How to increase your vehicle's resale value

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Where Can I Find the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)?

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is composed of 17 characters (digits and capital letters) that act as a unique identifier for the vehicle. A VIN displays the car's unique features, specifications and manufacturer.

The VIN can be found in a couple of places including on the car's registration label (1), on the compliance plate in the engine bay (2) or on the passenger side windshield (3), or on one of the door posts (where the door latches when it is closed) (4). See the image below:

Look for the VIN in these other locations:

  • Insurance card/Insurance policy
  • Vehicle title and registration certificate

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Whether it tears your heart in two or is a decision you've made with ecstatic enthusiasm, selling your car is never a process to be rushed.

There are many reasons as to why you are selling your car,. It's usually because you're upgrading to something newer and better - exciting, right?

As such, you'll want to ensure your car gets its maximum resale value, so here are some tips that could help.

Does it scream clean?

A clean car does two main things - it allows people to see the car as just a car and not a rubbish tip, and could show potential buyers that you take great care of it.

When your car is grubby, buyers will not be able to see it in the best condition possible, and will likely be put-off from registering their interest. All it takes is as good vacuum and a sponge-bath with soapy water to potentially see your vehicle's value rise.

It's worth getting your hands dirty to sell your car at a higher value.It's worth getting your hands dirty to increase the value of your vehicle.

Give it a good wax

Paint jobs can be very expensive, sometimes more than the worth of a car! A good coat of wax can help to rewind a few years and restore some of this shine.

Wow them with wheels

This falls under cleaning, but tyres are a large part of the car's appearance. If you manage to achieve at least some of the metallic sheen of the hubcaps, you'll instantly see a massive difference.

Depending on the current state of your wheels and car itself, it may be a wise idea to upgrade the wheels of your vehicle before you sell. A shiny, flashy car with worn wheels will look subpar against an average car with average wheels.

Prepare your papers

If you look ready to sell, buyers can be more keen to purchase your vehicle.

Efficiency is all down to preparation. Having all the necessary paperwork ready for interested buyers will show that you are a serious seller.

Make sure that people can come to see your car and leave with all the necessary information. Whether you're selling privately or through a third-party seller, providing a CarHistory report helps to show transparency when putting your vehicle on the market - just think of it like a car C.V.

Are you ready to hand over the keys to your car?Are you ready to hand over the keys to your car?

View a sample report >