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View Full Version : How to prepare car for sale at dealership


joemoe
Oct 27, 2010, 10:11 AM
I want to sell my car quickly, what should I do besides cleaning and detailing? It hasn't given me problems, under 100,000 miles.

kitch428
Oct 27, 2010, 10:59 AM
Clean cars sell better. Service documentation helps sell too. Clean fluids and tires in decent shape.

ebaines
Oct 27, 2010, 11:06 AM
You say you're selling "at the dealerdship" - I assume you mean you are trading it in or are going to a used car dealer. Some suggestions besides a good detailing:

Make sure the check engine light isn't on. If the CEL has been on in the recent past you may want to clear the history (if you have an OBD-II scanner ths is pretty easy to do).

If you have any after-market items on the car, such as a stereo, it's really best to revert back to stock if possible. A custom stereo may help you in a private sale, but for used car dealers they prefer stock.

Make sure you have the owner's manual in the glove box, and all sets of keys with you. Also the title. If you're in CA, make sure the smog certificate is up to date.

joemoe
Oct 27, 2010, 11:59 AM
I want to sell the car-- can I expect to get near the KBB trade-in price at a used car dealer?

kitch428
Oct 27, 2010, 01:44 PM
KBB at a UCD? Good luck with that. Don't set your hopes too high. (or your value expectation)
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Like we put in the sticky here at AMHD, it helps to tell us what vehicle you'er driving to better help you answer more correctly.