How should you prepare your car before a sale? There are two options facing most car owners in this position. You can restore your car, fix everything faulty, patch up the paint job, clean the car inside out, and replace all fluids and oil. This can be thought of as the process of getting your car back to something like complete working order – to try and get it as close as possible to how it was when you drove it off the lot. But restoration is not the only thing you can do. You can also decide to upgrade or customize when you are planning to sell your used car. This is something else entirely.
Upgrading your car isn’t a matter of restoring it to a previous state. But instead, it is the act of making it something new entirely. Most people do this when they still plan to get some use out of the car, but many also take the route of upgrading their vehicle specifically for sale. If this is something you are considering, then an important question arises – is it worth it?
Is it Worth It?
When determining whether upgrading your car for sale is worth it, you need to consider whether the modification you make to your vehicle will increase the selling price enough for you to make a profit.
When you restore your used car, you could end up doing something that a good dealership can perform much cheaper. CarFastCash.com, a top dealership based in Southern California with outlets across the state, recommends that complete restoration is entirely unnecessary. A great price can still be fetched for a car in any condition simply because good dealerships have the resources to restore the vehicle effectively and find a buyer somewhere.
Again though, modification is a different matter. Depending on what parts you get, you could be making an entirely new vehicle with considerable selling potential.
Easy Upgrades for Sale
So how do you go about profitably upgrading your car for sale? Here are some of the best options:
New Tires
Tires in poor condition are a significant turn-off for buyers simply because these are so essential to the efficient operation of a motor vehicle. Manufacturers typically recommend that tires be replaced every six or so years. Getting a set of new wheels for your car ahead of sale (especially of a superior brand to the old ones) can hike the resale value.
Cosmetics and Detailing
Cosmetic repairs often come under simple restoration, but if you get creative with your cosmetics, you can turn the car into something new. A good movie is to go for a completely new paint job if the car looks a little old-fashioned. Adding a few accessories can work too.
Upgrade the Engine
Upgrading a car’s engine might sound like “pimp my ride” level expensive customization, but it doesn’t have to be so. For example, you might decide to use a High Flow engine intake air filter or replace your old spark plugs with new Iridium versions. Both are not too expensive and will boost horsepower and overall performance. And you could seriously reap the benefits when it comes time to sell your used car.
Modification ultimately makes your car something new. But more than that, it also makes it something unique. And it is this uniqueness that is sure to catch the buyer’s eye. Be smart and do not spend too much, and modification could end up being one of the best ideas you ever had.
