Selling Tips for individuals looking to sell their used cars

Valerie Raskovic

Sep 28, 2023

Share:

We have comprised a simple step-by-step guide below to help you privately sell your preowned vehicle seamlessly, helping you avoid unnecessary hassles and risks.

1. Do your research - It is absolutely vital that you spend some time doing some basic research. Try to locate 3 or more vehicles of the same make, model and trim as yours. Make sure those vehicles are comparable in terms of specs and condition and are for sale within 100 miles of your zip code. If you are unable to locate comparable vehicles within your area you can expand your search but do your best to keep your research listings within your home state. As a lesspreciseresearch tools you may also use online resources such as: Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds can be useful for this purpose.This process will help you determine a fair and competitive price for your vehicle.

2. Prepare your vehicle for sale - Bare in mind that buyers may have multiple options of similar vehicles to choose from so, it is important that you make your sale listing stand out. By preparing your vehicle for sale you will have a greater chance of selling the vehicle faster and for possibly more money. Below you will find a step-by-step guide that will help your vehicle stand above the rest.

a. Gather Maintenance Records: Compile all maintenance and service records for the prospective buyer. This demonstrates that you've taken good care of the car and can help justify your asking price.

b. Thoroughly Clean and Detail Your Car: First impressions matter. Give your car a thorough cleaning, both inside and out. A clean, well-maintained vehicle is more attractive to potential buyers.

c. Write an Accurate and Detailed Listing: Craft a detailed listing that highlights your cars features, history, and condition. Be transparent about any known issues.

d. Take High-Quality Photos: This step is among the most pivotal in crafting a successful car listing and it's the one where many private sellers often stumble. Good pictures can significantly boost your car's appeal. Capture well-lit, high-resolution photos from various angles to showcase the vehicle's condition. Angle your camera in such a way to ensure your photos are taken without any distracting sun glare.Be sure to capture a minimum of 20 images, encompassing the front, rear, both sides of the car, along with several interior shots. Make sure to include clear images of the gauge cluster displaying the odometer as well as shots of the trunk and the engine bay.Including pictures of any additional items that come with the car, such as owner's manuals, spare keys, extra floor mats and the like can enhance the appeal of your listing.

3. List your vehicle for sale – List your vehicle on multiple online platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay and any other dedicated car-selling website. Exercise caution with listing sites that impose numerous fees including listing charges, commissions and other expenses. Calculate the total deductions from the sale price to ascertain your actual earnings. Include essential details in your ad's title, like make, model and price. Ensure you incorporate crucial vehicle information in your description including current mileage, title status, conditionand any other pertinent details that might influence a buyer's decision when purchasing the car.

4. Respond and meet with potential buyers - Be prepared to respond quickly to inquiries from potential buyers. Timely communication can make a significant difference in closing a sale.For personal safety, meet potential buyers in a public place and bring someone with you during meetings. Arrange safe and supervised test drives for serious buyers. Always accompany the potential buyer on their test drive. Ensure they have a valid driver's license and insurance prior to allowing them to drive your vehicle. 5. Negotiation and Paperwork – Be prepared for negotiation but have a bottom-line price in mind. Do not be easily swayed by a cash offer from the buyer if it falls below your predetermined acceptable amount and the researched value of your car. Be wary of wholesale buyers, dealers and brokers. Keep in mind that wholesale buyers are not buying the vehicle for themselves. Their goal is to resell the vehicle at a profit and the lower they purchase it for the more they stand to gain.

Ensure all necessary paperwork is ready for a smooth transaction. This includes the vehicle's title, bill of sale, release of liability and any required emissions or safety certificates. Some states such as California require the seller to complete notice of transfer and release of liability and in order to submit this notice you will be required to provide the buyers detailed information. This underscores the importance of collecting comprehensive buyer information, including their name and address. Consider capturing a photo of their driver's license to further ensure security.

By following the above steps you can increase your chances of successfully selling your used car while ensuring a transparent and positive experience for both you and the buyer.