by Sheila Attebury

Created on: September 25, 2008   Last Updated: October 07, 2008

The stereotype is that women are ignorant when it comes to automobiles. It is just assumed that women don't know how much their car is worth and are ripe to be taken advantage of. But you want to get the best price for your used car and are not willing to settle for less. The best way to increase the value of your car is make it look as close to new as possible. Professional detailing is always the best option, if you can afford it. If not, or you are a DIY kind of person, here is a list of tips to help you make sure you get the most for your car:

Interior

o Trash. Look under the seats and in all the cracks for food wrappers, old water bottles, receipts and cracker crumbs. Once all the big
chunks are picked up, vacuum every nook and cranny.
o Remove personal items. That bobble head bulldog may be irresistible to you, but to someone else, not so much. A clean, empty car
is your best bet.
o Smell. Ever get into someone's car and wish you could get back out before you gag? What smells fine to you, perfumes, french fries,
gym socks, cigarette smoke, can be a deal killer to someone else.
o Upholstery- Stains are a total turn off to a potential buyer. If the staining is bad and won't come out, you might want to consider
seat covers. Just be honest with the buyer as to why the covers are there.
o Clean the little stuff too use cotton swabs and a toothbrush for vents and cracks.
o Storage areas-glove box. After vacuuming all cup holders and storage compartments, wipe them clean with a damp cloth. Interior
auto wipes, such as Armor All, will add a polished look to plastic and vinyl surfaces.
o Inside of windows- Dust and oils build up on the interiors of the windows. Use a good glass cleaner that won't leave streaks. A
vinegar and water solution works well too.
o Trunk. Don't forget to clean out and vacuum the trunk. A clean car with a dirty trunk could sabotage a sale.

Exterior

o Wash and wax. A little elbow grease will make a huge difference. Make sure to get under the wheel wells and bumpers in case the
buyer decides to check out the undercarriage.
o Engine. If you aren't familiar with auto care, you may think that the engine compartment is supposed to be oily and icky. But
people who take good care of their cars make sure the engine stays as clean as the rest of the vehicle. If the clean up requires more
than a damp cloth, it is better to have a professional do the engine cleaning.
o Tires. Use a tire spray on the rubber and a chrome cleaner on the wheels.
o Windows. Washing may not be enough to get a nice clear shine. Use a no-streak glass cleaner or a vinegar and water solution.

Repairs/Maintenance

o Make sure everything works, every time. Something as minor as an air vent that won't swivel could make the difference in a sale.
o Dings, dents and scratches. Auto part stores and dealers sell color-matching paint for vehicles that dabs on just like nail polish.
Remember to let the paint dry before washing and waxing the car. Dings and dents can usually be corrected by your local auto body
shop. Very small flaws may not be an issue, but definitely have large dents repaired.
o Keep all maintenance and repair receipts to show the buyer that the car has been maintained properly. If you don't have them you
can simply tell the buyer what maintenance has been done. But receipts are much more convincing. So, remember to save them for
your new vehicle.

When you are done with your pre-sale prep, have a friend look at the vehicle. A fresh set of eyes, and nose, may be able to pick up on areas that you missed. Then relax with a glass of wine and plan how you are going to spend the extra money you make on the sale of your car.

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