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Prepping a Used Car for Sale or Trade In

By Keith Griffin, About.com

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Start Selling Your Used Car Early

Proper maintenance of belts and hoses will ensure a higher selling price when it comes time to sell your used car.

Photo © Keith Griffin

The best time to prep a used car for sale is about 30 seconds after you bought a new car.

  • Keep all maintenance records and inspection reports in a handy file so your car has a paper trail when it comes time to sell.
  • Do all the maintenance required by the manufacturer so you can sell your vehicle in excellent condition. That always generates more money.
  • Drive the car as if you're going to sell it the next day.
  • That doesn't mean to baby it. Just keep on top of routine maintenance, keep it clean inside and out, and treat it with respect.
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