With many shoppers interested in buying used cars, dealers are paying high prices for trade-ins from those looking to sell. This can be a great time to get a deal on a vehicle you already own, but it is important that drivers take a few steps to maximize their profit.

Selling a used car can be a great way to get some money for a down payment on a new vehicle, or simply grab some quick extra cash for other expenditures. However, The Motley Fool reports that owners should put some time into making their car really shine. A professionally detailed and cleaned vehicle looks better than a decade-old used car with stains on the seats and floor mats, and that drives up the price.

A dealer or private buyer will be looking under the hood as well, and this is likely the most important part of selling a car. The news source recommends assembling the service records for the vehicle, which should detail all of the oil changes, tune-ups, car repairs and other work you've ever done on the vehicle. This is where auto maintenance can really pay off - if you can show the buyer that the car has been well cared for over the life of the vehicle, the price can only go up.