Increasing Car Resale Value and Good Buy on Used Vehicle

Selling Your Car

• Body works – repair dents, scratches, chips and rust marks; do not forget the bumpers and lights. Ensure that every component is working well. Get the engine checked out.
  
  
• Window dressing – cleanliness and hygiene count. Clean the upholstery to remove stains and odours. Vacuum and shake out the mats. Wash and polish the car and tyres.
  
  
• Paperwork – have all your service records on hand to show potential buyers that certain parts have already been replaced.

Buying a Used Car

Felt that a deal was just too good to be true? Sometimes good bargains have loads of fine print that can cost you:

• Extra charges – check that you are not paying extra for standard equipment, like air conditioning. Do not let the dealer add features such as power steering without your knowledge – and then charge you for them. Even processing fees can be hiked up, so be wary.
  
  
• Old news – a so-called brand new car may be a showroom vehicle that has been test-driven hundreds of times or a soon-to-be-replaced model.
  
  
• Trading places – be wary of trade-ins – the dealer might give you a good price for your old car, but hike up the price of the new one.
  
  
• Find out what each dealer is offering. Choose a reputable dealer. If you feel pressured or if you are handed a bunch of numbers, tell the dealer you will return after digesting all the information. Note down their verbal promises, so they know you will hold them of their word.