Drivers warned of 'obvious' car checks which could see them risk losing thousands of pounds
Many drivers have been looking to trade-in their older vehicles
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Drivers are being urged to make a number of changes to their vehicles before they look to sell or trade in their cars or they could see the value drop.
In the first six months of the year, a staggering 3.6 million used cars changed hands, an increase of 4.1 per cent compared to the same period of 2022.
Trends show that used cars remain a vital asset for drivers with the price of used cars rising consistently over the last few years.
There has also been a rise in the number of motorists who are looking to trade in their old vehicles.
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However, experts are warning drivers of what they should prepare for when looking to trade in their motor as small factors could have a huge impact on the price.
Even if the car is in impeccable condition, it will not always guarantee that the driver will receive a good price when visiting a dealer.
If a driver is looking to trade in their car, they are advised to make any minor repairs and fix any blemishes as these can make a noticeable difference.
This could include polishing small scratches and refitting a loose bit of trim, or in the case of larger repairs, visiting a garage to sort out any bigger issues.
Paul Barker, managing editor at carwow, told GB News that “a little bit often goes a long way” when it comes to people trading in their car.
He also highlighted how important it was for drivers to make sure everything with their car is in working order as it will boost the value.
He said: “Check that all the car’s functions – windows, lights, wipers, the audio system, etc – work as they should.
“If they don’t, it’s an instant bartering point for the dealer and, as with small repairs, if it’s something that an obvious one, but can be put right quickly, for a nominal sum, then it’s worth doing to get the car tip-top.
“Dealers see cars day-in, day-out, and if one turns up low on a key fluid, that rings alarm bells. Your window washer reservoir doesn’t have to be topped up to the brim, but if a dealer notices it’s running dry, it doesn’t scream ‘one careful owner’.
“Pop the bonnet and have a quick look at all the levels – oil, radiator coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and washer fluid – to make sure they’re where they should be.”
If the vehicle is in its best condition, drivers can make more money when trading it in, with road users told to give the car a wash before meeting a dealer.
When the car is spotless, it will also slash the time it takes to get an appraisal for the car and make the process more transparent.
This time of year can also cause havoc for drivers, especially if the vehicle is more suited to a particular season.
Paul Barker continued, saying: “Convertibles, for example, tend to be worth a little more in summer because people love dropping the roof in the sunshine.
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Motorists are being urged to ensure their cars are in the best condition before trading or selling them
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“The same goes for four-wheel drive cars in winter – they’re better prepared to handle to icy roads and therefore draw more buyers to dealers’ forecourts. Timing your trade-in accordingly could bag you a better price.”
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