If you’ve never sold a car before, you may not be aware of the most efficient way to go about it. There’s a lot more that goes into the selling process than placing a for-sale sign in the window. Unfortunately, most sellers don’t take the necessary steps and have a difficult time selling their cars.

To avoid extending the process any longer than necessary, here are some mistakes to avoid when it comes time to sell your vehicle.

Not having the car professionally cleaned and detailed.

You may try to save money by cleaning your vehicle yourself before selling it. However, the result won’t be nearly as polished had you paid for professional detailing.

When you invest in a car detailing service, these professionals will clean all of the cracks and crevices that many people miss. These car detailers will examine your vehicle with a fresh perspective, making it easier to spot dirt and debris you would have missed on your own. If you want to get top dollar for your car, you’ll need to invest in a professional clean.

Waiting too long to sell it

Many car owners make the mistake of waiting too long to sell their car because they aren’t confident it will sell. However, the longer you wait to sell it, the less you’ll get for it.

If you’re in the position where you’re thinking about selling your car for some extra cash, consider selling it to an auto recycling facility like Tear-A-Part. The process is relatively simple, and you won’t have to do any of the heavy lifting. You can score some quick cash for your vehicle, even if it’s relatively old or has sustained damage.

Procrastinating the selling process will only diminish your car’s value. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make quick cash. Put your vehicle on the market as soon as possible.

Ignoring little repairs that are easy to fix

Even new cars require some light repairs from time to time. Due to a lack of convenience, most vehicle owners don’t want to carve out time in their schedule to perform their repairs themselves. Scheduling an appointment with professional mechanics can be similarly inconvenient when balancing work and personal responsibilities in your daily routine.

Unfortunately, if you skip this step, a vehicle owner risks losing money. A car with a laundry list of repairs can turn off potential buyers, as they don’t want to devote the time and energy to making these repairs either. A vehicle with scratches, dings, and dents might be a sign of a negligent owner.

To make the best first impression on your potential buyers, take the time to fix the mechanical and cosmetic issues with the vehicle before you put it up for sale. The money and time spent will be a worthwhile investment when you’re able to boost the value of the car, expedite the selling process, and recoup some of the money you put towards these repairs.

Failing to research your car’s value

If a car doesn’t sell quickly or sells for too little, it may be a sign that the seller failed to adequately research the car’s value. If the owner settles on an asking price based on their desired profit, they risk putting themselves at a significant disadvantage on the used car market.

In most cases, customers in the market for a used car must abide by a strict budget. Due to their financial limitations, they will often research the estimated retail price and compare other models available on the market in depth. When a potential buyer investigates the car’s worth before they see it in person, they’ll refuse to fall for any sales gimmicks—making it nearly impossible to sell your car if it’s at an asking price that too high.

If you’ve priced your vehicle below retail value, a well-researched buyer will pounce, which means you could lose out on a lot of money if your asking price is too low. Remember, it doesn’t cost anything to research your car’s value, so there’s no reason you shouldn’t put forth the effort before you put your car up for sale.

Lying about the condition of it

You may be tempted to cut corners and lie about the vehicle’s condition to sell it more quickly. If the car is experiencing minor mechanical issues, don’t conceal these technical difficulties from the buyer. Deceiving your buyer can result in unnecessary problems and can make it more challenging to sell your car in the long run.

In the world of car sales, it pays to be honest about the condition of the vehicle. Disclose to the sellers any issues they should be aware of.

Mishandling the car’s paperwork

Once you locate a buyer, you’ll need to sign over the necessary documents, including the car’s title and a bill of sale. Have these documents in your possession when you show the car. That way, if someone wants to buy the vehicle same-day, you’ll be prepared.

After purchase, make sure that both parties fill out the necessary paperwork. It’s a good idea to take photos of the paperwork you’re signing as an extra precaution. These photos will allow you to prove that you actually sold the car and filled out the paperwork correctly.

Conclusion

Selling a car can help you get the extra cash you’ll need to upgrade to a newer model. To ensure a quick sale, make sure that you don’t make any of the mistakes mentioned above. By selling your vehicle the right way, you can have a hassle-free experience.