Selling used cars can be tough. Some vehicles, however, have a better resale value than others: currently, cars like the Nissan Frontier, Honda Accord, and Toyota Tacoma have the best 5 year residual value. In the grand scheme of things, however, the brands with the highest 5 year resale value are Volkswagen, Subaru, Honda, Mazda, and Toyota. But even if your car wasn’t made by one of these 5 brands, it’s important not to get discouraged, as there are still plenty of smart ways for you to get the most money for your used car. We outline these reasons in this article:

1. Clean and detail your car

No one wants to buy a dirty car. Therefore, by taking the time to thoroughly clean it, you’ll be making your car worth far more to potential buyers. Whether you’re cleaning it yourself or getting it professionally cleaned, however, is up to you! This depends on how dirty it is, what needs to be cleaned, whether or not you’re willing to spend, how much time you have, and more. Additionally, getting your car professionally detailed can help make it even more attractive, increasing its overall value. 

2. Make necessary repairs

Similar to the previous point, making necessary repairs on your used car before attempting to sell it can increase the attractiveness that your car has to potential buyers. Even minor fixes can help to raise the vehicle’s value. Similarly, your personal transparency can rub off on your vehicle, making it more appealing. For instance, if you’ve had any major repairs done in the recent years leading up to the sale, it can be beneficial to make potential buyers aware of this. Plus, you can take it a step further by offering a warranty. Either way, honesty from sellers is appealing to buyers in many different markets, which is important to keep in mind!

3. Price competitively and negotiate 

When selling anything, research never hurts. By doing your research—checking places like dealer listings, auto marketplaces, and online ads—and setting a competitive price for your car, you’ll attract buyers and ensure that you get the most money possible for your vehicle (while also making sure to not set the price too high, which will drive away buyers and hurt your chances). Likewise, negotiating prices with potential buyers is crucial. To prepare for these interactions, it’s important to remember to be polite and patient. Personally set a minimum price that you’re willing to accept, and keep that in mind when discussing with potential buyers. 

4. Market your car

Marketing is always important and can yield great results. And, thanks to the internet, marketing has never been easier: eBay, Craigslist, Autotrader, social media, and likewise platforms can all help to increase your car’s visibility, drawing in multiple buyers and making sure that you get the most money possible for your vehicle. Attractive listings—ones that include detailed descriptions, transparency, and high-quality photos—will help your car sell faster, and at a higher price.