How you can add hundreds of pounds to your car before selling it - nine simple (and cheap) tricks to use
After 11 years together my Volvo and I have reached the end of the road. But how do you get the best price for a second-hand car?
Given now is the busiest time of the year for new car registrations, lots of owners could be looking to sell their old vehicle.
Whoever gets my motor is in for a bargain. It has only had one (relatively careful) lady owner and has been reliable.
However, my beloved 4x4 is showing its age. And though I may regard her scrapes and dents like my laughter lines – each wrinkle testament to experience rather than age – a potential buyer might not see it quite so affectionately.
‘Anyone looking to buy your car is always going to try and find ways to knock something off the price,’ explains Andy Turbefield at Halfords. ‘There is a fear of the unknown for the buyer.’
Paul Baker, editor at Auto Express, agrees: ‘Most dealers judge the value of used cars with a grading system from [industry experts] CAP with three levels: Clean, Average and Below. The difference in values is substantial.’
Value booster: Angela uses a dent puller on her Volvo. She is selling her beloved 4x4 after 11 years and many happy miles together
With my Volvo, bought new in 2014 for £22,000, Paul reckons given it has 122,000 miles on the clock – relatively low for such an old car – I could get £2,500 to £3,500, unless the buyer tries to knock the price down.
Here are nine inexpensive tips to try to prevent that.
1. Suck up the dents
Cost: Laser Mini Dent Puller £10.49
Increase in value: £400-£800
Even little dimples in the bodywork are unlikely to get past the eagle eyes of a prospective buyer, says Andy.
‘However small dents are, some dealers may say they need major repairs to knock money off the price,’ he adds. Buy a suction dent remover from stores such as B&Q to pull small dents into place.
2. Sort paperwork
Cost: Absolutely nothing
Increase in value: 10-20 per cent of value
For an easy transaction have all the paperwork ready – including the service history. Find a hard copy.
‘Often records are held in the “online vehicle service records database”, typically managed by the car manufacturer or authorised dealership,’ explains Andy.
‘So independent garages, who offer cheaper servicing options, are not always able to update the system.’
Paul adds: ‘If you can’t find the V5C registration document, allow up to 25 days to apply for a duplicate from the DVLA or take a big hit on the value. For EVs, get an up-to-date battery State of Health report.’
3. Hide scratches
Cost: £4.99 Halfords M2-110T Metallic Black Touch Up (12ml)
Increase in value: £200-£350
Touch-up pens can work wonders. It’s vital to get the right colour – all vehicles have paint codes, usually found on the chassis.
Make sure the area is clean, says Andy. ‘Paint the scratch, not paint work. Build up two or three layers.’
Scuffs: Sorting out minor scratches on the bodywork can increase a car's value by between £200 and £350
4. Remove that old cappuccino mark
Cost: From £6.29 Halfords Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner (500ml)
Increase in value: £200-£400
Stains give a prospective buyer the chance to knock money off.
‘A buyer doesn’t want to take a chance on whether a stain will come out so they’ll ask for a discount,’ says Andy. Use a car stain remover.
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5. Freshen up or replace floor mats
Cost: From £6.49 (as above)
Increase in value: Up to £500
From wet dogs to cigarette smoke, car interiors carry scented memories. An air freshener won’t cut it as it suggests you’re masking an underlying issue.
‘A lot of the smell comes from carpets and floor mats,’ explains Andy, so replacing these can help.
Expect to pay from £10 for a set of two from Halfords. I want to keep down costs so give mine a vacuum and blast of upholstery cleaner.
Wheels of fortune: Tyres are like hands. They show our age before the rest of the bodywork does
6. Spritz the tyres
Cost: £5.19 Turtle Wax Wet ‘n’ Black Tyre Dressing (500ml)
Increase in value: £200-£400
Tyres are like hands. They show our age before the rest of the bodywork does. Spritzing mucky wheels with a specialist spray can help.
7. Make it seem well-loved
Cost: From £14.99 for a single wiper blade
Increase in value: £200-£400
Don’t let little things lose you money. Top up oil and screenwash and ensure spare tyres are inflated.
Give wiper blades a sound check – screeching tells a buyer you’ve not looked after your car; they will wonder what else is wrong with it.
8. Fix the chip
‘A chippedwindscreen can knock £1,000 off your car’s value but most insurance covers repairs without affecting your no-claims,’ says Paul. ‘Fix it before you list it.’
9. Give it a good wash (by hand)
Cost: £16-30
Increase in value: £200-£300
Your vehicle must look clean and that means more than a zip through the local car wash.
Do it by hand. Use car shampoo or, like me, splash out on a valet service. I can see my (smiling) face in the bodywork.
