Buying used has been a problem ever since new car mass production started and used cars appeared. For nearly a century buying a used car has been a problem. In India the second hand car market is bigger than the new car market. In this article, let’s understand how sellers can get better prices for used cars.
Car Inspection Report
Car examines or vehicle inspection reports are evolved to protect used car buyers. Its objective is to give confidence to the buyer that he/she should not end up with a problematic car. Even a car inspection costs you around INR 300 but it will give valuable information to buyers and that information will boost confidence in the car and help to make an easy buying decision.
Check all Car Papers
One of the basic requirements is to keep RC book, insurance copy and PUC ready. Keep the National Crime Record report of vehicles ready. You can visit this site www.mahatrafficechallan.gov.in to check unpaid challan if you stay in Maharashtra. Similarly, you can also check www.echallan.parivahan.gov.in. RC won’t be transferred to new vehicle owners unless old challan outstanding is paid. If vehicle loan is closed, it’s important to remove hypothecation from RC.
Car Detailing
Car detailing helps to look your car near to showroom like condition. Normally car paint is oxidized and needs to bring more gloss to it. Car detailing removes scratches and swirl marks. Cleaning mats, carpets, body oil on steering wheel and touch points like infotainment system are included in car detailing service.
Car Service Records
Every car has a history and it’s lived a life. Some of that may have been under the care of the service station. It’s important to have a clear and concise view of maintenance and service history of a car. Consider your vehicle report as a medical history file. If you want to convince buyers that your car is reliable you need to keep the records. It will tell what work has been done and what is coming up. How long ago have you done oil change or brake flush. A well-maintained car is always attractive to buyers. When you sell your car, the car buyer feels a transparent deal and he/she may buy your car at a better price than the market. If something goes seriously wrong with your car and the car is still under warranty. Buyer will come to know what’s been done and what should be done under the warranty.
Car Interior Cleaning
Perception is everything when selling a used car. External and internal clean cars will indicate to buyers how the car is driven and maintained. Focus your attention on the driver side door. Clean seat bolster, cupholder, door handle and steering wheel, buyer notices this quickly every time getting in the car. Clean floor mats. Floor mat takes a lot of wear and tear. Use water-based greasing for a deep rich look of plastic parts. Wipe with dry cloth afterwards. Locate all bad smell areas, scrub and vacuum those areas.
Second Key
If your car is stolen you can claim insurance but if your spare key is missing then you are in big trouble. It is mandatory to produce both car keys to a company to get compensation against theft. Insurance companies have cited cases of fraud where the insurer was complicit in conspiracy to have the car stolen. If the car’s original key is misplaced then it is advisable to file FIR and keep a copy of FIR for record to safeguard yourselves in case of any claim in future. Hence always handover both keys to the buyer.
Odometer Tempering
Though there is no provision in Motor Vehicle Act against odometer tampering, buyers may complain against unfair trade practices or cheating or dishonestly persuading a person to deliver any property.
User Manual
Used car buyers always value original papers and equipment while handing over the car. Car owner’s manual is precious and is like gold. Car owner’s manual has all preliminary information and is always valued by the buyer and may increase car valuation.
Wheel replacement
Proper wheel alignment and balancing optimize driving experience. Vehicle is going to grip the road, handle properly and roll straight hence enhances the overall performance and luxury of the car.
Car Accessories
Buyer may appreciate car safety accessories like under shield Protection cover, Gear Lock, Cabin Ac filter, Headlight upgrade, Remote central lock, Parking sensors, Auto dimming IRVM, Dash Cam, Tire Pressure monitoring system, Mats and Mud Flaps. Remove accessories like Steering wheel knob, Fancy Gear knob, it may give the wrong impression. Car decorative accessories are purely personal choice, it may cut car value.
Informative