Prepping, pricing and patience are the keys to selling your car in a challenging market
We are all trying to navigate our “new normal” at the moment, as the Covid-19 pandemic affects financial situations around the world. Many residents across the UAE are choosing to return home, while others have been forced out of work due to a worldwide economic downturn.
This is why there is a sudden influx of second-hand goods available online, including, quite literally, thousands of used cars.
If you find yourself in this situation and are worried about not getting a good price for your sale, we are here to help with a few tips.
Decide where to advertise
It was not long ago that selling a car meant writing a sign and sticking it to the car window, placing a small advertisement in the local newspaper or printing a poster and pinning it on to your local supermarket’s noticeboard.
Times have changed and, nowadays, there are numerous outlets to choose from when it comes to finding a buyer for your beloved runaround. Online trading platforms are very popular, with websites such as Facebook Marketplace, Dubizzle and Auto Trader all offering a great sales space.
But do not rely on the digital medium alone. Other options to consider are traditional auctions, part-exchanging at a local dealer or selling via a company that offers to “buy any car”.
Prepare your car
Do not even think about advertising your car until it is ready for inspection. Take your vehicle for a deep clean and make sure it is tidy inside and out. There are many valeting companies that offer a professional service at a reasonable price.
Displaying a car that has been washed, polished and deodorised shows you have taken care of your vehicle both on the exterior and under the hood.
If you are hoping to achieve a good price, invest in the removal of any chips, dents and wheel damage by a professional company. It is not as expensive as you might think.
Take great photos
With your car sparkling, it’s time to take some photographs. You do not need a professional photographer, as a modern smartphone will do. It is essential to take a good range of shots, including of the exterior and interior, in daylight and with a simple background.
Show every angle of the car, any damage or modifications and, if it is a convertible, take pictures with the roof up and down.
Describe your car accurately
The more relevant the information you include in your writeup, the more effective your advertisement will be. Start with the basics: include the make; model; mileage; body type; and trim.
The trim level is important because it represents how many features are included on the car and this can really affect the price. People are willing to pay more for a car with alloy wheels and the latest safety features, after all.
Make sure to highlight all the features on your vehicle and be honest. If it still has a tape deck, do not describe it as having a “state-of-the-art digital sound system” simply because you bought an auxiliary cable to connect to your phone.
Price it appropriately
The Middle East is famous for its love of cars and many of us believe ours is extra special. Take a step back and remember: it’s a commodity and car values are set by demand. The value of your car will be affected by age, mileage, condition, service history and modifications, which can often negatively affect the price.
Take your car to a couple of dealers and ask for their opinion on its value. Check out online ads for other vehicles of the same make, then assess the age, condition and trim level to determine where your car fits into the market.
Be patient
It is good to prepare yourself and remember that some prospective buyers will try to offer a ridiculously low price, knowing that it is a buyer’s market. Make sure you are armed with the research about what your car is worth and do not come to a deal too soon. Give yourself at least a month to sell your car and definitely do not add “Must sell today”. This will only encourage low offers.
Ultimately, be patient, but be prepared to negotiate.