KEEP YOUR RIDE "CHANGE THE LOOKS" ( Accessories )

If you drive a pickup truck or SUV there are numerous accessories available to increase the value of the vehicle. At the same time your vehicle will have a much different look. The look will depend on how much you want to spend and how much you add. Some ideas for a different look would include a winch and new bumper combination, brush guard, different type of light covers to cover the headlights and tail lights, nerf bar, or running boards. An exterior rear tire kit also looks good on an SUV. Luggage racks and guardrails create a nice look. Pin stripe is another creative look which comes in many different sizes and colors. Just to give you an example, i would purchase jeep wranglers and then buy new custom wheels, larger tires, custom made wrangler decals, and replaced convertible tops and seats if needed. These additions increased the value of the wrangler, sales, and profits.

KEEP YOUR RIDE " CHANGE THE LOOKS " ( Window tint )

Window tint comes in different colors, which allows you to select a color that works well with your paint. A ( UV ) window tint helps keep the sun rays out, thus keeping your interior cooler in the summer. Window tint also reduces interior fading. Limo tint on the drivers, and front passenger window is illegal in many states. Make note of that before installing. Window tint is available in self installation kits, or it can be professionally installed. Adding window tint changes the looks of your vehicle.

KEEP YOUR RIDE " CHANGE THE LOOKS " ( Paint )

A new paint job on your vehicle gives it a newer look. You can even change the color. It cost more, but still less expensive than buying new. A lot of people might not know that pickup trucks ( if taken care of ) will reach a low, or what I call bottom out value price. Then the price starts coming back up. Another reason you may consider a new paint job is if your vehicle has no major maintenance problems. If your vehicle is a two tone ( painted two colors ) you can have it painted one color or vise a versa. Look at your vehicles paint closely. The paint is one of these three; solid, or it could be metallic mixed into the paint, or a metal flake mixed into the paint. Changing the paint type alone will give your vehicle a different look. Shop around for a reliable paint shop.

KEEP YOUR RIDE, " CHANGE THE LOOKS " ( Tires )

Tires are one of the important safety features that helps your vehicle in more than one way. A new set of tires should improve your ride, handling, and looks; not to mention sale value. The way tires can change the vehicles looks are by changing the profile, or you can change from blackwall tires to white letter tires, or even whitewall tires. Sometimes changing brands will give you're vehicle a newer look.

KEEP YOUR RIDE, " CHANGE THE LOOKS " ( Custom Wheels )

If you're not ready to invest in a new or late model vehicle, give yours a new look. Read my past post about detailing. After a detail, change your wheels. In todays market you will find a hugh selection of custom wheels to choose from in a price range suited for you. These two changes alone will give your vehicle a totally new look. It will also increase the sale value.

HOW TO SALE A VEHICLE FOR TOP DOLLAR

If you read my previous blogs you're ready to take the final step. First thing you need to do is be sure you have all the paperwork since the day you purchased the vehicle; including oil changes. If vehicle was used when you received it, keep all the previous paperwork too ( if you did not keep all the paperwork be sure on your next purchase you do; a good paper trail helps sale a vehicle). Do not trade in your vehicle, sell it yourself. Why you ask? Think for a minute, an automobile dealer needs to make a profit when they resale it. That's extra money you could have pocketed. Be sure you know what your vehicle is worth ( see my blogs about auto auctions ). If a dealer tells you they are allowing as much or more than you are asking, that should be a red flag. If a dealer is willing to take a loss on the trade they will make it up on the sale to you ( see my next blog on how to buy from an automobile dealer and save money). Sale your vehicle without leaving your house. Auto Trader on the web will let you scan a photo and list it on the web. Be sure you list all the extras ( add on's ). If you have all the paper trail be sure to note that. List it in auto trader magazine. Local newspaper classifieds is a good listing. If possible, park vehicle in high traffic area location. Print a detailed list of items on the vehicle that will help sale and increase profit. Tape it in window for consumers to read. If your vehicle drives out well and you followed all of my instructions from detailing to figuring vehicle worth, there's no reason your vehicle will not bring ( Top Dollar ).

BUYER BEWARE.....WATER DAMAGE.....WHAT TO LOOK FOR

If your in the market for a used vehicle, yet do not know its history, you should be sure to check for water damage. Water damage is hard to detect unless you know where to look. Most of these vehicles are detailed to the max. Open the trunk, pull away the liner from the quarter panels, if you see a build up of dirt ( dried mud ) that looks like a water line make a note. Next look in the interior. Main place to look is under the dash, even though it's hard to get to, look for a build up of dirt ( dried mud ) on the wiring , or any place dirt would lay. If you see a build up make a note. When a vehicle is detailed the carpet is normally shampooed so that area is not reliable, though you should look and feel under the seats (under the bottom of the seats ); any dirt build up make a note. Look over the entire interior for a previous water line. IF YOU DETECT ANY OF THESE PROBLEMS I WOULD RESEARCH TITLE FROM THE DAY IT WAS PURCHASED NEW UNTIL NOW. With all the flooding in many states that could be a red flag, if an area that had floods showed up on the title, your research just saved you some ( MONEY ) .