(NC)-It may take a bit more effort, but when it comes to selling your vehicle privately, doing a few key things upfront can help you land the highest price possible.

According to the experts at autoTRADER.ca, the nation’s largest online automotive marketplace, it’s easy enough to put your car up for sale-it’s how you position your vehicle’s best features. “With over 400,000 cars in one place,” says Ian MacDonald, Director of Marketing at autoTRADER.ca, “we’ve studied the things that contribute the most to sellers getting their asking price.”
 

1. Think Inside and Out

First impressions mean everything. It’s not enough to clean your car’s exterior and interior, but consider washing the engine block, and remember to top up fluids such as windshield washer.
 

2. Price it Properly

The easiest way to determine asking price is to investigate what comparable models are asking for. MacDonald says a Value Finder tool on autoTRADER.ca easily informs sellers how similar cars are priced. Also, make sure to leave a little room for negotiation-no one likes a take-it-or-leave-it positioning.
 

3. Worth a Thousand Words

Photos can make or break the sale, so it’s of the utmost importance to take high quality ones. Make sure your car is washed and shined. Place it somewhere without any distracting elements in the background and consider how the lighting brings out key features on your vehicle. (A full list of the 14 key photo positions is available on autoTRADER.ca.)
 

4. Describe in Detail

Key information, which may not always come to mind, to include in the car’s description, include: Year; Make; Model; Mileage; Price; Exterior/Interior Colours. Other details to consider include engine capacity, power options (i.e. windows, locks and seats), air conditioning, service history, and warranty. Taking the time to paint a picture with your words also goes a long way. Listings on autoTRADER.ca are free and descriptions have no word-limits, so let your inner Shakespeare out.
 

5. Exercise your Etiquette

Be honest about your car’s issues, quirks and repair needs. Getting a prospective buyer excited, only to have them become disappointed when they ultimately find out shortcomings is a waste of time. Consider ordering a CarProof Report ahead of time to show the vehicle’s history. Schedule appointments during daylight hours and allow buyers ample time to inspect it (and for safety reasons, always ask for their driver’s license number when and if they request a test drive).