges and other glass-like surfaces that are in the
vehicle. Use an interior cleaner to remove dust from the
dashboard, instrument panel, door panels, and sun visors. Apply a
high-gloss sun protectent to the plastic interior parts once they
are cleaned.
Vacuum the cars upholstery and carpets. Using attachments for the
vacuum, reach down between the seats and doors. Pay extra
attention to the drivers-side of the vehicle near the pedals. Use
a quality carpet cleaning product, as instructed, to remove
stains in the carpet and upholstery.
Clean the Cars Engine Compartment and Attend to Minor Parts
There are a variety of products on the market that now make
cleaning an engine simple. Many products may require the battery
to be disconnected and water to rinse engine parts. Follow the
instructions on the product of choice to achieve the best
results. A clean engine is very important as consumers will want
to see and inspect engine parts. When the motor is run, a clean
engine will reveal any problems, if they exist. This is generally
the consumer’s biggest concern.
Inspect all belts and hoses on the vehicle. If dry-rot appears,
replace the hoses. If the belts are dry-rotted or cracked,
replace them. Ensure that all fluid reservoirs all full to the
proper level. This may include windshield wash, clutch fluid,
transmission fluid, motor oil, and coolant.
Determine a Reasonable Marketing Price
Once the vehicle is clean and ready for consumer inspection,
determine a fair value for the vehicle. This will require some
research with similar models that are currently for sale. It may
be in a seller’s best interest to review similar vehicles that
are for sale. Compare the price and condition of the vehicles.
Remember, marketing price is not necessarily the price a seller
is willing to accept. Common negotiating principles are for
seller’s to start high, and consumers to start low.
Review book values for the make and model of the vehicle. Kelly
Blue book is a well known and used resource for establishing a
fair value. Consider any modifications that have been made to the
vehicle. Modifications may not be reflected within the Kelly Blue
Book suggestion.
Gather Information and Place a Classified Ad
Route through receipts and gather maintenance records. Consumers
will probably want to know what was done to the vehicle and how
well it was maintained. By having these records ready before
hand, it will reinsure trust that the vehicle was taken-care-of.
Be prepared to provide details regarding enhanced features or
parts, provided by the manufacturer, for the model. A commonly
overlooked feature is Low Jack car recovery devices. Custom
wheels, stereo equipment, and engine type. Being able to provide
these details will reinforce value to consumers who have viewed
several similar vehicles.
Place an Ad for the vehicle. Avoid terms such as, “to many parts
to list”. Instead, enter, “complete maintenance records
available”. Describe the vehicle accurately. Many details can be
found in the vehicles owner’s manual. Indicate the best time to
contact the seller. A consumer, who continually calls without an
answer, could give-up trying. Ensure the contact information is
accurate and consumers can leave a message, if there is no
answer.
Michael Medeiros is the owner of
http://www.mjmls.com and
open-source advertising solution for the United States.
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