Are you thinking of buying or selling a vehicle but are not sure if it is truly worth the money? When you are selling a vehicle, you do not want to give a piece of junk to a student that worked hard all summer flipping burgers only to curse you and the Kelly Blue Book for the rest of their lives. If you are a nice person that wants to avoid having the buyer of your vehicle end up in tears a few weeks down the line, there are at least five ways you can give them some control over the situation. Primarily, taking your car to a mechanic before the sale will give the buyer a heads up about the capabilities of your vehicle.Provide as much information as possible

Do you have a big envelope full of tuneup receipts and mechanic repair details? This definitely helps a potential buyer understand the history of their vehicle, but what about the future? Although it might be easy to guesstimate, a professional mechanic is likely to have more experience and can provide documentation.

Lifetime estimation

Your car is estimated to be within the warranty for two more years, but does your mechanic agree with that? There is nothing worse than going to court because you sold someone a lemon, and a signed statement from a mechanic before the sale can help ameliorate that situation. The mechanics will test your car, give an estimation of the lifetime of the vehicle, and put the information in writing. They can also give your buyer a seal of approval that the car is working well despite being past the warranty.

Explanation of potential future repairs and their costs

When you sell a car “as is” it is helpful if the person purchasing the vehicle knows there may be a dark cloud in the future. One of the ways you can help the buyer is to give them an idea of when the car will start needing repairs. It is also helpful if they have details from the mechanic that let them know the approximate price of replacement parts, but labor may vary by location. Good examples are: How much does it cost to replace the tires and when will they need to be replaced?

Referral to mechanics and car-related services you used for the vehicle

Did you find that when you lost your car keys that there was a service that was more affordable than others? Alternatively, when the thieves broke your car window, did you use a glass service that were unhelpful and rude? When you get ready to sell your vehicle, handing over a detailed list of potential services can help the buyer feel confident that they have the edge on all of the good deals related to buying your specific vehicle.

Old-fashioned fluids change as a free gift

In many cases, when someone needs to buy a used car with a questionable future, it is likely they have a limited income. If you are feeling especially generous and want to do something that will attempt to ensure the car will last for the next six months, consider getting all the fluids drained and replaced with high-quality brands. This will include the steering fluid, radiator, oil, and a gas tank additive for cleaning. Replacing the filters will also help the future buyer get extra life out of your older vehicle.

Cleaning or detailing the interiors without chemical odors

One way you can show the buyer appreciation is having the car detailed or cleaned before you hand over the keys. This goes beyond vacuuming or cleaning the windows and goes into cleaning upholstery or cabin furniture. On the other hand, if you think the car just needs a few car fresheners to give it a “new car smell,” think again. In the past 10 years, the source of many people’s health problems has named chemical fragrances as the culprit. This means that you might think you are adding a positive final touch to cleaning the inside of the vehicle, but instead these chemical fragrances can give people headaches or other health issues.

Get a professional opinion about why certain problems do not matter

It is easy to say “the check engine light stays on but it does not matter.” If this is your opinion and you are not a mechanic, this means it may be difficult for you to fully understand the entire “check engine light” situation. Even if you are repeating a statement the mechanic told you directly, it can be helpful if the future buyer has the details in writing for their own records.

Let us help you sell your next car

Whether you are arranging paperwork or simply want your niece or nephew to be successful in buying their first car , it pays to have a professional mechanic by your side during the sale process. To find out more information on the etiquette of selling a used car the good guy way, give us a call today. We look forward to hearing from you and we thank you in advance for choosing us.