If it’s time to sell your four-wheeled steed, here are some ways you can make your car stand out.

Clean up

Removing all personal items inside the car will keep the car looking neat and show off its features.

It’s also a good idea to avoid leaving anything inside the car that prevents buyers from checking the details. This includes baby seats which can make it difficult for potential buyers to sit in the back and test each seatbelt.

Get a professional detail

A potential buyer doesn’t want to see empty wrappers in the console or biscuits smashed into the back seats. Dust is also unsightly and gives off the impression that the car isn’t cleaned regularly. If you invest in a professional detailer, or spend the time doing it yourself, it’ll show you’ve treated your car like it’s your pride and joy.

And what about that smelly gym clothes odour? No thanks. Use an interior deodorant to freshen up the car.

Service books

Most buyers will inquire about a car’s history before they buy it. They’ll want to know if the car was regularly serviced and when the tyres were last changed. Potential purchasers will also want to know if the car has been involved in a crash or had any major work done.

Have your service books up to date and include any recent invoices for repairs, especially timing-belt history, which is crucial to the operation of your vehicle’s engine and can be costly if it breaks.

Keys

If you have two sets of keys for the car, let the buyer know. Keys can be an expensive outlay so it’s a bonus for the buyer, and could even seal the deal, especially if it’s a car with remote entry and central locking.

Clear the boot

Remove unnecessary items from the boot so the buyer can see its size. This is especially important to parents who lug prams around, people who enjoy road trips or have sporting equipment. A clean boot also allows buyers to see if the car comes with a spare wheel, jack and tools, and a repair kit.

Spruce it up

If your car has hubcaps and a couple are missing – perhaps from attempting the dreaded reverse-parallel park – pop down to an auto shop and get a set of replacements. If you can’t find matching hubcaps, a wreckers might be able to help. Likewise, if your seats are worn, covers will instantly give your interior a lift.

Do some easy maintenance

While the big stuff should be left to the professionals, and RAA is always on hand to help, there is some maintenance you can complete. Make sure the oil and coolant are topped up, fill the washer bottle, remove leaves and other debris from under the bonnet or on the windscreen, and make sure the tyres are pumped up to the correct pressure.

You can also give the battery a light clean with a damp disposable cloth to remove any acid around the terminals, but if in doubt, it’s best to have a mechanic do this for you.

Consider an RAA inspection

Often buyers will want a professional to inspect the car before signing on the dotted line, so if you can show this has already been done, it’s a great selling tool.

RAA offers pre-purchase, warranty, owner and specialty inspections, which can be carried out at the Mile End workshop, at an approved Vehicle Inspection Centre in regional SA, or they can come to you. It’s easy to book online or by phoning 8202 4688.

When you sell

Remember to lodge the disposal notice to Service SA as soon as the vehicle is sold, otherwise you could be held responsible for any car-related offences until the new owner transfers the registration into their name.