You’ve made up your mind to put your car up for sale. Good. The next thing you’re thinking about is how to go about selling it and what you have to do to get the most for it and sell it quickly. This article will go over how to sell a car on Craig’s List since selling it there is free and can get you some really good results.

Things to Watch Out For

Before we go into the steps and what to do, you want to think about safety. Be smart about selling your car. You’re not a dealer with a lot and security cameras and a lot of people around. You’re on your own. Here are some tips to how to sell a car on Craig’s List safely:

1. Have someone else around. They should be outside with you. They can be sitting in a chair nearby or whatever. Just have another adult around.
2. Have your cell phone with you. Keep it on you. Don’t put it down anywhere. You may need it.
3. Do not let someone in your home. Conduct all the business outside. They might be trying to see what items you have in your house (and not really trying to buy your car).
4. Better yet, don’t conduct the sale at your home. Go to a mall parking lot or store parking lot or somewhere public where you’re not taking up valuable parking spots. Still have someone else with you.
5. Do not let the buyer take the car out on their own – go with them. Again, have your cell phone with you. Bring the other person with you, too. You can also use this time to talk with the potential buyer more about the car and answer any questions that might come up.
6. Get a copy of their driver’s license. Anyone that’s not criminal shouldn’t mind this. If you don’t have a photocopier at home, use your cell phone camera to take a picture of their license. Make sure it’s them.

Now that we got the potentially ugly side of this out of the way (or the majority of it), let’s discuss how to create your ad effectively so that you can sell your vehicle.

Sell Your Car Quickly on Craig’s List

It’s possible to list your vehicle at 11:00 am and have cash in your pocket by 3 pm if you do it right!

Get the Car Ready

First, get the car ready. Make sure it’s looking it’s best. Don’t spend the whole day cleaning it but do a very thorough job. The buyer is going to come by and try to imagine themselves in the car, so give it a good detail cleaning. Shine it up and put in an air freshener that’s not too strong.

Choose the Perfect Selling Price

Second, choose a good selling price. Research what used cars like yours are going for using online tools. Check on eBay what recent cars like yours have sold for. Search on Craig’s List for other cars like yours.

Now add maybe $500 and then subtract $5 to come up with a good selling price.

For example, you want to sell your car for $5000. You should end up selling it for $5495. That’s an attractive price and you’ve built in some wiggle room for the buyer to negotiate.

If the car needs some work done, go and get an estimate for it and then have that estimate ready to show to interested buyers if they ask. This will help take some of the “unknowns” out of the price and you’ll be showing that you know about the work that needs to be done and that you’ve factored that into your price.

Your Papers

Third, get all the paperwork ready. Get the title in order. Know what the laws are in your state regarding selling a vehicle privately and what you need to do. Prepare a bill of sale document.

Vehicle History Report

Fourth, consider getting a vehicle history report like CARFAX to give to the buyers that come by. Also do a write up of all the features of the vehicle and include information like the year, mileage, when you bought it, etc. Print this up and hand one to the buyers that come by. It’ll show that you know a lot about the vehicle.

Pictures for your Craig’s List Ad

Fifth, take some good pictures of the car. I mean good ones. Shine it up and take it to a nice place that’ll make the car look good. Take a lot of pictures. You can throw out / delete the bad ones.

Write Your Ad Copy (Text)

Lastly, prepare a good little write up about the car. State the basic information like on your information sheet but also say why you’re selling it. People will wonder, so address that issue head on. List what was recently repaired on it. People will also want a safe car, so this means they will want to know what shape the tires, brakes and steering are in. Explain that.

It’s best to just be honest about what shape the car is in. If people show up with expectations that are too high because your ad wasn’t truthful, it’s going to make the sale much more difficult to get. Set the right expectations by being truthful. It’ll save you headaches.

Show the Vehicle

The best way to have a safe sale is to meet at a public place like a local park or a parking lot of a store or shopping mall. Don’t do it at your house. You don’t want people scoping out your house to see what’s inside. Choose a time and place and then have everyone meet there.

When the buyer wants to test drive the vehicle, go with them. You should sit in the passenger’s seat. Make sure they stay on the main roads and highways where there are other cars and people around.

I like to see their driver’s license before we go on the test drive. Take a picture of it with your phone and even email it to someone if there’s nobody with you. That way, someone knows who you are with.

Haggle on the Price

It’s best to give a little with your price to help the buyer feel like they got a good deal. This is why you marked the price up about $500 so that it can come down a little. Know your absolute bottom line price and don’t go to that price too quickly.

