5 Ways to Increase Your Car Valuation

If your car isn’t brand new off the lot, a few simple improvements can help increase its resale value. Whether you’re selling an older family car or a vehicle purchased at an online auction like AutoBidMaster, here are five steps you can take to improve its value and give potential buyers greater peace of mind.

1. Improve the Paint and Exterior

The condition of the paint is a huge factor in how a car is perceived. If the paint is old and faded, waxing the car may help improve its appearance. Depending on the car’s value, it may be worth having it repainted altogether. A little upfront investment can go a long way toward helping you sell your car and maintain its value.

2. Fix Minor Issues Before Selling

Are there small, inconvenient issues you know you can take care of? Don’t wait for a prospective buyer to factor them into their offer. Replace burnt-out bulbs, buff out minor scratches, and check fluid levels, topping them off or changing fluids as needed. A ten-dollar bulb can make or break a sale. If a car is missing a headlight, a prospective buyer may wonder what else hasn’t been taken care of.

3. Check the Tires and Headlights

In addition to the paint, the condition of the tires and lights makes a huge difference in how a car looks. If your tires still have plenty of tread and don’t need replacing, just polish the rims. If the tires need replacing, replace them before listing the car. Make sure their condition is clearly represented to prospective buyers.

The same goes for the lights—not just the bulbs, but the housings themselves. If they’re grimy or foggy, a quick cleaning can make a huge difference. Many products are available to clean cloudy headlights, improving the car’s appearance and, in some cases, the effectiveness of the lights.

4. Clean the Interior

Even if it isn’t in the best shape, giving the interior a once-over is a good idea. Vacuum cloth seats or use an appropriate cleaner on leather upholstery. If the floor mats are dirty, clean them thoroughly. If they’re beyond cleaning, consider replacing them. It’s worth the cost of a new set. Attention to detail in the interior can help improve the car’s perceived value, especially in the eyes of potential buyers.

5. Gather Vehicle History and Maintenance Records

While paperwork isn’t a physical issue you can fix, providing as much documentation as possible is very helpful. In addition to providing a vehicle history report, gather as many maintenance records as you can. These records can show buyers how well you’ve maintained the vehicle and what work may still need to be done. They also add an extra layer of transparency to the transaction. A quick VIN lookup can provide additional information about a car’s history, including reported accidents and other available records.

Get to Bidding

There’s a lot you can do to improve your car’s value. If you’re looking for a salvage car to repair, resell, or keep for yourself, browse the vehicles available at AutoBidMaster. To start bidding, register with us by providing some basic information or signing up with your Google or Facebook account. You’ll also need to upload a copy of your government-issued ID or passport and place a fully refundable security deposit.

If you have any questions about registration or need help finding a salvage car, call us at +1 (503) 298-4300, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time. You can also email support@autobidmaster.com.