How to get your car ready for a private viewing

By Ané Theron

1. Get you car as clean as possible

A proper, deep cleaning valet is the best to make your car look and smell as good as it can - but if you don't have the money for it, cleaning it properly yourself is the next-best thing. Vacuum, wipe the seats (if they're leather/vinyl) and make sure that all smooth surfaces are clean and shiny. If you've been smoking in your car, there are other low cost odour-busters like charcoal or kitty litter that can address the problem, but this may take a few days to absorb the smells.

2. Clean the engine bay too

A greasy, grimy engine bay is the last thing a buyer wants to see if he pops that lid. Give this area a thorough clean, but be very careful not to make matters worse...we recommend clicking here for helpful hints.

For step-by-step instructions, we recommend a click here. 

3. Consider a pre-sale inspection

Most sellers have a good idea of what their car is worth, but in many cases their price expectation is not realistic. If you are unsure, consider having it inspected - that way you will have a better indication of how much you should settle for and what the real state of your car is. Visit DEKRA for a technical inspection.  (AA members get a 15 percent discount). According to DEKRA, their technical inspection "is a detailed bumper-to-bumper solution covering every single aspect of the vehicles' condition, and will highlight the most latent and unobservable mechanical or technical faults".

4. Fix dings, dents, and windscreen chips

Selling a car with scratches or dents will only give the prospective buyer an opportunity to haggle the price down - is it worth losing 5K on a deal just because you didn't spend 2K on fixing those little issues?

5. Replace tyres that are in bad shape

A wise buyer will check the condition and tread of your car's tyres. If they're not up to scratch, the buyer may very well request a big discount to offset the price of a new set.

6. Get those brakes sorted

Decent brakes are a big selling point, and If your car's brakes have seen better days, having them replaced before you make the sale will add value - be sure to show proof.

7. Correct small flaws that can make a big difference to the car's overall look

Your car's lights are a good example. It's not difficult or expensive to have a little bulb replaced or to clean the lenses. If you don't know have any car-DIY knowledge, subscribe to the AutoTrader.co.za channel on YouTube for handy instructional videos and tips.

8. Have all the relevant paperwork ready

 This includes the service history and warranty papers. If the buyer loves the car and wants to make the deal immediately, it will help the sale along when you've got all the right documentation on hand, including the above-mentioned pre-sale inspection results. Many buyers have backed out of a deal after 'sleeping on it' for a night. Click here to see what else you should have.

9. Timing is everything

Convertibles and high-performance cars won't sell in winter, while SUVs, bakkies, hatches and sedans are good sellers all year-round. Advertising your car just before month-end may also lead to more views, as people who are in the market for a new car will be more likely to be on the lookout around the time they get paid.

10. Be very wary of chancers

Don't let your car out of your sight, keep your phone on you, and have a friend or two around so you're not outnumbered if a viewer arrives with his entourage. Never part with your car until proof of payment has been received and always ensure you make a copy (or take a photo) of the prospective buyer's ID document or license before heading out for a test drive.

11. Learn how to negotiate

Some people are born salespersons, others not so much. Click here to pick up a few good negotiation tips.