When you’re preparing your car for resale, there are some common-sense things you can do to make it more attractive to buyers: give it a good wash or even detailing; include manuals it came with and extras, such as mats; take beautiful pictures—as long as they don’t gloss over any surprises. Speaking of surprises, remember those minor repairs you’ve been putting off for a while now? You probably came across them again while cleaning and examining your car, didn’t you? And they probably made you wonder "should I repair my car before selling it?" The answer to that question is yes. Why? Because those few minor repairs you’ve been putting off can have a major impact.

Having your car serviced before selling is even more important for luxury vehicles because more money is at stake. At Nahas Motorcars, we recommend fixing what you can before looking for a buyer. One of the top reasons to get your car serviced before selling it is to maximize the offers you’ll get. Just make sure you’re not putting more money into repairs than you’ll be getting back.

Assemble the maintenance records for your car so the buyer gets a more accurate picture. Then service your car to call attention to these potential improvements:

Replacing Lights

These are inexpensive and easy to fix. If you neglect this, buyers may suspect that you’ve been neglecting maintenance in general.

Changing or Fluids

One caveat: If you’ve neglected oil changes, be careful about replacing it completely. Buyers who know what they’re doing can be suspicious of black oil that might be disguising leaks. They will be looking for a healthy light brown color as a best-case scenario.

Touching up Scratches and Dings

You might be tempted to do this yourself, using a paint pen and a hammer. Don’t! An experienced buyer might subtract from the price the cost of undoing your “improvements.” Leave it to the professionals.

Tires That Need Replacement

Worn tires are obvious to buyers, so at least be prepared for older tires to have an effect on price. This isn’t always an issue for exotic cars, which don’t get the same use as everyday vehicles.

Air Conditioning and Heat

Depending on what season you’re prepping your vehicle, you may not notice whether the heat or air conditioning is functioning well. It could just require a small repair.

You’ll probably want to leave any bigger repairs to the buyer. If they have experience with luxury and exotic cars, they may be able to do it cheaper. How much should you spend on repairs? Trust your instincts. If you’re hesitant, just be upfront with the buyer about any issues. Simplifying the sale is one of the best reasons to get your car serviced before selling it.

Going to professional buyers can take the guesswork out of what price you’re offered. At Nahas Motorcars, we’re straightforward from the start about how the condition of your car will affect its value and how that varies for specific models of exotic and luxury cars. Contact us for more guidance or an immediate quote.