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Prepping a Used Car for Sale or Trade In

By Keith Griffin, About.com

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Just Like Selling a House

Your used car doesn't have to be a sports car to sell quickly. A thorough cleaning, mechanical inspection, and record keeping and you're on your way to a quick sale.

Photo © Keith Griffin

Lessons from home selling apply to prepping a car for sale. Here are some fast tips, followed by more detail.

  • Make cosmetic improvements to give it street appeal.
  • Put its records in order.
  • Clean it thoroughly.
  • Get it checked out mechanically before a customer knocks on your door.
  • If your car's a disaster area, take baby steps and clean it over the course of a couple of days. If it takes longer, you're not going to get much for your car.
  • By the way, this advice works even if you're thinking of trading the car in.

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