When it's time to say farewell to your trusty vehicle, you may get a better price for it if you take care of minor mechanical work and auto body repair before listing it. Depending on the vehicle, a few hours of your time could return hundreds of dollars or more. Here are some tips on what to do to before putting your car up for sale.

3 Steps to Take Before Putting Your Vehicle Up for Sale

1. Check the Blue Book Value

Kelley Blue Book® is a trusted vehicle resource for auto buyers and sellers. Check their site to find out what vehicles of the same make, model, age, and condition are selling for. This will help you set a price for your car or encourage you to improve its condition so that you can ask for more. It's also an invaluable resource if you’re in the market for a replacement vehicle.

2. Take Care of Minor Problems

Address minor issues with the vehicle to make it presentable to prospective buyers. For instance, if a headlight or blinker is burnt out, replace the bulb. If the door or trunk squeaks when opening, apply silicone spray on the hinges. You should also replace ineffective wiper blades, fill the fluid reservoir, and change the oil. The fewer minor issues the vehicle has when you list it, the more likely buyers are to see it as a well-cared for car.

3. Clean It Up

Buyers prefer to see a blank slate, so remove all trash and personal belongings from the vehicle, including charging cables, toys, and car seats. Wash the exterior, wipe down the dashboard, spot clean the upholstery, and vacuum the carpets. For the best price, have a professional touch up the auto paint and pull out a dent or two.

If you want to spruce up your vehicle with new auto paint to maximize the sale price, contact the team at Contractors’ Equipment & Service in Waipahu, HI. This local auto body repair shop also provides a variety of heavy equipment rentals, including forklifts, backhoes, excavators, and bobcats. Send a message online for a free auto body repair estimate, or call (808) 676-7566 to schedule a consultation.