7 Tips For Trading In or Privately Selling Your Vehicle
So, you’ve decided that, for one reason or another, you want to switch from your current car to a new one, either by trading it into a dealership or by selling it privately.
You want the process to be smooth—and profitable. What’s the next step you should take?
Here are Obvi’s top 7 tips to help you sell your car with confidence and get the best deal possible.
1. Make Your Vehicle Shine
First impressions matter. A clean car tells buyers you’ve taken good care of it.
- Wash the exterior so the paint sparkles.
- Vacuum the interior and remove clutter.
- Wipe down surfaces and make it smell fresh.
Even though cleanliness doesn’t change the actual value, a spotless car can boost buyer confidence and make your vehicle look worth more. If the outside of your car is covered in deep layers of dirt and there is garbage all over the floor on the inside, then it will be harder to convince anyone that you’ve taken the time and effort to give the vehicle routine check-ups and oil changes.
2. Research Your Car’s True Value
Don’t just guess what your car is worth. You may value your vehicle at a certain dollar figure, but that doesn’t mean that buyers are going to agree. Buyers will do their homework, so you should too.
- Use online tools like Autotrader’s “Price a Car” tool to get an estimate.
- Check listings on Kijiji Autos to see what similar vehicles are selling for.
Knowing the fair market value helps you set a realistic price, negotiate better, and avoid leaving money on the table.
3. Boost Value with an Extended Warranty
Want your vehicle to stand out? An extended warranty adds instant appeal.
- Cars with warranties often sell faster and for a higher price.
- Buyers view it as an added layer of protection and peace of mind.
- It indicates that your car has been well-maintained.
Get a free quote for an extended warranty today
4. Get a CARFAX report
Trust is everything when selling a car. A CARFAX report shows your vehicle’s history, including accidents, ownership, and maintenance records.
By providing this upfront, you remove doubt for buyers and speed up the sale. Transparency pays off.
By obtaining a report from a trusted source like CARFAX, you can demonstrate to any potential buyer the comprehensive history of your vehicle.
5. Have your documents ready
Nothing slows down a deal like missing paperwork. Be prepared with:
- Proof of ownership and insurance
- Bill of sale
- Service records and oil change receipts
Having documents ready shows responsibility, builds trust, and can help you secure a better price.
6. Take High-Quality Photos
When selling privately, photos can make or break interest. Listings with clear, well-lit pictures attract more clicks and inquiries.
- Shoot in natural daylight.
- Capture multiple angles—front, back, sides, and interior.
- Highlight unique features (like new tires or a premium sound system).
Buyers shop with their eyes first, so strong photos help your vehicle stand out.
7. Write a Compelling Description
A lazy ad like “Good condition, runs well” won’t cut it. A detailed, honest description builds trust and generates more serious inquiries.
- Mention the make, model, year, mileage, and key features.
- Highlight upgrades or recent maintenance (new brakes, winter tires, etc.).
- Be upfront about small flaws—transparency earns credibility.
Think of it as a story that sells your car before buyers even see it.
Final Thoughts
Selling or trading in your car doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation—cleaning, research, warranty coverage, transparency, and documentation—you can maximize your car’s value and close the deal with confidence.
👉 Ready to increase your vehicle’s resale value? Get your extended warranty quote now and make your car more attractive to buyers today.