Thinking of selling your car? Whether you’re upgrading or cashing in, there are things you could do to get the best price. With a bit of easy housekeeping, you might be able to increase your car’s resale value and attract more serious buyers. Here are 5 Ways You Could Increase Your Car’s Value Before Selling:

1. Fix Any Dashboard Warning Lights

Warning lights signal to buyers that you haven’t taken good care of your car. Private buyers are more likely to haggle your price down or walk away all together. Dealerships and car-buying services will also deduct money for any warning lights during their inspection.

• Address any dashboard alerts before listing your car. Identify the warning light using your vehicles manual. If you don’t have it, you can sometimes find a digital copy online (search “<year> <make> <model> owner’s manual PDF”).
• Warning lights are usually colour coded:
  • Red: Serious issue. Stop as soon as it’s safe (e.g. oil pressure, brake system, engine temperature).
  • Yellow/Amber: Caution. Needs checking soon (e.g. check engine, traction control).
• Simple fixes like topping up oil, replacing a lightbulb or adjusting tyre pressure can be done yourself.
• Things like ABS, engine and airbag warnings will need to be fixed by a reputable mechanic.

2. Gather Your Paperwork

There are some documents that will increase your buyers confidence. It shows you’ve taken care of the car and helps justify your asking price. Here’s what kind of paperwork should you have ready when you are selling your car in the UK:  

• V5C Logbook (Vehicle Registration Certificate): This is the most important document and proves you’re the registered keeper of the vehicle. If you haven’t got a VC5, you can buy a new one on the .gov website.
• MOT Certificate: An MOT certificate proves your vehicle is roadworthy and legal to drive on UK roads. Without it, your insurance may be invalid, meaning accident claims could be rejected and you could face fines or prosecution. Buyers want to see a current MOT certificate and can check the car’s MOT record online.
• Service History and Receipts: A stamped service book or digital service record shows regular maintenance. Also show your receipts for repairs, parts, and services. This proves the repairs have been done through a professional garage.
• Vehicle Handbook and Spare Keys: Though not always possible, if you have the original vehicle handbook and a set of spare keys, you can add good resale value.

3. Fix Minor Cosmetic Issues

Scratches, dents, and chipped paint may seem small, but they can knock hundreds off your car’s value[1]. Quick cosmetic repairs are inexpensive and make a big difference for first impressions.

• Touch Up Paint Chips and Scratches: Use a touch-up paint kit (available from Halfords or your car’s manufacturer) that matches your paint code. Use it to cover small stone chips, door-edge scratches, or minor scuffs.
• Replace Cheap, Worn Items: New number plates, hubcaps, wipers, car mats or seat covers can give your car a fresher look.
• Fix Dull or Cloudy Headlights: Mucky or dim headlights can make even a good car look old. Use a headlight restoration kit or the toothpaste and baking soda trick to polish them.

Important note: Minor fixes are fine, but always tell your insurer about any nonstandard vehicle modifications. For example; tinted windows, alloys, or spoilers. If you don’t, your insurance could be invalid. If in doubt, notify your insurer right away for complete coverage.

4. Invest in a Professional Clean

People are naturally willing to pay more for a car that looks clean and “ready to drive away.” Dirt, stains, or odours can make people worry about neglect or hidden problems. Even dealers and car-buying sites base their offers partly on visual condition. A professional clean can prevent low-ball offers.

• Firstly clear out any rubbish. No one wants to buy a car that has been treated like a bin.
• Book a full professional valet to remove smells (like smoke or pets), shampoo seats, and deep-clean carpets.
• If you can’t afford a full valet, clean the car yourself.  A good hoover, wipe around and a new air freshener can make your car look newer and better maintained.

5. Take High-Quality Photos

Your listing is only as good as your photos. A well-photographed car gets more clicks and better offers. Make sure you include:

• Pictures of any damage to the vehicle: It might feel contradictory, but transparency builds trust and can lead to smoother negotiations and quicker sales.
• An Attractive Setting: Use natural lighting, clean backgrounds,
• Multiple Angles Inside and Out: as well as the dashboard, boot and open bonnet. The more people know about the car before they see it, the less likely they are to be surprised and walk away.

IMPORTANT NEXT STEPS: You Must Tell Your Insurance You’ve Sold Your Car

Your insurance only covers the car named on your policy. Once you sell it, you’re no longer the owner, so you must tell your insurer. If you don’t, you could still be listed as insured for a car you no longer own, which can lead to legal or financial trouble if it’s involved in an accident.

If you’re buying another car, most insurers will transfer your policy to the new vehicle for a small admin fee.

It’s quick, simple, and always worth doing as soon as the sale is final.

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[1] How do scratches affect how much my car is worth?