If you’ve decided that the time has come to trade in your old car for a newer model, naturally, you will want to get the best possible price for your old vehicle so that you can reinvest it into a greatest new car or maybe use the cash to get something else nice for yourself. If that’s the case, check out my top tips for increasing the value of your car.

1. Clean it up

Although this might not massively increase the value of your vehicle, it is fair to say that a clean car makes a better first impression, and since the new buyer/dealer won’t have to spend any time of money cleaning it up themselves, they are more likely to agree to a slightly higher asking price. In fact, you could increase the value by as much as three times the cost of a thorough professional detail job, so it is definitely worth investing in a professional cleanup. 

2. Repair dents and scratches

When you look at used cars on edmunds, chances are you will not find yourself drawn to cars that have lots of dents and scratches if you can find any at all – most dealers will fix these – because they simply do not look good and they can make buyers feel like the cat has not been well looked after. So, it stands to reason that, by having your mechanic fix these dents and scratches before selling, you can get a better price for the car, one that will cover the cost of the repairs and then some.

3. Ensure all the paperwork is present and correct

Nobody wants to buy a used car whose history is unknown to them. To do so would be foolish because the car could have been seriously damaged in the past, or may even be stolen. So, if you want to get the best possible price for your old car, you absolutely need to ensure that all of the paperwork including the service history and vehicle registration forms are present and correct. Fail to do this and chances are you won’t find anyone willing to buy your car, let alone someone who is willing to give you a great price for it.

4. Get it serviced

It might seem foolish to spend money having a car serviced when you are just about to unload it, but actually, it’s a really smart move. Why? Because it will remove any uncertainty in the eyes of the buyer who will be able to see a full, and recent, report of exactly what condition the vehicle is in. If the buyer is confident they are getting a quality car, they will usually be willing to pay the best price for it because there probably won’t be any expensive surprises down the line.

5. Find all the accessories

From parcel shelves to the original spare tire and additional keys, the more of the car’s original accessories that you can find for the buyer, the better the price you can ask from them. This extends to any other spare parts as well – especially if you know a certain car is prone to particular faults. Perhaps you’re selling a Subaru, but know the gearstick handle wears away quite often. If you throw in some Subaru parts with the package, then the future owner has everything they need to make any maintenance fixes. They’ll appreciate the sentiment, which could also help you sneak even more money from the sale. 

Time to sell that car!

Of course, once you’ve got your new car sale-ready (and have hopefully made a profit when doing so), it’s time to start shopping for your next vehicle. For obvious reasons, you should be sure to weigh up your options ahead of time, taking into account factors such as your budget, lifestyle and vehicle requirements. This way, you’re getting behind the wheel of a car that you genuinely love and can rely on, whether that’s a 2025 Ford F150 or an older model. You should also be sure to take vehicles for a test drive ahead of time to provide you with greater peace of mind during this time