How to sell your clunker
So you've decided to sell your clunker.
But since it’s a clunker, you’re not expecting to get much for it. There are auto services that will come tow your clunker and pay you around $200. In this economy, $200 matters, yet does not go far in the ‘big picture’. Plus, who wants to let go of all those memories for what amounts to a cell phone payment, and a month of internet service?
For those who are attempting to sell their old cars, you can maximize your profits come sell time with a few easy steps, all for less than $200. Following these simple steps, those who are selling their ‘lemon’ are sure to see a considerable increase in the amount of interested buyers. These simple steps will turn the $500 O.B.O. clunker into a ‘$1,000’ great buy.
For those who can’t spare any money and are selling their older car to generate some cash, all steps can be taken with some initiative of your own. You may not get the ‘hit the lottery’ result, but you will definitely increase the value of your ‘hooptie’.
Step 1:
Get you entire car detailed, this includes the engine and the tires. Do-it-yourself kits are available are local car parts stores for about $30, and if you are looking to save a buck, you can clean your car and the engine with water and dish soap. Be sure to read your owner’s manual to take any precautions before washing your vehicle’s engine.
In some cases, faded cloth and leather can be restored for around $20. Once again, if you are trying to save money you can restore the interior with some household products: petroleum grease works on leather, and a warm damp rag on cloth. You will also want to clean out the ashtrays, door panels, interior ceiling, and replace or clean the floor mats. Floor mat sets are widely available and vary between $10-$40 depending on quality type and design. Shampooing them yourself is cost effective but will take at least a day to let them dry.
Any missing inside parts can be obtained at a local junkyard. Missing car lighter, radio nozzles and center console buttons that are absent makes the car look junky. The more complete your clunker the higher the value.
With a squeaky-clean interior, potential buyers will interpret this as a well managed car. This is appealing to those interested and allows you to add more money on your selling price.
If your clunker has bald tires, get used ones. Bald tires not only effect performance but make the car look run-down and dilapidated. Used tires are available at most car shops and even large retailers insure their used tires. With an investment of about $60 a set of nice tires adds $100s of dollar to the sell tag. Clean the wheels as to add to the overall shine of your vehicle, which can be done with dish soap. Don’t forget the car freshener!
Step 2:
Get the car cleaned and waxed. Scratches and scrapes can be wiped out with home kits that are widely available. Once again, for those who have no money to spare, cleaning the car will suffice. Be sure as to clean the bumper and under panels. Once again, adding the little things gives a better impression to a potential buyer. So including the jumper cables, the sun shield for the front windshield, replacing the air filter and refilling all fluids assures those interested of the car’s maintenance.
All of these items are available for less than $10 and sun shields, jumper cables, and snow picks can be found at a Good Will if necessary. With your old jalopy shining like sun rays, potential buyers will see it as a champion of the road. Older cars can be scene as accomplished reliable vehicles when given a little TLC.
Finally, market you clunker to the right demographic. Older cars will always do better with high school students and first-car owners. But a more mature audience will always appreciate a trustworthy automobile. Sell the mileage on your older car as evidence of experience and success, tell how the dents are a testament to the durability of the car, and let the clean interior and exterior speak for itself. Word-of-mouth is always a good start.
Selling your old clunker can be a big payout in a down economy. You can maximize your profits with a little do-it-yourself work, and in the end the more money you receive the better you will feel about saying goodbye to an old friend.
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