Preparing to Sell Your Car: Do-It-Yourself Detailing

Looking to sell your vehicle but not sure if that PB&J stain in the back seat will be the selling point or not? How about that weird smell coming from under the back seat? These definitely will not be ideal features for your buyer, but have no fear - there is a solution for that. For those who don’t really know what detailing your vehicle entails, here is a simple guide from essentials to getting the job done.

Grab the Essentials

For a full list of suggested tools to detail your car like a pro, the DMV website is a great resource, but the essentials are listed below:

• A Vacuum Cleaner with multiple attachments - these are to get into the tiny crevices that you think no one will notice, but they will.
• Rags for different surfaces - Having a rag for wet and dry surfaces, along with one for whipping windows will help keep from pushing dust around.
• Cleaning Products - upholstery cleaner, carpet cleaner and all-purpose cleaner (for those pesky unknown stains).
• Q-tips, Cotton Swabs and Toothbrushes - for the tiny areas you won’t be able to get with a rag.
• A Can of Compressed Air - this is a bonus and can really come in handy for those small, hard-to-reach areas.

Getting Started

There are plenty of tips and tricks to help you get started, but don’t underestimate the power of a good deep clean. When you sell your car, whoever is buying it will want that “new car” feeling, even if it’s only new to them. There are a few things that are more important than others, though. Consumerreport.org gives a good description of what you need to do to better your chances of selling your vehicle:

• Clean the Cup Holders - Though it may seem trivial, this is one of the first things that your potential buyer looks at. Giving it a fresh look will help increase your chances of impressing the buyers.
• Get into the Corners - Even though you may not think the corners are a big deal, your potential buyer will. How you maintain the inside of your car can be perceived as how you well you keep the car maintained overall. So make sure you show them you took care of your car overall.
• Deep Clean the Fabrics - When inspecting a car to potentially purchase, buyers always look for imperfections in the upholstery. Getting rid of minor stains and making your car look spotless will help you big time.
• Do a Final Vacuum - Get the last few crumbs under the floor mat and anything else that you may have missed. One last vacuum could be the difference between a sale or not.

These are just a few ways to help better your odds at selling your vehicle and could be what helps you get closer to your next vehicle. If you don’t have time to detail your car yourself before putting it up for sale, you can always contact our service center and we can get the job done for you. To make an appointment, visit KuehnMotors.com.

How to Prepare Your Budget for a New Car

Buying a car can be a memorable experience. What you don’t want to remember, however, is feeling worried about how you’re going to pay for that new car. There are several ways to make a budget, stick to it and regulate your savings efficiently to successfully manage a new car payment. We’ve gathered a list of tips to stay on top of your budget when buying a new car.

Budget Before You Buy

Most car buyers pick out a new car and then adjust their budgets based on the monthly payment. The best way to go about a new car purchase is to create a budget before you go car shopping. This way, you’ll know exactly what you’re able to set aside each month. Having a budget and tracking your spending can save you money in the long run.

Save for a Large Down Payment

The larger your down payment is the lower your monthly bill will be. Typically, buyers have a downpayment of 10 to 15% of the car’s asking price. This can include a trade-in value of your old car. Follow our Car Buying Tips Pinterest Board to learn the best times to buy a car and how to get the most for your money.

Get the Most From Your Trade-in

Do your research to find out how much your current car is actually worth. Clean you car as best you can or get it detailed before bringing it in; you want it to look as close to brand new as possible. A trade-in should not have any personal belongings left in it and should be ready for the dealer’s lot as soon as you drive up. Sites like Kelley Blue Book can give you a rough estimate on how much your car is worth.

Base Your Search on What You Can Afford

If you’ve set yourself a budget for a car then it’s time to create a list of priorities. Separate your wants and needs in a new vehicle and order them in importance. You may have to make sacrifices, so it’s best to determine what is an absolute must ahead of time.

Understand the Total Price of a New Car

Your final costs at the end of the day will be higher than the sticker price. You have to take into account sales tax, license and registration fees, and any additional add-ons like extended warranties. Also, keep in mind the costs of insurance, gas and potential repair costs. Remember to leave some wiggle room in your budget for the little things.

The perfect car comes with time. Do your research and buy what you can afford. Your car payment shouldn’t be a burden to your budget. You should feel proud and excited about your new purchase. Let us help you make the process easier and make you feel comfortable during the budgeting process. Shop at Kuehn Motors so you know you’re getting the best deals around.