What to fix in your car before selling it

If you are tired of your car and in need of an upgrade, it is probably time to trade it in. An essential question car owners ask themselves is whether they should repair their car before selling it.

It is obvious that if you do not fix your car before selling it you will get a lower price for it. As such, you should ensure you are making the best decision that benefits you. The process of trading in a used car is quite transparent, and it could also help you in saving up for a new car.

Whether you are trading in your car on a new one or selling it directly to the dealership without purchasing another car, paying attention to specific details on it ensures you receive the best price for your vehicle. However, keep in mind that major car problems are best fixed by the pros – as they can get it repaired for less. Here are some tips that can come in handy when trading in your car.

Is it worth detailing my car before selling it?

First impressions are everything- especially when selling cars. If you want to sell your car for the best possible value, you have to ensure that it looks good both in the interior and on the exterior. The detailing of your car ensures there are no imperfections visible on or in your car.

Detailing your car is crucial when selling a vehicle. It requires a lot of time, but it is well worth it. Here are some tips on how to thoroughly detail your car before trading it in.

Thoroughly inspect your car

Ensure you carefully inspect your car under direct sunshine or a bright light to enable you to see all the imperfections and repairs the vehicle requires. From chipped paint to scratches to dull patches to cracks, do not assume anything.

Write down all the things to be done on your vehicle and weigh out which ones you can do yourself. Take the vehicle out for a test drive while paying attention to anything that does feel or sound right. Making sure your car makes the best first impression on your dealer ensures you receive the best offer.

Clean the exterior and the interior

In showrooms, all cars present are usually sparkling clean. Dealers know that even a clunker puff can look like a cream puff after a decent rub down. Thoroughly clean your vehicle, without overlooking anything, by vacuuming your interior, hand-washing your seats and exterior, not forgetting to wax the surface.

Shining up old tires, steam cleaning the engine and polishing chrome surfaces all end up working for your benefit in the end. Get rid of unnecessary odors in the vehicle as it could be a reason to lower the vehicle’s selling value.

Maintenance records and inspection reports should be in the owner’s manual

Nothing is as important as having a transparent paper trail about your vehicle when it comes to trading it in. It saves up on time and establishes a sense of trust between the dealer and the owner of the vehicle. For some customers, it is better to have spotless maintenance records than a spotless driver seat.

Assemble your entire vehicle’s paperwork that will prove your ownership. If you cannot locate the vehicle’s title, consult your local DMV before the sale. Find out what are the sale and transfer requirements in your state, to ensure the transaction is recognized.

Refill and change fluids

Check on the status of the oil, brake fluid, radiator, transmission fluid, and windshield washer reservoir and refill or replace the fluids. To get your asking price, you have to ensure your vehicle is in mint condition. Lack of refilling or changing such fluids make the dealer question the maintenance of your car, leading to a reduction in your trade-in value.

Clean foggy headlights and replace headlamps

Bulbs are inexpensive and easy to access at any auto parts store. Check all your lights and replace bulbs that have gone out. Clean the lenses of foggy headlights and pay to buff them out. You can also buff them yourself by using whitening toothpaste on the lens cover and a clean rug. Rinse it off with water and allow it to air-dry for the best results.

Repair or replace your windshield

As you fill in the washer fluid, make sure your wiper blades are in good condition. If they are not in their best shape, buy a new pair, and install them yourself. On the other hand, auto parts stores usually replace wipers at no cost, provided you purchase them from their store.

Touch up on your vehicle’s paint job

Sometimes, this step is unnecessary, as some scratches and dings are too minor or trying to cover them up could make it worse. If you can manage to touch up your vehicle’s paint job, purchase touch-up paint in your local store and color up the dinged spots. Touch-up paint costs about $20 on online selling platforms.

What car issues are too expensive to fix

Most people assume that once your car starts experiencing engine trouble the next step is to sell it and buy a brand new one. However, there some repairs that are too expensive to fix and this means it costs you more than you get from resale of the car. Here are top repairs that you should take a careful look at when repairing your car.

Engine replacement

You can’t sell car without an engine. If you are constantly taking your car for engine repairs then it could be that you need a new engine. Engines don’t come cheap. Expect to send between $1,000 to over $5,000 depending on the type of car. Engines often start posing a problem when they start overheating. He route cause varies and will include low oil levels. If your car is old then replacing the engine will cost you more than the resale value of the car.

Transmission failure

While common transmission problems could be as a result of low transmission problems when you start having problems changing gears, accelerating or the car not engaging in reverse you should note that the transmission is faulty. Transmission repairs are as costly as purchasing a new one. Expect to spend up to $4,000 for a new transmission. For most old cars this is often more than the resale value of the car.

Blown cylinder head gasket repairs

Most of the time you have a blown head gasket you will find the coolant in the combustion chambers. This is emitted through the exhaust as a sweat smelling gas. The head gasket will blow due to the engine overheating. Most of the issues with repairs for the head gasket step from the cost of repairs. They tend to be very labor intensive. A blown head gasket can lead to further engine problems meaning your cost of repairs can be very high.

Broken timing belt

The timing belt itself isn’t an expensive component but when it snaps and will also damage your pistons, rods and valves. If damage extends to the crankshaft, you are looking at hefty repair costs.

Air conditioner compressor

This seems like a minor repair but when the air compressor is spoilt you will also have problems with other air conditioner components.

Extensive body damage

If your car has been involved in a serious car accident the probability that many engine components will be affected is very high. You should have your mechanic examine the total cost of repairs versus what price the car will fetch after repairs. If it is too high then the best option is to sell your car as scrap. In some instances most buyers will refuse to purchase or offer a very low price for a car that has been involved in a serious accident.

Conclusion

Do not stress your bank account on significant car repairs before trading it in. The dealership where you are trading it in have many connections in the industry, leave the heavy lifting to them. Furthermore, they will probably spend less than if you are the one handling these major repairs.

Things, like repairing a broken air conditioner and replacing worn-out tires, are best left to the dealers. Taking the time to thoroughly clean your vehicle, replace some bulbs, and refill some fluids could make all the difference when trading in your vehicle.

FAQ

Is it worth putting a new engine in an old car?

It will depend on a number of factors but one of the benefits of purchasing a new engine is that you avoid fees associated with license, taxes, and insurance costs. If the car is a classic, you can get a new engine, do some minor repairs and it will serve you for many years. Selling the car with a new engine is another story. Firstly, you need to ensure that the cost of a new engine does not exceed the resale value of the car.

How long should my mechanic retain my car?

A mechanic does not have an obligation to retain your car unless you have not made payment for the necessary repairs. You can retrieve your car at any point as long as you do not have disagreements. If you suspect that the mechanic is holding your car without any valid reason then you are free to contact the local authorities. Overall, it is illegal for the mechanic to hold your car. It is prudent that you have a rough idea of the estimated costs of repairs for the car before you ask the mechanic to start dealing with your car. This reduces chances of disagreements.