How to Disguise a Lemon

Got a lemon on your hands that you want to get rid of? Here are some easy, perfectly legal ways to make that old car seem better than it really is.

Instructions

Step 1: Clean the inside People subconsciously link neat and clean to good condition, so remove all your personal belongings, scrub away any stains, and vacuum and dust everywhere.
TIP: Got some rips and tears on the seats? Invest in a seat cover; buyers rarely look underneath them.
Step 2: Make it sparkle Wash and wax the car until it shines. Buff out any scratches with a polishing compound containing a mild abrasive.
Step 3: Fix scratches Fix small scrapes and chips. Just buy a can of spray paint in your car’s color, spray a small amount into the cap, apply to chips and scratches with a toothpick—and watch them disappear!
Step 4: Buy new mats Replace your old floor mats with new ones.
Step 5: Clean under the hood Many buyers will look under the hood—even though most have no idea what they’re looking for! If it simply looks clean, they’ll be satisfied. So use a paper towel or cloth to wipe away grime and grease.
TIP: Does your car make any noticeable noises? Ask your mechanic if he can do a temporary fix.
Step 6: Wash the tires Wash the tires and shine the hubcaps—it will make even the most worn tires look new.
TIP: If your car is leaking fluids, don’t show it to buyers on a driveway filled with the telltale stains!
Step 7: Get the vehicle report Use your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) to order a vehicle report on your car. Chances are the buyer will do this himself, and you don’t want to be taken by surprise. Be ready to explain any red flags!
FACT: More than 500,000 cars are sold each year with the odometer rolled back, but violators face up to $100,000 in fines and three years in jail!