You don’t have to be an expert salesman to sell a used car yourself. Though it isn’t a difficult task, it will require some effort on your part to ready your automobile for sale.
First, determine the value of your car. This can be found by looking up the Blue Book value, a guide to car prices that takes into account such things as the year of the automobile, its overall condition, engine size, number of doors and options available. Things such as air conditioning, power windows and door locks, sunroofs and seat coverings all contribute to the dollar value of the car. So does the number of miles the car has been driven, whether it has a CD player, a sport trim package or special performance features.
Once you have an idea of the Blue Book value for your car, check the websites of your local car dealerships, car trading magazines and newspapers for a car like yours to compare prices others are selling their cars for. These represent your competition, and if your asking price is out of line with what others are asking for the same automobile, you might be sitting on your ride for a while.
Next, have the oil changed and all the fluids topped off. If the engine compartment is especially grimy, clean it up with some spray-on engine cleaner and a trip to the local do-it-yourself car wash booth. Make sure to follow the engine cleaner directions carefully, though. If you’re not confident about doing it yourself, ask a knowledgeable person to do it for you.
Next, go over the car with a fine-tooth comb. This means getting it cleaned up and sparkling, whether taking a few hours yourself to do a thorough wash, wax and interior scrubbing, or spending a hundred bucks more or less to have someone professionally detail it for you. Once your car is looking spiffy, snap some pictures of it from every angle in good light.
The next step is to advertise your car for sale. While your car should be in safe operating condition, some owners sell their cars for issues as simple as worn tires or needing brakes. If the car needs work, say so. Potential buyers appreciate the honesty and will figure the cost of repairs into what they are willing to offer. If the car needs extensive fixing, don’t list the problems in your ads or you may never see the glimmer of a buyer. Simply add a disclaimer to your advertisement such as “needs some loving care” or “mechanic’s dream.”
While some web-based sites offer easy ways to list your automobile for free, rely on them as a backup reference to local advertising, because in most instances your buyer will come from your local area. Take out an inexpensive ad in the auto trader magazine that is your popular local go-to source for used cars. These typically offer several weeks of advertising and a choice of affordable pricing packages.
Don’t overlook taking out an ad in local newspapers and by all means, put a classic FOR SALE sign in the rear window and a clean, easy-to-read printout of the car’s special features on each of the car’s rear side windows. Make sure to include a working contact telephone number and the asking price. Many a potential sale has been lost because failure to list a price is often associated with “more than you can afford.”
For more information on readying your car for sale, check out these videos:
Used Car selling tips
Take Professional Photos That Sell Your Car Fast
Here’s a popular free automotive listing website:
- How Can I Sell My Car?
- How to Sell a Truck?
- How to Sell a Car Online?
- What Paperwork do I Need to Sell my Car?
- How Much Should I Sell My Car For?
