In six easy steps.
So you're ready to sell your car. Now a daunting task waits you—actually getting a good price.
This can be an overwhelming process. How do you make your car as appealing as possible while also not getting completely ripped off? That's why we've compiled six easy ways to get the most money for your trusty four-wheeled road warrior.
Calculate Your Car's Value
To start, you need to figure out how much your car is worth in the first place. Trusting your gut won't work – you need to do research to get an informed idea of how much to ask. Year, make, model, mileage, and condition are the primary factors that determine your car's value. Variables like number of owners and crash history could also drive it lower or higher. Options like leather seats, built-in navigation, or a sunroof should up your asking price. New wheels, stereo equipment, and other aftermarket extras also add value. Do the research,and look at cars comparable to yours to get an informed asking price.
Organize the Paperwork
Getting together service records and obtaining a vehicle history report will improve your transparency with interested buyers. It's a way to show that you're not hiding anythingand makes the buyer more confident that they're not getting a lemon. Service records are proof that you've maintained your car and addressed any problems.
If you have the records – for everything from oil changes to engine rebuilds – organize them chronologically. You'll have to pay to get a vehicle history report, but it's a worthwhile investment to show that you're not trying to pull a fast one on the buyer. You might also want to get a pre-purchase inspection to uncover any issues you didn't know werethere.
Clean Every Single Inch
The most valuable used cars are those in great condition, so give your car a thoroughcleaning—inside and out.You might not mind dirty carpetsor an odd smell when you're in the driver's seat, but those imperfections could scare off a potentialbuyer. There are household items that make great car cleaning tools, and a coat of wax really makes paint shine. Fill in scratches and clean both sides of the windows to put on the finishing touches. It's all part of making your car look loved, which will be worth some serious bucks.
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Snap Some High-Quality Photos
Clear, detailed photos are a must-have for any online sale. Put yourself in the buyer's shoes.What would you want to see? If you have any decentsmartphone,especially newer models that can shoot in high-resolution, it's all you need to snap a few shots.
Once your car is clean, find an area where you can take pictures. Overcast days or early evenings are best, since cameras often have trouble balancing harsh glare from direct sunlight. Take photos from many angles to show each side of the car, plus the interior, as well as close-ups of any details a buyer should see. It's hard to overdo it with photos – usually more is better. Photos are your bigchance to show off your car and get people interested.Just like with obtaining service records, it's all about improving transparency.
Write Up a Great and Detailed Post
No one knows your car better than you. When you write a sale post, share what's great about it and why someone should buy it. Whether it's comfort, reliability, performance, or fuel economy, every car has traits that are going to be appealing to someone else. Write about a particular feature you've enjoyed, or something that a person who hasn't driven your car extensively wouldn't realize. Regardless of the details you add, any online car-for-sale post should always include the make, model, year, odometer reading, recent service history, your asking price, and your contact information.
Also be upfront about any of your car's problems. Trying to hide them won't do you any good when it comes down to finally negotiating a price.
Negotiate Like a Pro
So you've made a great post, and now someone wants to check out your car. Before you let anyone take a closer look, you need to decide your lowest possible price you'd accept. That way when someone makes an offer you'll be ready to say decide quicklyand avoid wasting time.
With your minimum price decided, you can list a slightly higher asking price in your post – it's easier to reduce your selling price than ask a buyer for more money. It's smart to stay open to negotiation and plan your bargaining chips, too. You might be able to compromise with the buyer if you offer to take care of the next tune-up, or remove extras like wheels or performance parts (which you can sell later).Chances are you'll need a newcar yourself, so maybe a partial or whole trade could be on the table as well.
As with any online transaction, meet potential buyers in a public place during the day, and bring a friend to help you out. Some police stations also have "safe exchange zones" for people conducting online commerce.If the buyer wants to take a test drive, make them leave some collateral before you hand over the keys. Make sure you ask for cash, and to havethe title, bill of sale, and any other important documentation on handso you can seal the deal quickly and easily.
Alex Leanse is a lead writer for yourmechanic.com, a car site dedicated to providing advice on how to keep your car running, and sending mobile mechanics to your home or office for maintenance and repair services.
Alex Leanse
Alex Leanse is the lead writer at YourMechanic.com. Whether it's camshaft timing, exotic car designs, or rally race tactics, there is no automotive topic beyond Alex’s interest. When he's not writing and reading about cars, Alex can be found adventuring on his bicycle.
