Just as with selling a house, first impressions count when selling your car. It can even make or break a deal. If you’re planning to sell your car, help it make a good first impression on potential buyers. Here’s how:

• Clean it up. Going to the car wash may not be enough. Make sure the interior is immaculate as well, including the windows, dash, and floors. Keep the ashtray clean. Consider having the car detailed if necessary.
• Lose the junk. Make sure all your personal items are removed before a prospective buyer hops in. Beyond the obvious removal of fast food bags, candy wrappers, and pop cans, take out your CDs, the umbrella tucked under the seat and the emergency change of clothes you keep in the back seat.
• Take a whiff. Make sure your car doesn’t smell like a used car! Smoke, food and pet odors can quickly turn off a potential buyer.
• Don’t forget the little things. Check the exterior carefully for dents and scratches. Many hardware stores sell products to quickly fix minor cosmetic imperfections. Check the lower half of the car and wash off dirt that accumulates on the tires or sides of the car. Make sure the chrome is shiny.
• Keep it clean. Once you’ve made your car look great, don’t forget to keep it looking great. Wash it again as often as necessary and keep out the clutter.

While a great first impression of your car isn’t a guarantee of the sale, it is the first step in turning a casual looker into a serious buyer.