You need to take care of two basic things before you can unload that jalopy: Clean it up and tune it up.

Steps:

1. Run the car through a car wash.

2. Empty the trunk, backseat and front seat of debris.

3. Vacuum the carpets. Replace the floor mats if they appear distressed.

4. Wash the windows inside and out.

5. Empty the glove box of everything but official papers.

6. Dust the dash and the instrument panel. Vinyl conditioners do a good job of shining up dashboards and other vinyl interior parts.

7. Take out anything you want to keep, such as a special jack or fuzzy dice.

8. Replace the air freshener, if any.

9. Replace any easily fixed knobs.

10. Put air in the tires.

11. Have all the repair records available for inspection.

12. Open the hood.

13. Wipe away any excess or spilled oil from the engine with a rag.

14. Top off all the fluids (oil, coolant, automatic transmission fluid, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, power steering fluid).

15. Change the oil.

HOT TIP:

Selling a car? Cosmetics make all the difference. Vinyl interior scratches and rearview mirror scratches can be fixed with a permanent magic marker. Spray the wheel wells and engine's hoses with Tire Wet after washing. Replace the floor mats and windshield wipers. A clean car is a happy car!

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