Do the Paperwork

Next, fill out the vehicle title or do whatever paperwork is necessary to transfer the ownership of the vehicle to the new owner. Only do this once you’ve accepted payment. The payment should be cash – that’s the best way to do it.

Conclusion

If you prepare and then follow the steps and tips here, you should have a Craig’s List car sale that goes well. Remember to be safe. Trust what your gut is telling you as you meet people and show the car. Don’t seem too desperate to sell the car either. People can spot that. Use the best pictures you have and take time writing up the description.

Don’t forget to put your phone number on the ad. What I do is get a Google Voice phone number that forwards to my cell phone or else to voice mail. I then call people back right away.

We have a lot more great articles here on this website about how to sell a used car, about how to take photos, the Bill of Sale document and more. Continue to browse this website and find more great tips so that you sell your car quickly and for the best price.

If you liked this article about how to sell a car on Craig’s List, then please share it and tell others about it. If you have any questions or thoughts, please leave them in the comments area and we’ll do our best to answer your question.

Knowing these facts and knowing the best ways to sell your car online in a fast and efficient manner can help you to get the most for your car in the shortest amount of time. In this short but informative article, we show you how to quickly sell your used car online.

Detailed Research Information

Perhaps the most well known online resource for selling a used car is AutoTrader.com. This popular website has evolved from the old hard copy edition that we all grew up with years ago into a huge central online marketplace for buying and selling vehicles. Other comprehensive websites that offer similar services include Edmunds.com and Kelly Blue Book located online at KBB.com. These sites are steeped in detailed research information that helps buyers and sellers determine the fair value of a used as well as a new car. In addition, these sites provide well-written reviews and even videos that show a vehicle in action.

Online Video of Your Car

Video tours of a used vehicle offer an outstanding way to provide potential buyers with an up-close and personal look at your vehicle. To quickly sell your used vehicle online always consider including an online video of your car. People can view the video at home on their computer or even on their smart phone and get a really good idea of what your car is like.

If you don’t provide a video, then potential buyers may move on to the next ad that does have a video – passing you right by.

Vehicle History Reports

Another useful strategy that can bolster your chances of having a successful sale is to provide buyers with a CARFAX data sheet available through CARFAX.com. This is a great way to show your potential buyers that your car has not been in an accident and that the title and other vital vehicle information is in order.

If your car has been in an accident then still get the report. Knowing this and letting the buyer know about it shows that you’re not trying to hide anything.

While getting this report may cost the seller of a used car a few dollars, it greatly increases the trust factor that is conveyed to potential buyers.

Free Used Price Calculators

Always try to set a fair and competitive price for your used vehicle to increase the likelihood that your car will sell quickly. The best way to zero in on the most accurate and competitive price for your used car is to simply use Edmunds or Kelly Blue Book.

Both of these excellent online resources offer free used price calculators that take into account many variables regarding your car. These variables include accessories, overall condition, mileage and the year of the automobile.

A Successful Sale in Little to No Time at All

Another excellent resource that is completely free is Craig’s List. This highly traveled website can be used to supplement your paid postings on AutoTrader.com and Edmunds for example. Taking this approach to selling your used car can have you heading to the bank with cash or a check in hand as a result of a successful sale in little to no time at all.

Selling online is a powerful and highly effective way to sell almost anything today. Taking advantage of this online medium means having a huge exposure that was previously not possible in the days prior to the Internet. The Internet is an obvious game changer in so many aspects of our life and when it comes to selling a used car this is equally true.

Take Good Photos of Your Vehicle

Knowing how to quickly sell your used car online simply means following these easy tips. It is also important to take good photos of your vehicle as a way to provide potential buyers with several outside and inside angles.

Take photos in good lighting and at the proper distance to ensure that your ad gets noticed online. Take pictures of everything – the exterior, front seats, back seats, under the hood, the tires and the trunk.

Other Ideas for You

Other less known ways to sell a used vehicle online include working with a local car consignment business. These companies normally have an online presence that is extensive and typically viewed by a large number of people searching for a used car.

Conclusion

With an accurate price in hand and a CARFAX report, selling a car quickly online should be fairly easy. To increase your chances of selling your car, consider posting to more than one website.

Selling a used car is easier today than in the past and because the used car market is so incredibly hot, right now is the best time to sell your used car online.

