Selling a vehicle isn’t always as easy as we first think. There are a lot of different methods that can be used to sell a vehicle and with each of these different methods comes different possible outcomes. Some of these outcomes involve the successful sale of the vehicle while others involve nothing but problems and headaches. The difference, of course, is in which method is used and how we go about using it.

How Things Have Changed

Before people began selling their vehicles online, it was typically straight forward. We would simply drive on over to the used car lot to get an offer, place a for “sale sign” in the window of the vehicle, or place an ad in the local paper’s classified section. One of these methods would usually end up working but it usually took much more time than anyone wanted to wait. Then the World Wide Web entered the picture and changed the way we buy and sell everyday items, including our vehicles.

The Internet is, by far, the most effective method used to sell vehicles today and for very good reason. When you place an ad in the local classifieds, or place a “for sale” sign in the window of a vehicle, the possibility of a final sale is limited by the number of individuals that actually become aware of the sale to begin with. To put it plainly, when more people are aware that a vehicle is available for purchase, the possibility of it being sold increases exponentially.

When you think about it, it makes perfect sense. The Internet isn’t called the World Wide Web for nothing. When you place an ad on the Internet to sell a vehicle, it’s ability to be viewed is only limited by the number of people with the ability to use a computer to get online. Now the “for sale” ad that was once limited to the local community is available for viewing by those in the entire state, country, and world.

While the ad being viewable by the entire world wouldn’t make much of a difference, when selling a vehicle, it being viewable by the entire state as well as surrounding states would. You’d be surprised at just how far people are willing to travel to take advantage of a great deal on a good vehicle. In fact, it isn’t uncommon to find people willing to travel from several states away just to pick up a vehicle that they purchased online.

Sell a Car Online

So now the question becomes how do we successfully sell a vehicle online and get cash for it? The answer to that question is actually much easier than you might think. There are a number of great websites that offer assistance with the sale of used vehicles. Most of these websites are geared towards individuals who want to personally sell their vehicle without having to deal with a middle man. Finding, and using, these sites is the best way to sell your vehicle for cash.

In most cases, you will be able to do enough research online to make a decision on whether or not that particular site will work for you. As a last resort, you can always enter the site name along with the word “reviews” into the search bar to bring up customer reviews on the success or failure of their attempts when using the website. The main thing to keep in mind is that, when it comes to the Internet, there are always other options. You never have to feel rushed into using one particular website if you are not comfortable with it.

Sell Your Car to a Dealer

One thing to consider is selling your car to a local used car dealer. Your car should be in good shape and not a junker because put yourself in the dealer’s shoes – they are going to have to try to sell it, so there should be some demand for a vehicle that they want to buy.

If you do sell a car to a dealer, just know that you won’t get very much for it. Again, they have to fix it up and then market it (advertise it) and sell it. They have to pay for the electricity at their lot. They have to pay a salesman. They have a lot of expenses. If you think your car is worth $5000, then only expect to get maybe $2500 to $2700 for it at the most.

This might not be the best option but if you need some quick cash for your car, then it’s one of the few options you have. To really get the most for your car, you’re going to want to sell it on your own. It’ll take more time and more work on your part but you’ll walk away with more cash than if you sold it to a dealer.

Scrap Your Car

Another option you have is to just junk your car and get cash for it. You can sell your junk car for cash if you want if you take it to a junk yard or place where scrap metal is bought. You won’t get a lot for it but if you need cash in your pocket, this is definitely an option.

Donate Your Car

Yet one more thing to mention is donating your car to charity. No, you don’t walk away with cash but you will walk away with a receipt and that receipt is good to show that you made a donation to a charity and you can use this as a deduction on your taxes (a write off). Make sure the charity is registered as a non-profit organization or else you won’t be able to deduct it.

Selling a Used Vehicle

Conclusion

The great thing now is that it’s much easier to sell a car than it used to be. When I was a kid, all there was were classified ads in the newspaper, hanging up signs at grocery stores and used car dealers. Today, you can do all of that AND also sell your car online. People don’t even have to leave their homes and they can find your car either on their computer or smart phone. That’s amazing if you think about it!

But to get some quick cash for your car, just posting it on Craig’s List might not be enough. It might not work fast enough. Sure, that’s a good place to start and you might try it for one weekend but if you need money faster, then we’d suggest going to a car dealer or scrap yard. Those are your best options.

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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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