Should I get any maintenance done on my Corolla before I try to sell it privately?

Question

I'm looking to sell my 2001 Toyota Corolla (94000 miles). It needs new tires, and the windshield has a crack in it. I plan on selling it slightly under the KBB value for a car in "fair" condition. I haven't had any mechanical problems with the car since I've owned it.

My biggest concern is that the engine is a little loud. There is a slight rattling noise if you listen closely but mostly its just running louder than it should. Will a tune up take care of the noise? Should I even bother fixing it or just sell it as is? I'm not sure if buyers will be skeptical due to the noise or if they will understand due to the mileage.

Answer 1

From my perspective, there are a lot of used cars out there to buy. Why would I want to buy one that has a broken window and sounds bad unless the price is very very low. If you don't fix anything, be prepared to be bargained down pretty low by the buyer. I wouldn't see a value...I would see a car that needs some work andI'm going to adjust my offer accordingly if i even consider the car.

I would definitely get the windshield changed. That is the first thing I am going to see. I'd also see about getting a tune-up or at least invstigate the rattling noise. Toyotas run forever. I'm sure people who look at yours will see others that have 94k miles on it with no noise.

Answer 2

The tires and windshield are obvious faults and should be recognized by the buyer. On the other hand engine noise could be many things at that mileage. It might be a good idea to have a couple of good shops do a quick check and give you an estimate. If the problem is minor have it fixed. If moderate give the estimates to the new buyer so as not to hide the problem and give them and you a good idea what the car is worth.

Answer 3

I would take it in and see if someone can quickly diagnose the rattle. If it's something really simply and cheap, like a bracket on your exhaust system, I would fix it. The one thing I always do when I'm selling a used car is to steam clean the engine. It costs next to nothing but must have a huge psychological impact on the buyer. I've had many people look under the hood and say something like "Wow, it looks like you've really taken care of this car." (Ha, ha!)

Answer 4

if the motor is loud you need to address the issue think on your car its time for a t belt and water pump that might fix your problems but if you are selling it cheaper than kbb you might want to just inform the buyer you are selling it cheaper to offset the cost of the tires and service it needs

Answer 5

Fix it, clean it and make it smell good.Those are the keys to making a car marketable and sell the fastest for top dollar.

Answer 6

I wouldn't bother fixing anything other than oil change, and make sure it is clean inside and out, engine too.

Answer 7

As is!