-Make sure the vehicle is immaculate inside and out. First impressions happen in a matter of seconds and cannot be taken back. Whether you detail the car yourself or have it done professionally, cleaning is an extremely important step that should not be underestimated. Not only does cleanliness emphasize the best features of the vehicle, it portrays that the vehicle has been taken care of in other ways as well.

-Repair noticeable damage, even cosmetic. Seemingly insignificant problems such as broken console parts, minor body dents, broken headlights or missing hubcaps affect the overall impression that a buyer will get about the condition of your vehicle. Dents can often be repaired for minimal cost and without requiring that the entire vehicle be repainted. Again, eliminating such problems gives the impression that the vehicle has been cared for and maintained in other areas.

If your vehicle has damage that you do not plan to repair, obtain an estimate for the cost of repairing the damage, and use the estimate in negotiation. Acknowledging any problems and being proactive with a buyer will help build your credibility from the buyer’s perspective.

-Inspect and replace tires if needed. Tires should appear fairly new and have a considerable amount of tread. Dealers often deduct from the trade-in value they would otherwise offer because tires are not in good condition. Likewise, car buyers are not as receptive to a purchasing a vehicle that immediately needs tire replacements.

-Be ready to provide maintenance records. The ability to present accurate and organized service records for the vehicle will bestow confidence in the buyer about the vehicle’s history. If you have not been diligent about maintaining a service log yourself, check with your regular mechanic or dealership which has worked on your vehicle about obtaining a printed version of your vehicle’s maintenance history.

-Be smart during the transaction. Make sure to include a provision in the bill of sale stating that the vehicle is being sold “as is," that is, without a warranty. Request payment in the form of a money order or cashier’s check, eliminating the chance of being scammed or facing issues associated with accepting a high value personal check.

Finally, be honest about the history of your vehicle, including any needed repairs or problems that the new owner will have to address.