by Richard Harley

Created on: January 20, 2009

Everyone likes a good deal but only some people manage to get it. In this article we'll discuss how you can become the seller that always gets a good deal.

Getting the price you want when selling a used car is never easy - this is because sellers often have high valuations of their own vehicles. However, there are lots of things you can do which ensure you get as much for the car as possible.

Let's skim over the basics:

Give the car a good wash and wax. No one wants to buy a dirty car. If possible, use a pressure washer and make sure you get all the dirt off before waxing it. Wash around and under the wheels. Polish the alloys. Wash the tyres - make sure they are black. Clean the number plates back to original condition. Use a soft rag or chamois to avoid any smears when finishing up.

Clean the interior. Remove all your junk and wipe down all the surfaces. Give the seats and floor a good vacuum and make sure it smells nice too. Take the floor mats out - wash and dry them before putting them back in. Don't forget the boot and the spare. Wipe down all the windows with a glass cleaner so they are free from grease marks and fingerprints. A professional valet service will charge you 50/$75 for something that you could easily do yourself with a spare hour. If you can't be bothered to clean your car before you sell it don't expect a good price.

Tidy the engine bay. Steam cleans are expensive and generally only justified on expensive cars but at least make sure there is no loose debris or dirt visible. Top up (or better change altogether) all basic fluids - coolant, oil, screenwash etc. Inflate the tyres to the correct pressure and make sure all the valve caps are present.

You should consider servicing the car too. A recent oil, pads and plugs change will make a prospective buyer feel more comfortable with paying your higher price - it's been immaculately maintained after all. If the alloys are good, mention they have been refurbed not too long ago - this phrase is bandied about a lot and no one seems to be able to tell the difference.

If the car has less than 6 months MOT, stick 12 months on it. The cost of getting the car through an MOT should not outweigh the gain you'll get when selling it, unless you have something to hide of course. Remember to include 6 months tax too even if you just price the car to reflect this. You should price the car 100/$150 more than you think it is worth.

Onto the sale:

When writing up an advert, be it locally or on the internet, you should

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