Before you sell your car, do these 4 things to make more money

Buying a newer, more advanced vehicle is always exciting, but before you do, you need to decide what to do with your current vehicle. For example, you can trade it in at a dealer, sell it, or donate it to charity for a tax deduction. If you’re planning to sell or trade in, there are a few things you can do to maximize your purchase of a vehicle that can bring you great profits.

If you want to sell your car yourself, you can list it on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Sites such as Kelley Blue Book allow advertising for an additional fee.

If you’re looking to raise money for a new car purchase, here are four things to add to your to-do list before you sell your car.For another money tip, you can find it here Sneaky Factors That Will Quickly Boost Your Credit Score.

Before you sell your car, let an expert explain the details of your car

Would you pay the same amount for a dirty car as a clean one? Probably not, and the same goes for car dealerships. So instead of assessing the car while the crumbs of your morning breakfast sandwich are left in the driver’s seat, take a closer look first.

Detailing is more than just cleaning your car. An expert makes cosmetic touch-ups and uses hi-tech his coatings to make your car look like new. Thoroughly clean the entire vehicle including seats, floors, windows and the entire exterior of the vehicle. The detailer may also modify the paintwork.

According to Autotrader, getting a mid-size car detail costs an average of about $200, but cars in top condition can fetch more if you go to trade it in.

Complete minor repairs before selling or appraising the car

Does your car have an oil leak or cracked windshield? We recommend that you fix these issues before taking it to a dealer for appraisal or selling it. Minor auto repairs can be done at a mechanic’s shop and help prevent buyers from trying to get your car at a low price.

According to KBB representatives, repairing common problems like broken windshields, minor dents and minor engine problems before the dealer has assessed them can add hundreds of dollars to your trade-in.

Renee Valdez, Senior Advice Editor at Kelley Blue Book, told CNET: This is because the dealer does not have to spend that money on repairs.

Double check your car maintenance and get the best dollar

Before estimating the value of your car, make sure your car’s maintenance is up to date. I don’t want to go to the dealer with bald tires, squeaky brakes and oil that needs to be changed before 5,000 miles.

A regularly serviced car shows that you are taking good care of it and that there are no hidden problems. By speeding up the maintenance of your car, you can make more money than if you just brought it in.

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Get a quote for your car before you trade it in at the dealer

Know exactly what your car is worth before you bring it into the dealership or sell it online. You can use tools such as the Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer and the Carfax Sell My Car tool.

Kelly Blue Book Instant Cash Offers are not guaranteed to increase the value of your car purchase, but using this tool will save you time by not having to drive to different dealerships to compare offers I can do it. Participating Dealers must honor instant cash offers as long as the information you provide and the condition of your vehicle is accurate.

Carfax Sell My Car allows you to determine the value of your car by completing an application. Then you can select a local dealer to get free appraisals and cash offers. The offer is valid for 3 days and you don’t have to sell your car if you don’t like it.

See more CNET money tips here 4 options if you can’t pay your credit card bill on time When 6 tips for running on a cash-only budget.