1. Clean Your Car Thoroughly

First impressions count more than any other. Remember if your car is an absolute mess it gives an indication to the potential buyers that you didn’t pay much attention to maintaining your car in other more important ways in the past. The outside is more vital than the inside so do your best to pay attention to details. Consider having the car cleaned up professionally if you must.

2. Research the Right Price

Knowing how much money you should be aiming for is much easier when you research the Blue Book value of your car and sensibly judge its condition. Otherwise you are flying blind and someone who did their homework could fast talk money out of your pocket!

3. Make Minor Repairs

Do you have a window that leaks or other minor repair that is both quick and inexpensive to take care of? Handle it and you greatly boost your chances to get more for your used car. The benefit of your doing this is mainly a psychological one, but it works well. Trust me. Not being lazy about minor repairs is a tip not to ignore. You could earn extra hundreds by paying attention to these types of details.

4. The Smell Counts, Too

You might be surprised at how your call smelling a bit “off” compared to having a new car smell can affect your final selling price. People will be in the car, checking it out and feel that something is not quite right. They might notice a smell or maybe not but smell is one of our senses and it’s connected with emotion, so you want to make sure you have this one covered.

Even if a two dollar air freshener resulted in a extra twenty in your hand it’s nothing, but a great investment isn’t it? An air freshener is the least you can do. To go the extra step, have the car’s upholstery and carpets steam cleaned – either by yourself or at a local car wash.

All these things add up in the end!

5. Use the Web to Your Advantage

Craig’s List is a obvious great choice to put the good word out about your used car being for sale. It’s free after all. Another free resource is social media. Facebook and twitter can let your friends and family know you have a car for sale. A few shares later and your ca may be sold minus any hardcore negotiations at all. Don’t forget to include lots of quality photos!

6. Write Good Ad Copy (or Have Someone Write it for You)

Yes, selling your used car makes you, at least for the moment, a sales person. Sales go much easier when following up good marketing, which is exactly what your ads are – marketing your used car. The better wrote your ad ultimately the more you will get for your car. And quicker too.

7. Gather Your Maintenance Records

If you have well documented maintenance records they could earn you a good deal more on your car’s final sale price. These papers offer hard credible evidence you have taken good care of your car over the years. Some experts estimate this could mean even as much as an extra ten percent tacked on to your selling price! Keep good records, they pay off in more ways than one.

8. Negotiate Like a Boss

Negotiating prices can be both an art and science. Now it may not pay for you to read one of the many books on the subject or listen to an audio course, but why not hit Google and get some tips on how to best haggle about your final sale price? I bet even reading a good page or two will pay off in the end.

Conclusion

All in all if you pay attention to these little (and not so little) details you are nearly guaranteed to walk away better off from your used car sale than if you rushed in blind and unprepared. After all you’d like every extra dollar you can get to go towards your new car wouldn’t you? I certainly value every penny in that situation.

Best of luck selling your used car. Did I miss one of your favorite tips? Let me know I would love to hear them! Leave them in the comments area below. Please also share this article.

Here is a list of the top 15 ways to get the most cash when selling your car:

1. Get Your Car Cleaned and Waxed

This may sound obvious, but you would be surprised how many sellers overlook this essential part. The logic is simple: people like to buy clean, shiny and neat things, including cars. Your sales ad will likely show a picture of the car, so it is best that the car looks clean and waxed.

You shouldn’t actually go overboard with this, a simple shampooing and waxing is enough for most cars. Also, don’t forget about the interior.

2. Fix What Needs to be Fixed

Old cars usually have small mechanical glitches and a little bit of work can fix them in no time. Inspect the car for faulty mechanical or engine components. An aging brake or a faulty door lock can be fixed easily and it can boost the price up.

Usually, what you can fix will be cheaper than the amount a buyer thinks it will cost. You want to give the buyer as few things to gripe about as possible since they will try to leverage those faults to get a lower price from you.

3. Don’t Sell it to a Dealer

Dealers are professionals who know how to ask for a lower price, much lower than you thought about. They know how to talk the car down and you will be likely coming home with less money than you hoped for. Keep in mind that this may sound as the most convenient way of selling an old car, but it comes at a cost.

Remember that a car dealer will have to buy the car low enough so that they can resell it at a market price and still pay their overhead, which is their mechanics, sales people and property. They simply can’t give you the best price for your car.

4. Advertise Your Car

Choose the best advertising channels currently available. Use auto websites, social media, message boards, forums or even word of mouth. Make sure your car is everywhere. Thus, you will get a quick sale, but also a good price.

