Article: How to prep your used vehicle for maximum value

[Beaumont67]

My 2005 Jimmy 4x4 got replaced by a one owner 2000 4Runner SR5 4x4.
- now the DD'er / 2005 GMC needs to go
- early attempts to flip it, was side tracked by one spot of ugly 1/4 panel rust & corrosion on the rear bumper & trailer hitch
- so all the rust was removed and 1 repair area was fixed water tight, with 19g metal

^^ This week, I've got a buyer for full asking price / exceeding KBB.
- with some solid body work and not just a quick fiberglass mud job
- the sale price returned 2x of what was possible earlier / or an extra $2,000 profit, for a few days work (that I enjoy)

 

[edward003]

1984 4Runner for sale in Los Angeles

I'd like to sell my truck, but I can't post here yet. Just registered.

 

[Xring01]

About about 9 Months ago, we upgraded my wife to a used 2013 Lexus GX 460. The Stealerships, were offering us $7500 as a trade in value on a 2010 Toy Venza with 115K miles in perfect shape. It was totally loaded with all options, sky roof, AWD. One owner pristine condition, Blizzard Pearl.

I cleaned it up, removed all personal items, detailed the snot out of it. I had the title, smog cert, I was the original owner. Put is up on Craigslist, sold it to a dealer (smaller dealer, family type) in less than 36hours for $11,500. Cash money. I advertised it at the KBB Private Party price of $12,500. Took $11,500, cause it was CASH. $100 Bills.

About 4-5 weeks ago, I started looking for new 4 Runners. Tried to buy a couple at different dealerships. The car I was trading in, had a KBB Private Party Retail of $26,500. Dealer 1 offered $21k, Dealer 2 offered 20K. So, I didnt trade it in. Just purchased the 2018 4R TRD Offroad. They were pissed that I wouldnt do the trade in. They assumed that I would.. Cracked me up, because I do not think I would have gotten my new car at the price I got it for, if they would have known I wasnt trading in the other car.. So my advice. no one says you have to trade in the the other car. But dont tell them until you have to. Negotiate the car you are purchasing as one deal, and the car you are trading in as another deal.

OHHH on the new car. I dealt with the Internet department, I fully negotiated the purchase price of what I wanted before I even went to the dealer. They even had to go get the exact car I wanted. It was onsite pre negotiated price, before I even showed up.

BTW: The car I didnt trade in. Sold on Craigslist in about 8 days for $25,500 (they would have paid the asking price of $26,500) to a friend of mine. Because they are a friend, I discounted the price by $1000, letting them know that if anything happens to the car in the future, I already put $1000 toward future repairs. I wouldnt do that for a stranger..

My advice, you have a good clean used car, it good condition that doesnt need any repairs. Sell it your self.

As you can see, in my last two transactions, I have saved $8500 on my last two transactions. If you take that off the purchase price of my new truck.. I have saved an additional 20% off... $40k truck.

Its a bit stressful, but so is working for your money. I work way to hard to throw away money to stealerships.

 

[STR956]

Article: How to prep your used vehicle for maximum value

^^ Excellent article & all good points.
But often dealers buy below wholesale, using KBB or other car value guides.
- that usually leaves a good chunk of cash, on the table

While prepping ones used vehicle to look like a cream-puff really does helps, selling private will truly maximize ROI.
Here the choices are generally CraigsList (Kijiji) or out of driveway/front lawn.
- those that live on a busy road have tremendous advantage vs. living down a dead end street

Several months ago, our son bought a new Lexus RX350, and a used car dealer offered $4,000 for his 2008 Nissan Rogue.
Lexus dealer would have offered much less, & send directly to auction / a very poor financial option, we didn't even persue.
- dad spent a week-part time hand waxing, vacuum interior, spruced up engine bay, replaced worn tires with good winter radials, and e-tested Nissan
- key is to make a vehicle look "honest" and cared for (maintenance wise) vs. over done completely

Took 7 weeks sitting on our front lawn for sale, on busy highway / Kijiji was a waste of time, only low-ballers contacted me.
- I spend a few hundred dollars, prepping SUV...first impression, intrigued buyer ("keeps the fish, on the line")
- higher mileage Nissan finally sold for $7,700 or $3,500 additional/clear profit = 87.5% gain, for minimum work

One has to be very patient, thick-skinned & have auto knowledge/salesmanship, to sell private (got to like the process).
- but will worth the extra $$ returns

Great advice. I took my 2016 TRD PRO with 22,000 miles to a dealership and they offered me $33,000. They said they had over 20 4runners in stock. Of course not 1 TRD PRO. I wanted to laugh at their offer.

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS JR]

Good tips. I see so many ads that just don’t have enough information or care put into them. With just a little bit of work, a nice ad could easily be the difference between selling something or not. Or getting a better price.

 

[Paulgspalla]

Great post. I'm currently trying to sell my 09 and couldn't agree most with cleaning up the vehicle along with making sure mechanically it's solid

 

[ballztrd]

great advice

 

[varol1]

+1 on everything that's been said - this is invaluable in getting my 03 Mazda 6S ready for sale/trade-in as I get ready to pick up a 3rd gen 4Runner.

 

[mslass]

How do I get permission to post my FS 1997 3rd gen manual 4Runner

... title says it all.
My attempt to create a thread in the classifieds was rejected.
Thanks.
-MS

 

[serendipityguy]

Consumer tips:
How to prep your used vehicle for maximum value

Thanks for the post

 

[saltmin]

Took this article's advice and got a full detail on my 2003 4th gen 4Runner - even if it doesn't sell for more, it's my daily driver and it's made it a lot more pleasant for me if nothing else!

 

[seatownhokie]

This is great info as I am looking to buy one as well -- I hope to find someone who followed these tips!

 

[cusefann]

Good info! Thanks

 

[Skar90]

Very helpful info.

 

[Jerrylamb]

Great tips

Wonder why they call them common sense when sooooo many seem to be lacking? Hmmmm right?

 

[4RAAAA]

Good points, cheers

 

[wrestlingnrj]

Great post! Just recently sold two vehicles using a similar process.

For those looking to really get their cars looking their best, ChrisFix does a great set of videos on YouTube on how to get your cars looking fantastic to either sell or revive what you've got. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+super+clean

 

[3rdgenrunner775]

Thanks! Getting ready to sell my 3rd gen right now.

 

[jpallist]

Thanks much for this advice.

 

[Scutholiday]

Thank you!

As a first-time 4Runner seller this post is extremely helpful (though should be obvious points) - thanks!

Any advice on the best places to post a vehicle for sale? CL is always such a crapshoot in terms of scams & no-shows. Any Toyota-specific websites/forums (besides this one) to list that will target folks looking for a used 4Runner that needs some TLC?

Thanks again!