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Archive for July, 2009

Play your part

Despite everyone’s best efforts, there is no guarantee that roads will always be completely free of snow and ice. Although forecasting systems have improved, unexpected weather changes still occur. In adverse weather, difficult and dangerous driving conditions should be anticipated. The following advice is given for those driving during the winter months and especially during periods of severe weather:

Make sure you can see

Ensure your windscreen and all windows are clear and unobstructed.
Windscreen wipers and washers are working effectively.
Washer bottle is topped up with screen wash suitable for the time of year.
All lights and indicators are clean and working properly.
You have a screen scraper and de-icer.

Make sure you can be seen

If visibility is poor during the day due to heavy rain, snow, fog or mist, turn on your headlights so that your vehicle can be seen.

If visibility is seriously reduced, turn on your rear foglights. But remember to turn them off when the visibility improves so as not to dazzle other road users.

Get a grip on the road surface.

In wet and freezing conditions the grip between your tyres and the road is severely reduced.

Make sure your tyres (including the spare) have plenty of tread depth, are in good condition and are inflated to the correct pressure.

Where to advertise
First, you may simply put a ‘For Sale’ sign on your car.
If you are sure your car is in good condition, consider putting the word out to your colleagues that you are selling your car. Someone might be in the market for a car. Here are some additional links to good sites to place an ad:

How to close the deal keeping the price high
Prepare your car for sale. Make sure that it is spotless inside and out. Have all the maintenance records, emission test results (if they are good, of course) and receipts for any new parts such as tires, brakes or a battery handy to show to potential buyer.
When a buyer comes to look at the car, give lots of time for the buyer to inspect the car and don’t interrupt or rush them.
If the buyer seem to like it (usually it’s quite easy to see), but still seems to be concerned about the price, point out all the options that your car has, such as heated mirrors, folding seats and any other bells and whistles – everything that may add value to your vehicle. Show the buyer the maintenance records to prove that you have taken good care of the car. If you have receipts for new parts like tires or brakes, show them as well. If you have an extra set of tires that you want to give with the car, mention it too.
If the potential buyer is interested, but is still hesitating, pull out the Used car history report, and advise the buyer that you got the report to save them time. Potential buyers will have more confidence that your car is a good purchase.
Finally, mention that you have other people coming to look at your car.

How to get out of a lease early?
You may be able to get out of a leasing arrangement early if you can find someone to take over the lease. The idea is great: if for some reason you can’t honour the lease agreement, you can make arrangements with someone to take it over – perhaps someone who doesn’t want a three or four year commitment. I have no personal experience with this service, so I don’t know how well it works. If you tried it, please let me know your opinion.

How to sell a car if you still have a loan on it?
To sell a car with a loan on it, you need to include the bank in the arrangements for the sale. The bank holds the title to your car, and you cannot legally sell it until the title is clear. The bank will not clear the title until it receives the balance of monies owing on the car. Call your bank or finance company that has provided the loan, and ask them, and they will guide through the process.

How to prepare your car for sale
It takes just few hours to clean the car thoroughly, but it will definitely increase your chances to sell your car successfully.
- Wash your car thoroughly and wax the exterior. Consider repairing minor paint chips and scratches – check this article Car exterior care tips.
- Vacuum and thoroughly clean the interior.
- Clean all the windows.
- Clean the ashtray and all surroundings, and don’t smoke in the car for some time to get rid of the tobacco smell – everybody is looking for a ‘non-smokers’ car.
- Clean up and vacuum the trunk.
- Check tire pressure and spray your tires with the tire shine.
- Change the engine oil and top up all the fluids.
- Prepare the maintenance records – they should show the potential buyer that you have taken good care of your car.
- If you are going to place an ad with a photo, make sure the car on the photo looks good – potential buyers will judge your car by the photo in the ad first.