Have you asked yourself, “How can I sell my car?” Selling your car on your own is a good way to get the cash you need. If you are moving, have an extra car hanging around or want to buy a newer car, selling your car yourself is a great idea.
Whatever your reason, you want to make sure you get the most cash and that the process is as easy as possible. Keep in mind that selling it on your own will bring you more cash than trading it in at a dealership. There are some tips that will help you achieve your goals and walk away with a smile.
Do Your Research
Spend time researching the prices of cars similar to yours. Most people do this in two ways. The first is checking out local classified ads. The second is going online. There are many websites you can visit where you can type in your car’s specifics and get a good idea of what the price range should be. While you are online, don’t forget to check out the Kelley Blue Book value of your car.
Be aware that the type of car you are selling will influence its popularity. For instance, family cars and minivans tend to be popular for folks looking for a no-frills choice of transportation. These types of vehicles usually sell well no matter what time of year it is.
If you have a convertible or a sports car, selling it in the spring or summer is probably the best idea. If you have a truck and live in a part of the country where it gets cold and snowy, selling it in the fall and early winter is probably your best bet.
Price your vehicle higher than what you are willing to take for it. This will give you room to negotiate. When you place your ad, you can also indicate just how willing to negotiate you are. You can let buyers know you will accept the best reasonable offer, or you can say that the price is firm.
Prepare Your Car And Write Your Ad
A car that is clean inside and out will sell quicker. Wash your car and vacuum it, and remove any papers or trash from the inside. Also, clean the windows. Consider buying a cheap air freshener. Doing this all yourself will save you money.
Write a simple advertisement that gives the make, model and year of the car. If there are any options, list those as well. Listing color isn’t necessary but it doesn’t hurt. Give potential buyers an idea of how much mileage it has. Be aware cars with higher mileage might take longer to sell. Whatever you do, be honest in your listing.
You can place your ad in the classifieds of your local newspaper and online. There are different
sell my car sites to choose from, so take your time finding the right one. Look for a site that gets a lot of visitors and that is easy to use. Some sites will allow you to post a picture of your car. Cars with photographs will garner more interest.
Check With The DMV
Your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles will give you the information you need to know to legally transfer ownership. You want to follow their directions so that once the sale is complete you are not responsible for any accidents or other insurance claims.
Selling your car on your own should not be difficult. Follow the above tips to make it as easy as possible.
This has been a guest post from Are You Selling, the experts at helping people to get rid of unwanted cars.