Preowned vehicles are all the rage right now, due in part to the downtown in the economy and the fact that most Americans are living on tighter budgets. Little imperfections in your car might not bother you, but they will appear huge to a possible buyer and will affect their overall opinion of both you and the vehicle.

First impressions really are everything. Putting out some effort and spending a little money now could pay off in hundreds of dollars more at selling time. So if you are getting ready to put your car on the market, there are some active steps you can take that will substantially increase its resale value. Here are some ideas.

Invest in Body Repair

If your auto body is still showing visible signs of a small accident, or if it is riddled with the inevitable dings and scratches that come along with having a few miles on it, get rid of all of them! Even though such imperfections don't affect how well the car runs, any potential buyer will view them as evidence that the vehicle has not been well cared for under your ownership. A good auto body shop can take care of those dents, dings, and other boo-boos: giving your car the much-needed exterior makeover that may add hundreds of dollars to its value.

Get Rid of Scratches

Sometimes, all it takes to help your car shine is a little touch-up paint to smooth away those tiny little nicks and scratches that make the exterior look worn out. Make sure you get your paint from the manufacturer to ensure a perfect match or the results will look cheap. Either wax the car yourself afterwards or have it done professionally, and it will look nearly as good as it did when it came off the showroom floor.

Get Some New Tires

Nothing says "used" like old, bald tires. You don't have to buy the top-of-the-line, but if your tires are nearing the end of their life span you should invest in some that actually have treads! There is a lot of competition out there for used cars, and every little bit helps.