Car Tips
10 Killer Tips to Make Selling Your Car Easier
Source: Auto Unleashed
Selling your car can be a stressful, time-consuming chore. But with these ten tips you can be better prepared and make a quick, smooth sale that you won't regret later.
Be realistic with your pricing: Price your car realistically in order to attract buyers and make a quick sale. Check advertisements to see how much similar models are going for and price accordingly.
Tell the truth: Be honest and careful in the wording of your advertisement. Don't make false claims that could lead to disputes later.
Be specific when advertising: Make sure you mention all the basics, including make, model and style of the car. The car's colour, engine size and number of miles on the odometer are also crucial information.
Sell the sizzle, not the sausage: Emphasize the car's best features rather than barraging potential buyers with information. Stressing low mileage or how reliable or economical the car is can help make the sale.
Determine the car's condition: The condition of the car is critical. If the car requires substantial repairs, be sure to say so. State the condition of the car on any contract or receipt to avoid subsequent disputes.
Be safe when test driving: Most buyers will want to test drive the car. Ensure that he or she has adequate insurance, or that your policy covers someone else test driving the car. Never allow anyone to test drive the car alone.
Be prepared to haggle on price: Build a margin for haggling into your asking price. Be aware of how much you want to haggle, and what your lowest possible price is.
Agree on payment terms: Make sure you have the money in your hand or in the bank before you hand over the keys. Avoid payment by cheque, or at least wait until it has cleared before releasing the car.
Depersonalize the car: Remove any customization from the care to ensure a blank canvas. Buyers want to think that the car is as new as possible, so any sort of personalization should be stripped out to avoid alienating potential buyers.
Spit and polish really matters: Make sure the car looks pristine. Give it a thorough wash, vacuum and polish. Your car needs to look as new as possible, and a clean car will be more appealing to a potential buyer.
Alone Behind the Wheel
What to do and what not to do when driving by yourself.
Source: Shell Canada
Drivers traveling alone can be particularly vulnerable. There are a number of things you can do, however, to keep yourself safer, both inside your car and out. Potential crime prevention is in the palm of your hand.
Personal Protection
- Have your keys ready as you approach your vehicle. Fumbling to find them and unlocking your car takes time and makes you more vulnerable. A small flashlight on your key chain lets you see your door lock and ignition easier at night.
- Pepper spray or mace can be attached to your key chain. Remember, though, that it can also be taken and used against you.
- Your foremost concern should be your personal safety. If you are confronted, do not attempt to reason with a robber. Try to remember what the individual looks like. Remember, possessions can be replaced. Your life can't be.
Parking Safety
- When possible, back into a parking space. Should you need to, you'll be able to drive out with less chance of someone trapping you.
- Try to park close to the building entrance, and in a well-lighted area. Choose a spot away from shrubs and bushes so you can see under and around your car as you approach it.
- In a parking garage, park in a well-lighted, ground level spot close to the parking attendant station or close to the elevators or stairwell near the building entrance.
- As you approach your car, always look in, around, and under the vehicle.
Safety Trip Tips
- Plan your trip before you leave. Make a plan of your trip, including the route you will be taking and anticipated stops. Give a copy of that plan with an estimated time of arrival at your destination to a family member or friend.
- Check your car out completely before you get on the road - many breakdowns are avoidable.
- Don't try to fix a flat tire if you think you are in an unsafe area. Drive slowly to a service station, police station or the nearest public area.
- Driving fatigue can be a killer. It's especially dangerous when you are alone. Don't start a trip late in the day and avoid long drives at night. Take frequent breaks at well-lit rest areas or service stations, and get out of the car to have a stretch or have a snack. If fatigue overcomes you, stay at a motel for the night or stop at a well-lit rest area for a quick nap, ensuring all doors are locked.
Carjacking
- Always keep your doors locked.
- Scan ahead and behind as you drive. Look for individuals who may be loitering near an intersection.
- Try to keep escape routes open. Stay in the left-hand lane when approaching an intersection - you'll be farther away form anyone approaching you from the curb, and there will be less chance of your being "boxed in" by a car on your left and a car parked at the curb.
This information is taken from Shell Canada's Alone Behind the Wheel, written in cooperation with the National Crime Prevention Council and the National Safety Council.
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