Though traditionally, January is a slow month for used car sales, there are some things that you can do to make your car more attractive to buyers and to get a great price for it.
Clean your car
This might sound obvious, but first impressions count, and you want your motor to look appealing in photographs and in the metal.
One way of increasing your car's value is to get it professionally cleaned with a reputable company; as the saying goes, "you have to spend money to make money". A full valet can cost anything from €75 to €120, but it could add a lot more than that, depending on the car's original condition. A valet can also significantly improve the first impression and help the car sell faster.
Do it yourself
If you don’t want to get your car professionally cleaned, you can still do a decent job yourself. Start by getting the right supplies. A specialist car cleaning kit costs around €20 and is worth it for the proper tools and products. If you’re stuck, baby shampoo works in a pinch but avoid washing-up liquid as it strips oils and wax from the paintwork and can leave a residue.
Before you begin, make sure your cloths, buckets and brushes are spotless. Any dirt or grit can cause scratches. Give the car a good rinse first to wash away loose debris and help prevent damage to the paint.
When washing, always start from the top and work your way down. The lower parts of the car are the dirtiest and cleaning them first risks spreading grime upward. Pay special attention to the wheels and scrub as much of the underside as you can reach. If your car has wheel trims, you can freshen its look with a new set for around €20.
And now to the inside...
You need to clean the cabin too, so start by removing all personal items from the car and don’t forget to check the door bins and glovebox. Once everything is cleared out, begin with the vacuuming, as this can kick up dust. For a deeper clean, sprinkle some dry carpet shampoo over the seats, floor, and boot, just like the old “Shake ’n Vac.” Leave it to sit for as long as possible before vacuuming it up. This helps lift stains and leaves the interior smelling fresh.
For more stubborn marks, mix a little baking soda with water and use an old toothbrush to scrub gently. Avoid soaking the seats, as they take ages to dry, and no one enjoys a damp car. If the mats are looking shabby, new ones can be picked up for around €20 and make an enormous difference to how tidy the interior looks.
If your car has leather seats, wipe them down with a damp cloth and a touch of mild hand soap, taking care not to soak the material. Finally, wipe all the interior surfaces, clean the windows inside and out and, if your car has an ashtray, give it a good wash too.
Get those odours out
Removing odours is important as well, so fill the clean, dry ashtray with baking soda or coffee beans, which should help to neutralise any foul smells. You can also place tumble dryer sheets under the seats to help absorb odours and add a fresh fragrance.
Dealing with dents
Buyers expect to see a few scratches and signs of wear, but dents in the bodywork or bumpers don’t make a good impression. They can put people off or be used as leverage to lower your asking price.
You can repair small dents yourself, and there are plenty of tutorials online to guide you, but for larger dents, it’s best to let the professionals handle them. Depending on the damage, repairs typically cost between €50 and €150. The same goes for deep or obvious scratches: leave those to the experts, while you take care of the minor ones.
Check electrics
Check all the electrics; pretend you are putting your car through its NCT. It is cheap and easy to replace most bulbs and fuses yourself or get someone in a garage to help you. Motoring stores will usually do this for a small fee.
Mind the mechanics
Most buyers will want to look under the bonnet, so have a quick look under there yourself, wipe down dirty areas, and remove any leaves that may have blown in.
NCT appeal
Having a valid NCT is a real plus point for buyers. Consider putting your car through the NCT before selling, as it really will give you the edge over those without an NCT cert. A full NCT currently costs €60.
Prepare the paperwork
Having your paperwork organised makes a strong impression on potential buyers. If you still have the owner’s manual, leave it in the car. Keep in a folder records such as service history, NCT reports and receipts for any maintenance or repairs, as they demonstrate that the car has been properly cared for.
It’s also worth showing the vehicle registration certificate. This reassures buyers that everything is in order and ready for transfer once the deal is done, helping to build trust and strengthen your position as the seller.
Set a limit
A well-maintained car shows buyers that you’ve taken good care of it, which makes it far more appealing. That said, you don’t want to overspend preparing it for sale. As a rule of thumb, set yourself a clear budget so you don’t end up spending more than you’ll make back.
Buyers aren’t expecting perfection, just a car that looks tidy and cared for. Focus your efforts on the details that make the best impression and help you achieve the best possible price.
Once the car is spotless and in good condition, take plenty of clear photographs for your advert.