It’s time to get a new car – or maybe you’ve already made that purchase – and you have decided against trading in your old one. How should you go about selling that used car yourself?
For starters, get a very good idea of what the car is worth. A site like this one can help you determine the value of your used vehicle. Other great sources of information are Edmunds used car guides, the NADA guide (used by dealerships) or Kelly Blue Book. These publications will tell you not only what your car is worth in trade at the dealership, but how much money that car is worth if you’re trying to sell it privately. Usually, you can make more by selling the car yourself than you’ll be offered in trade; remember, the dealer has to acquire your car cheap enough that he can resell it for a profit. Get a quote now on what you car is worth.
To prepare your used car for sale, think about what you as a buyer want to see when shopping for a car. For starters, nobody’s looking to buy a dirty vehicle. You’ll make much more money from the private sale of your used car if it has been washed on the outside, vacuumed and detailed on the inside, than if you leave it a mess.
Next, fix any nagging issues. Blown headlight bulbs and turn signals are usually cheap and easy to repair, but failing to do so gives the impression that your car is poorly maintained, and potential buyers will worry about the car’s major components – engine, transmission, brakes – as a result. Have the oil changed and install a new air filter.
Be sure your inspection sticker (where applicable) is up to date. If the brakes need fixed, get it done; no buyer wants to tow his purchase home because the car is unsafe to drive. Check the air in the tires, or even replace them (with a fairly inexpensive set) if they are at the end of their life. “New rubber” on the wheels is probably worth at least as much in added money at the sale as you’ll spend at the tire shop, because a bald set of tires will cause the buyer to reduce his offer by at least as much as he expects to immediately spend on new tires.
Addressing these issues will make your car look as sharp as it can, and help convince buyers that they should pay what you’re asking for that used vehicle.
Tags: Car Selling, Car trade-in