Just clean it
Just clean it

If you're getting ready to sell your car, you may not think minor fix-ups are worth doing now -- the new owner could spend the time and money instead of you -- but that layer of dirt on your car, the stains on the seat and that burned out taillight send potential buyers the message that you didn't properly care for your car.

That could cost you money.

"You could probably negotiate an extra $300 to $500 if it's properly cleaned," said Alec Gutierrez, manager of vehicle valuation for Kelly Blue Book.

According to Lauren Fix, an auto care expert and spokeswoman for the Car Care Council, the value of a "mid-range car" can be increased by $2,000 or more when selling it privately by just sprucing it up and making minor, easy repairs.

Here are eight easy fixes to spruce up your car so it will sell for hundreds -- or thousands -- more.



Last updated July 06 2011: 6:31 AM ET
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