No one
ever wants to sell his or her convertible – unless it’s to buy another
convertible! You can’t put a price on the joy and freedom felt when cruising
with the top down and wind in your hair. However, in the event you do have to
put a price on your precious convertible, we’ve put together a few tips to
ensure you get the amount you deserve.
Floor Mats
As soon
as you possibly can, buy thick rubber floor mats for the front and back seats
of your convertible. These will keep the factory floor mats perfectly preserved
and make the interior look like new when presented to a potential buyer. The
aftermarket rubber floor mats will also preserve the surrounding carpeting against
spills, dirt, and debris. This extremely affordable step is the easiest way to
keep your interior clean through all seasons and environments.
Tune-up
Most car
buyers will know how to do a proper assessment of your convertible’s condition,
or bring someone with them who can. At the very least, you should have your
convertible’s fluids changed before attempting a sale. Changing spark plugs,
oil and air filters, belts, and performing other routine maintenance can go a
long way towards satisfying even the most perceptive buyers.
Fix Anything that’s Broken
If you
have a broken tail light or headlight, door handle, or any other part, find and
install a replacement. Most any salvage yard will have the parts you need at an
affordable price. The time, money, and effort put into replacing a cracked
headlamp can justify an increased asking price and give you the confidence to
stick to it.
Clean it Up
A clean
convertible is a sold convertible. Give your car a good bath and vacuum before putting
it up for sale, and add a coat of wax to give it that extra shine. The interior
should be given the same level of care as the outside including cleaning the
dashboard and all windows inside and out. Many sellers overlook the importance
of cleaning under the hood of the car, as well. With the battery and other
electronic components properly covered, use a degreaser or approved solvent and
water to remove all oil and debris. This will make everything under the hood
look like new and give buyers no reason to complain. This applies to the trunk
of the car, as well. The trunk should be vacuumed and orderly for potential
buyers to view. The car should also have air fresheners to provide a pleasant aroma
that puts buyers at ease.
Vehicle History
If
possible, have all maintenance records available for review. If you have a
particular mechanic you have used over the years, they may be able to help you access
and print out your convertible’s maintenance history. If you are not the
original buyer, keep the original owner’s contact information stored some place
convenient in the event a buyer may have a question you are unable to answer.
You may need to invite the original buyer to your next barbecue as a thank you,
but it could mean the difference between a sale and another week of running a
tiny used car lot out of your home.
These are
just some of our favorite tips for preparing your convertible for sale. Taking
these steps will give you the edge you need to keep reluctant buyers from
walking away and ensure you get the price you want and need – so you can buy a new convertible! What are your best tips for preparing a convertible for sale?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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