How To Tell What Condition My Used Car Is In
Here is the situation – you are ready to sell your used car, truck or SUV and you want to get the best price. That means you want to find a buyer that will provide you with the best value for your vehicle in its condition – and The Car Depot will check all the boxes. Before you sell your used vehicle at The Car Depot, you will want to determine its condition and you can learn how to tell what condition your used car is in with this quick overview created by The Car Depot in Birmingham, AL.
How To Check the Condition of Your Used Car
Services like Kelley Blue Book® and Edmunds.com provide car sellers with easy-to-use online services that will help you determine the condition of your used car, truck or SUV. We can help you do the same here at The Car Depot. When you evaluate the condition of your vehicle, you will want to look at four areas – Exterior, Interior, Mechanical and Miscellaneous – that will cover key aspects of your vehicle. Here is a closer look at what you will want to examine when you evaluate a pre-owned vehicle.
Exterior – Look closer at the paint for any scratches, dents, dings, rust or evidence of repairs. All can impact the condition and value of your vehicle. Examine the frame for damage, the wheels for any scrapes and the windshield and headlights for minor or major damage.
Interior – How does the interior look, feel and smell? Is the upholstery torn, stained, faded or worn? Does the interior smell like smoke or mold? Check to ensure that electronic systems work – power windows, mirrors, radio, navigation, etcetera.
Mechanical – This is the meat and potatoes of the condition of your used car. Check the condition of the engine, transmission, steering, suspension, climate control systems, brakes and tires. How does each system run? Are your tires in good condition?
Miscellaneous – There are always a few odds and ends to evaluate and boxes to check when you choose to sell your car. Is your title clean and ready to go? Do you have complete maintenance records? Will your vehicle pass an emissions test where required?
Have you evaluated the condition of your vehicle? Where does it fall on the vehicle spectrum? Is your car, truck or SUV “like new” and ready to sell for top dollar? Kelley Blue Book® puts used vehicles into four grades – Excellent, Very Good, Good and Fair – that will each impact the value of your vehicle based on the criteria above when you choose to sell. Edmunds.com follows similar guidelines and provides buyers and sellers with five grades – Outstanding, Clean, Average, Rough and Damaged.
READ MORE: Top 5 Reasons to Sell Your Used Car at The Car Depot
When you decide to sell your car and begin the sales process, you may want to ask yourself – how do I tell the condition of my used car? We are here to help at The Car Depot and this quick guide will get you started. Contact The Car Depot today to learn more about the differences between selling and trading your used car!