You hear plenty of advice on which car to buy and how. But what if you’re looking to sell the car you already own. Well for that, we turn to Audra Fordin in this week’s “Your Drive.”

AUDRA FORDIN: The time has come and you are ready to part with your weekend runabout, or maybe it’s time to upgrade your family ride. Here are some things you can do to maximize the appeal of a car you’re going to sell, and help you get top dollar when the deal is done.

First impressions matter, so make sure your ride is clean and shiny. Put some effort into detailing your vehicle, and I mean really get into the cracks and crevices with a fine brush, Q-tips; and clean under the seats, inside the vents, degrease the engine bay, take apart the center console, and get rid of those coffee and crumbs and goo that accumulate in every car. Address any foul odors.

Take lots of pictures and video from every angle. Show details like the odometer reading, the engine, the trunk; the condition of the seats, the carpet; and definitely do show the imperfections, paint blemishes, scratches, things like that. Honesty and transparency will earn the trust of your potential buyers, so don’t try to hide anything.

Disclose any maintenance needs or any major work that has been done recently. List the condition of the tires, provide, even, their date codes on the tires. If your state requires a safety inspection when registering a vehicle, have that done prior to the sale. That will save the buyer time and effort, and will reassure them that the car is safe, and also will get that listing set apart from all the rest.

Price the car realistically. Check around for comparable listings and auction results to get a sense for what similar cars have sold for recently. Nothing will turn a buyer away faster than an inflated price and you know that phrase: “I know what I got.”

Make sure your paperwork is in order. A clear title, warranties, service contracts, maintenance receipts, upgrades and the like make the sale go much easier.

When it comes time to meet and make the deal, choose a safe place that has other people nearby like police stations, firehouses or shopping centers– can all be good choices. If possible, bring a friend. Expect the buyer to want to drive the car first. Never let someone drive your car without you in it, and pre-select a route that is well-paved, well-lit and not tempting to drive fast or recklessly.

When it comes time to pay up, cash is king, always. Otherwise, you should be okay with accepting a certified or cashier’s check. Avoid money orders, cash apps or anything with a fishy story attached to it. Don’t be afraid to walk away from a deal you’re not comfortable with. If all the stars align, you’re well on your way to funding your next project.

If you have a question or comment, reach out to us right here at MotorWeek!