How much work should I do before selling

I'm probably going to put my '96 on the market sometime this year, but am in no hurry. Truck is in pretty good shape with no urgent needs. Before I thought about selling I did a list of things to do over the next year, things like new brakes all around, shocks, maybe springs. Perhaps a bit of paint - the front of the hood is pocked and the tailgate is dark green instead of black.

Anyhow, I wonder if there is any benefit for me to do the work I had planned or just let it go as is. Perhaps I can make up the value of the work for a higher price, but on the other hand maybe the buyer will have different ideas about what to and would prefer to make his/her own decisions. I'd hate to spend time and money on something only to have it tossed and redone.

The other worry is doing the work and then having to tell my wife I want to keep it now.

I'd welcome your opinions. Thanks.

A side story related to my concern:

A number of years ago a neighbor sold his house, but first put new copper gutters and downspouts on it. New buyer didn't like how the copper looked so one of the first things he did was tear them out and replace with vinyl.

 

I'd probably sell it as is. Most buyers will not pay a price that genuinely allows you to recoup the costs (to include the cost of your time) you'd put into it.

That's why buying a clean, well-maintained, used car is so important... because the extra couple thousand (tops) in purchase price, is so much cheaper than catching up on years of deferred maintenance.

 

As is.

 

Let the buyer fix it how they want. Don't waste your cash.

 

I’d only replace brakes/shocks if they made the vehicle dangerous to drive.

Otherwise, those are items I personally account for in my budget when buying an older used vehicle.

 

As Is

just like the copper gutter story…..
You spend your time/money on springs/shocks……
Then new buyer wants to put 12” lift on her
Same result as copper gutters

 

Most people in the market for a new vehicle know jack about how they work other than what they can see from behind the steering wheel. Clean the engine bay and undercarriage, maybe change the fluids and call it a day.

Do everyone a favor though. Don't buff the hood. :-D

All those "flaking hoods" are from people giving it a shine to sell it, used car lots are the worst because they know someone buying will be standing in front of it and what are they looking at? The hood. So they shine it up, ruining the clear coat in the process. Two months later it starts turning white . . . .

 

Clean the upholstery, get the spots and stains out, SPARINGLY use an odor eliminator in the cab, wipe down the steering wheel, dust the dash, wash the truck and SELL IT!

 

Thanks all. Your thoughts are aligned with what I was thinking. A good cleaning and onto the market. I still considering hanging on to it because it's perfectly functional and am not thrilled about hauling gravel in my new '23.

 

let it go, and use the money to get a trailer to tow
Or just rent a dump trailer from Home Depot when you need it, your back will thank you

 

I'm in the same boat. I have a 98 and 2004 that will be getting for sale signs.

I might vacuum them, but that's as far as I'm going to go.

 

The sun does a number on clear in the Deep South and South West in particular. A poor job buffing the clear and burning through it definitely can cause premature fade

 

Even easier to just pay for delivery. Earlier in my life, I had no problem making 8 trips for 4 yards of gravel, mostly because it was a 4 mile round trip. I'm not so keen anymore.

 

If there’s any small things, especially in the interior, that you’ve lived with I’d fix those. Think little things like a cracked door handle, missing sail panel, missing switch blank, that sort of thing.
Definitely don’t start dropping hundreds/thousands, but if it’s $20 and the buyer is going to notice it when they sit down and look around then replace it.

 

New Rubber pedal covers are a great idea/trick…..and cheap
Hide wear = mileage
Looks clean/quiet
Scrub/clean groves on the Go Pedal too

ancient used car dealer’s secret
Cheers

 

Only 118K and interior is in wonderful condition. Still, cleaning up the pedals is a great idea.