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Selling Your Car

Selling a car can be a simple task if you start out prepared. Not being prepared can make for a frightful experience. If you follow a few basic steps and use some common sense, most problems can be averted.

The first thing you need to do is establish the market value. This will vary from region to region, but by searching the local newspapers and automotive websites, you can get an idea of how much to ask for your car. Of course you need to determine where in the price range your car lies.

Be realistic or you may have that car sitting in your driveway for quite a while if you attach too much sentimental value to it. Generally you would expect that the cars at the top of the price range to be in very good condition, and the ones at the lower end to be “needing some TLC.”

If your car needs some little things fixed, this is a good time. It pays to have the vehicles lights and wipers working when the potential buyer hits the switch. If your ad says that it just needs a minor tune-up, then do it now! It makes no sense to lose a sale because of a basic maintenance item that is needed. The buyer will be much more assured that you “just had the car serviced”. The buyer will be wondering why you would be willing to take a loss in selling price, rather then spend a few bucks getting it running right. They may be wondering what else you didn’t fix that needs fixing!

If you live in a region that requires emission testing, be sure that the vehicle’s testing is up to date. It will not only make the insuring for the new owner easier, but also assures them that the car will be in good running condition.

Selling a vehicle with no valid insurance is a sure way to delay the sale. You lower your selling price and risk a nasty experience with driving an uninsured vehicle on the road.

Wash the car for gosh sakes! Everybody feels better driving a clean car! Even if you don’t think your car is deserving of a bath considering the price you’re asking for it, you’re wrong. Even a “beater” can sell quickly if it’s been washed and vacuumed. Clean windows and maybe a little “car deodorant” will make the test drive more pleasant. If you are expecting top dollar for your car, consider getting it detailed. The 100 or so dollars that you spend will be returned to you in a higher selling price and a quicker sale. Consider getting a CARFAX report to show potential buyers you have nothing to hide.

Where should you advertise your car? You should make use of all the available resources in your region. If you are selling a classic or hotrod or an exotic, your buyer may be willing to travel across the country, but most of us rely on the locals to purchase our vehicles from. Local community newspapers can offer some action, and the city newspapers can offer more action, but in general, newspapers can’t compete with the internet. The cost of placing an ad in a paper or printed publication is high compared to most auto websites, but a combination of a popular local printed magazine focused on the automotive market and an automotive website is a good plan. Surveys show that most buyers will spend considerable time on the internet before they even look at the first car. Automotive websites that offer a target market are the most effective. A website like  Craig's List offers great value for both the buyer and the seller, and it's free.

Using your car for a trade-in can make sense if your car is older and the offer is better than what you could get selling it yourself. But remember, it is the difference you are paying that counts. You may get more as a trade-in, but you may be paying more in the purchase price. If your car is in poor or rough shape, you will probably get a better price for your old car selling it privately.

Letting the buyer road test your car without you, could be the last time you see your car. Even leaving their car behind is no guarantee that “their car” is really their car! Go along for the ride. At least you will know how and where your car is being driven. Taking the car to a mechanic is a reasonable request, just go along with it. Check out the Better Business Bureau for more tips on dealing with buyers.