These guidelines can help you get the most money for your car, truck or SUV when you go to sell it on your own. They can also help you get more money for your trade, if you choose to trade it in on your next vehicle.

Although your vehicle is used, prospective buyers still want it to look nice. They will look for every little thing that is wrong with it, in hopes of getting a better deal.

* Have your vehicle detailed - if you don't have the time to do a professional detail; then by all means find someone else to do it for you. A professional detail makes a "big" impression when someone looks at your vehicle for the first time.

* It should have a fresh Lube, Oil and Filter.

* The battery should be in good condition - get it replaced if it is old and having a hard time starting your car.

* All lights should be in working order - don't give your buyer anything to complain about.

* Replace your windshield if it is cracked - everyone likes to see out of a clean windshield free of any distractions.

It’s also a good idea to have good rubber on your vehicle. No one likes to purchase a vehicle that they have to put more money into the next day. If your tires are worn where cords are showing, then it is time for new ones.

Maintenance records featuring all the details of oil changes and any scheduled maintenance is always a plus when talking to your prospective buyer.

Getting The Right Sales Price

Used car prices can vary by several thousands of dollars and are elusive. It can be frustrating trying to find the fair market value of your vehicle. Don't give up...

Here are the facts...

Sellers are looking for the highest price of their car.

Buyers are looking for the lowest price.

That being said, there is a way for you to determine the fair market value of your car. Sellers and buyers try to interpret the market to his or her advantage; there is a way to even the playing field.

One of the most profound things I heard from my brother, Jim, to establish the playing field for used car pricing is:

"To find the market price and value of your car is to take all the pricing data you find on your vehicle and throw out the high and low prices. What's left in the middle is where you will find your fair market value."

Jim has been in the automotive business for over 30 years and is considered an industry expert.

Now, I know this doesn't address the used car pricing completely, however it does give you a more reasonable price according to today's market place.

Even the most respected used car pricing guides "assumes" quite a bit and leans heavily on the "opinions" of its editors to determine the value of used vehicles.

Check out the N.A.D.A. book along with the Kelly Blue Book to get a rough idea of what your vehicle is worth. Next, see what other cars are selling for in your area that are like yours. This will give you a more realistic market value.