You find yourself staring at that driveway rust bucket. It’s occupying space, stinks worse every day, and you’re chasing quick cash for damaged cars. Good news: you can get ready to sell that car in half an hour or less. Not spanners, not a thorough clean; only clever shortcuts and simple language here.
First start in complete detective mode. Look about your car and note every feature. Note the bunch on dentes, dings, missing mirrors, that door that won’t open. The more expertise you have, the more quickly you will respond to buyer queries with total confidence. Turn over your glovebox and, if you have rego documents and a service book, grab them. Official records are gold for credibility and quickness.
Next clearly personal objects. It would surprise you what people leave behind glovebox lollies, sports shorts even old letters. Get a bag and go over the cabin, boot, doors, underseat region. Removal teams and purchasers really value a clear slate. Alternatively Facebook Marketplace might discover your fading mixtape collection there.
Capture crisp images with a snap. Grab your phone not a potato camera. Take quick shots of all four corners, engine bay, dash, and areas clearly damaged. If at all possible supply the odometer and VIN. Good images build credibility and help to save many back-and-forth disputes with “Is that a dent or shadow?” inquiries.
On your ad or on the phone, be honest. Not mumble over “a few issues.” List primary worries right now from your state. Those who buy damaged cars expect difficulties; they only want to know exactly what, so they can price correctly and avoid surprises.
Search for values or aftermarket additions. You inserted that “temporary” GPS device into the dash? Value of preservation. Improved speakers or mags? Either address them as individual sell-through or upsell. Every small detail drives your estimate a few bucks north in the proper direction.
Get your keys arranged. Get old remotes, spares stashed in kitchen cabinets together. This also applies to receipts for major repairs should you have any hidden elsewhere.
Ensuring your access to the car marks the last stage. Either flat batteries or none, visible and openable is the goal. If you assured quick pickup, a buyer won’t want to clamber a heap of garden tools or climb through shrubs just to get your car onto a trailer.
Spend those thirty minutes honest notes, brilliant photos, a quick sweep, papers in hand. All of a sudden, free from all the drama, you are prepared to make quick money from that scrap of garbage. Talk about efficient use of time!