Sob! You are getting rid of me after 10 faithful years. What did I ever do to you? All you men are like that - lusting after curvy beauties every time you see one. At the nearest opportunity you dump Old Faithful even if though that new creature will leave your coffers empty. SOB!!

If the car you are going to sell had a voice that is what you would hear. But my sympathies are with you. Despite runaway imaginations cars are inanimate and dumping them or selling them to buyers who will give them adequate TLC shouldn t cause too much conscience pricking.

The real trouble however lies in actually getting a good price for your car. Despite market depreciation you might own a beautiful piece worth much more than it is generally credited with. By the same coin you could own a piece of junk worth only a few thousands most of that coming from the leather on the seats and the cassettes you forgot in the glove compartment.

You car needs to be prepared to meet the prospective new owner. Do her up the right way taking that extra bit of Care and the effort could fetch you a few thousands more than you actually hoped to get.

At the same time though put yourself in the buyer s place - consider what factors would raise yelps if you were buying your car from yourself. Tighten up any rattling and try to fix anything that can be inexpensively repaired giving special consideration to those things obvious to a buyer--such as peeling paint or screeching brakes.

Determine how much time you are willing to put into this sales effort. If you allow two weeks and you have received no offers during that time either your price or your expectations need adjusting. However if you say Must sell moving to Bali on Friday be ready for some basement offers. Have a last resort option (i.e. store my car at Shankar mama s garage) if that Friday comes and the car is still outside.

Remember that your car s appearance is important to a buyer. If you are seeking a good price for an expensive car replace even minor items such as side mirrors and bumper strips - though an obviously inexpensive paint job is likely to make the buyer skeptical. To aid worn seats stop by a local mechanic or buy a set at the dealers and do it yourself.

A good-looking car is perceived to run well too. A wax and vacuum job can do wonders; also clear out any old rags or tools that might lead the buyer to envision a fragile machine. Clean the windows and even deodorize the insides to free your car from the wet nappies and the occasional cigarette puff. Click the links to get a thorough guideline on cleaning and maintaining your car s interiors and exteriors.

Often before even getting into the car comes the infamous look under the hood. Wipe up any oil or radiator spills with a damp cloth. If it s really messy in there use a commercial degreaser available at any auto supply store. Depending on the kind of engine you have you may need to first protect some components by covering them with plastic bags and tape. Check with the your mechanic to be sure.

Keep in mind that too clean an engine might also be cause for suspicion.

If you plan to advertise in the local paper make sure you note the vehicle s type and year condition body style price and your phone number. Give a time to reach you in order to save time and missed opportunities. Also be sure to list your price. Otherwise serious buyers will assume a high price and skip your ad and bargain hunters will call looking for a steal.

If you are part of a family leave an information sheet by the phone so they can say something about the car and the times you ll be available for appointments. Realize most people will want to bargain; many will come in expecting to shave off five to ten percent. If you intend to be firm say so in the ad. Take all offers seriously and if they are below your range take the person s phone number and offer to call them if you change your mind. Once you agree on a price take only cash or a cashier s cheque from a reputable bank.

The God of Used-Cars decrees that if you follow these Golden Rules of Selling a Used Car you ll find your coffers more than full ready to be relinquished on any new automotive love that may make an appearance.