Important Auto Tips

Who would want to buy an old, ugly car when they could get one that looks fresh and relatively new? Impress potential buyers by having Robbie’s Detail Center give the vehicle a real shine, inside and out, wash and wax the finish, steam clean the interior, clean the engine, clean the wheels and dress the tires.  This will make the vehicle more desirable for resale.

"De-personalizing" the vehicle can help too. This should include removing all bumper and window stickers, including parking decals, taking out any plush toys, bobble-heads or any other personal trinkets you may have about your vehicle.

Mechanically, the vehicle should be as sound as possible. You may have to fix a few things to sell it or make a monetary allowance to the buyer to repair any items in need of attention.  Good running condition is a must, especially when selling to a private party.
 If you have any  service records, put them all together in a neat bundle, so the prospective buyer can see that you've been conscientious about repairs and maintenance.  Consider ordering a Carfax report and show it to the buyer to prove the car's title is clean and the mileage is accurate.
 
Check out prices of comparable cars, factoring in age, mileage, optional equipment and geographic location. This can be done by checking online at NADA.com or any online or newspaper classified ads. The asking price should be no more than 10 to 15 percent above what you reasonably expect to get for the vehicle.  Keep the asking price below a "threshold number." For example, instead of a round number like $20,000, list the price as $19,500 or something in that range, but don't make it sound like you're a car dealer, either.

When putting it for sale, list it in local weekly "shoppers" and classifieds, post a flyer (ideally with a photocopied picture) on bulletin boards at work or at a local supermarket. Online ads and word of mouth among friends and family can also be effective. Whenever possible, park the car in a conspicuous spot with other cars that are for sale by owner and place a neatly lettered sign in the window.  Be sure to list the year of the car, the mileage and the asking price on the sign.  This will help you avoid call from the “curious” who just want answers to simple questions before even considering the car for purchase.
 
Potential buyers will want to test-drive the car. Make sure they have a valid driver's license and ride along with them so you can answer any questions about the car's history and performance. Also, they may not know the area, so you might have to guide them.

By following these simple suggestions, you should be able to sell you vehicle in a timely fashion and get the most money for your “pre-loved” vehicle.

Stop by our Dover, New Jersey location today. Our Auto Body Shop has proudly served the Rockaway, Denville, Wharton, Parsippany, Boonton, Morristown, Victory Gardens, Mill Brook, Lake Hopatcong, Hopatcong, Randolph, Roxbury, Mine Hill, Shongum, Mountain Lakes, Budd Lake, and the rest of the Morris County NJ area for over 25 years.