Step by Step Guide To Making The Most Money From A High Mileage Used Car

Its possible to make a decent profit even when selling a car or truck that has a lot of miles on it. This guide to making the most money from a high mileage used car takes you through the steps you need to maximize your profit, all the way through the sale. It also supplies tips for donating a vehicle to charity.

#1: Be Your Own Detective. First, perform your own inspection. Take a notebook and paper with you and write down every defect that you notice. After you make your list, go back over it and check the ones that you can easily take care of.

#2: Let a Pro Look at It. If you want to impress potential buyers, have the car inspected by a mechanic. There are two reasons for doing this. First, it provides you with a detailed list of any problems. It also supplies the buyer a dependable source of information. When a person is certain your vehicle is in good condition, they will feel comfortable doing business with you.

#3: Want to Make More? It’s All In the Details. You should clean the vehicle from top to bottom and make sure to clean the engine area also. Your buyers will not likely be interested in a dirty or unkempt vehicle. It takes a lot of work, but you will get a higher price this way. In fact, it is best to invest in a professional auto detail service in your area. This saves you a lot of hard work.

#4: Sell It Yourself for the Highest Profit. If you want the most from a car, trading it in is not the best option. You are most likely going to lose a great deal of money this way. Instead, use a free service such as Kelly Blue Book or Edmunds, so you can know the approximate value. Ask for top dollar when you sell. This gives you important bargaining leverage. If you start with a low price, you will be at a disadvantage when selling.

#5: Help Others and Yourself by Making a Tax Deductible Car Donation. Depending on the market, and the condition of your vehicle, you may not be able to get a good price for your car. Sometimes donating it to charity can be a good financial move. However, according to federal tax code you have to itemize deductions to claim this credit. Also, do your homework before you donate. Some car charity programs are thinly disguised businesses that sell your car, give a small fraction to charity and pocket the rest. Find a charity you believe in that takes car donations directly, and donate your car to them.

#6: More Suggestions for Donating a Car to Charity. Before you donate a vehicle to a charitable cause, ask how the money is used. If you contact your local Better Business Bureau, or look the charity up on Charity Navigator.com you can get a good background on a charitable business. This way, your efforts are not wasted. Whenever you have questions about these matters, you should contact a tax professional for advice. After all, if you make the donation, you want to be certain you get the deduction!

To make a long story short, you can maximize your profits when you sell a vehicle that has a lot of miles on it. Make sure that it is completely clean and looks impressive inside and out. Have everything repaired that you can. If you are thinking about donating the car, make sure you are donating directly to a legitimate 501 (c)(3) charity. And sometimes making the most money from a high mileage used car means hiring professionals such as a good mechanic or accountant to make sure you’re making the right moves.

Remove the trouble of selling a used car, and save on your taxes. Donate a car directly to Volunteers of America, one of the nations oldest and most respected charities. 100% of your charity car donation stays with VOA to help over 2 million American’s every year. Pickup is free and fast! Call toll free 877-721-4862 or go to carshelpingpeople.org to find out more.