Once upon a time when people wanted to sell their car they simply parked on the roadside and stuck a ‘for sale’ sign and a price tag in the window or placed an ad in the classified section of a newspaper. But today there are countless online selling options – from sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace to online auto dealers and car-selling apps.
What’s Your Car Worth?
You can easily assess the fair market value of your car by researching ads online to see what other people are asking for a similar make, year and model. Then check Kelley Blue Book or Autotrader to get a professional estimate. An appraisal is determined by factors such as the mileage, vehicle condition and year. You can also do your own inspection and easily fix cosmetic issues such as paint scratches.
Where to List Your Car
Shop around a bit and determine which online venue suits you best. And remember you can list in multiple places if you want to broaden the field. Familiarize yourself with each one, looking at factors such as fees, how long the ad stays active, and whether your car will be listed through partner websites. Paid options include online dealers, such as Autotrader and Shift.com and bidding sites such as EBay Motors. Or you can place your own ad for free on sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, where all you need to do is fill in some details, such as make and model, upload photos and write up a description.
Creating an Ad
To create an effective ad, write a clear, detailed description so people won’t have to keep asking questions. Take plenty of good photos from different angles in a sunlit location, so a buyer has a chance to visually examine the car’s condition. Include interiors as well as outside shots, and remember to also photograph any defects. Before taking photos thoroughly clean your car, inside and out. You could even take it through a car wash and consider getting it detailed to make sure it’s in mint condition.
Communicate With Potential Buyers
Some sites may take care of this step for you, but if you’re managing your own ad make sure to respond promptly to any interested parties and answer any questions that arise. You may also have to negotiate the price at this point, so be prepared to haggle!
Have Your Paperwork Ready
Make sure you have all the legal paperwork you need to transfer the ownership, such as title and registration. Check with your DMV for details on what you need. A buyer may also ask for maintenance records, so have them ready.
Meeting in person
Exercise caution when meeting a ‘looker’ or buyer in person. If possible have someone with you, choose a public place, and accompany the buyer for a test drive. A serious buyer may also want to have a mechanic inspect the car, so anticipate this possibility and plan accordingly.
Payment Options
It’s up to you what method of payment you prefer – but make sure to discuss this before meeting a potential buyer. It can be cash, cashier’s check, money order, or a digital payment tool.
If both parties are happy with everything then you can hand over all the necessary documents and of course, the keys!
And if you decide NOT to sell your car online, you can always choose to donate it!
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