Most people have good luck selling their used car on Craig’s List. Post your ad early on a Saturday morning to get people calling and coming over in the afternoon.

5. Know What the Car is Really Worth

Knowing the market value of the car that you are trying to sell is crucial. Browse the prices for similar cars and know the price range for that certain model to make sure you are asking a fair price. Keep as a factor the model year, mileage, car damage, the interior and minor mechanical flaws.

All in all, understanding your car’s market value is one of the most important aspects when asking for a price. You go into the haggling session armed with information that will help you get the best price for your car.

6. Get the Papers in Order

So, you got your car ready, clean, waxed. It may be ready to get inspected by the first buyer, but the papers must also be in order to secure the deal. Service records, history reports and other paperwork must all be in perfect condition and order. Some buyers may ask about the car’s history, damage or other issues and you must be able to provide proof.

Even though the paperwork can be a daunting task, in the end, good paperwork can fetch you a good price for your old car.

7. List Your Car in a Straightforward and Honest Manner

When writing the ad, be sure to highlight the car in a good way. Take time and write a good ad, with technical specifications and other essential information. Keep the ad simple and attractive and don’t use unnecessary information.

You should list why you’re selling the car to help put the buyer at ease. Maybe you plan to buy another car or just plain need the money. Be honest and it’ll bring more people to see your vehicle.

8. Use Good Photos

Photos attract buyers initially, so make sure you provide the best photos of the car. Include interior photos with good lighting, from different angles.

9. Choose the Best Time for Selling

Buying a car is not taken lightly by people, so you need to know that cars can be sold for a better price during certain periods. Usually, the spring is the best season for car renewal, so try to sell your car during this time. Also, try to avoid the end of the month, because that’s when bills are due and people are usually short on cash.

Do not try to sell your car on a holiday weekend like the Fourth of July. People are busy with family get-togethers and other events and you will have less buyers (or maybe none at all) looking at your vehicle. It’s a holiday – go have fun.

10. Always Provide Good Proof of Condition

Try to get a pre purchase inspection from a third party to increase trust between you and a potential buyer. These inspections are usually cheap and can boost the price of the car, and also speed up the transaction.

A local, auto repair shop will do this for you, no problem. If some things are wrong with the vehicle, you can decide to get them fix or you may opt to pass that repair on to the new owner. It’s up to you but if there is a repair that is needed, be honest and disclose that to the buyer.

11. Be Prepared to Show Your Car

A buyer may want to see the car anytime of the day, so you must be sure to have the car in top shape whenever the need arises. Don’t keep the car in dark garage with boxes piled up on it, or else you will leave a bad impression on the buyer. If it’s outside, then make sure it’s clean and not dusty or dirty. If you have a car cover, then use it – it will show the buyer that the car was cared for.

12. Don’t Stop the Transaction Simply Because You Don’t Like the Buyer

This is something that many sellers do without acknowledging it. Keep in mind that you are selling a car to the buyer that offers the highest price. At the end of the day, this is all that matters – getting the most cash out of your old car, not establishing a lifelong friendship with the buyer.

13. Negotiate the Best Price

After a potential buyer offers you a price, the game of negotiation begins. This can be uncomfortable for most people, but you need to know the basics. Establish price thresholds, options and prepare arguments. In the end, if you are not fully pleased, you can use the “Take it or leave it” phrase. It works wonders.

14. Avoid and Handle Complications

Buyers can become uncomfortable with some cars if they require repair work and some unknown flaws can bring the price lower. This is where arguments can arise between the buyer and the seller. Deal with them with calmness and prepare good arguments to support your case. If you are not pleased, cancel the transaction.

It’s better for you if you are in the situation where you don’t absolutely have to sell the car. If you’re desperate, then it’ll show and you’ll be telling the buyer that you’ll accept a low price. Maybe that is what you have to do but if at all possible, for yourself, put yourself in the position where you don’t absolutely need the money right away.

15. Finalizing the Sale

Getting a good price for your car also involves knowing the laws concerning cars and vehicles in your area. Try to limit your liability in front of a buyer in case anything goes wrong. After you received the money from the buyer, make sure to record the odometer reading and sign the papers. Check with the local authorities the other papers needed for a complete transaction. Remember to contact your insurer about the sale. This final step, if done correctly, will save you a lot of hassle and cash in case some legal issues appear in the future.

Conclusion

If you do good prep work on the car, do some good research and are ready for the sale, then you are more likely to get the most cash when selling your car by yourself. We hope these tips have helped you.

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