Sell A Used Car

From LoveToKnow Buy

Selling a used car was easy in the old days before the Internet came into play. One watched while prospects “kicked the tires and lit the fires” after answering your used car sales ad in your local newspaper. Today things have changed. But there are still some old tried and true tips that can be combined with the new that can help you sell your used car fast.

Know your car’s market value

The first step is to determine where you want to list your ad and what it’s resale value is. Check Edmunds.com Used Vehicle Locator, AutoTrader.com and Kelley Blue Book for information on what your car is worth on the market. Be honest with your assessment.

While Betsy may be a gem to you, a buyer may not agree. If you can’t be objective have someone else do this for you. Set a price adjusted for mileage, mechanical and cosmetic condition, options and your location. Slap a pre-printed plastic "For Sale" sign in your car window and make sure that your contact numbers are large enough to be read from a distance.

Ever wonder why those late night TV ads always advertise deals at $19.95? It works. People have come to expect deals for seemingly lower-priced items. So when you price your car, add some wiggle room for negotiating. Any savvy buyers will want to haggle. Let ‘em. Just make sure you factor enough of a cushion to get the price you want. Remember you can come down but never negotiate up.

Give Your Car a makeover

Detail and wax the exterior, including wheels and tires. Clean the brake dust off front wheels and coat the tires with a product like Armor All or paint on a coating of used motor oil which will do the same thing. Vacuum, clean and polish everything in the interior, using a quality product that restores the luster to vinyl. Tiny cracks can be repaired with tubes of colored vinyl repair gels. Rips are harder to disguise. Seat covers are dead giveaways that something is amiss beneath the cheeks.

Clean the windows and mirrors streak free. Empty the ashtrays and wash them in hot water. Spray some Ozium inside the car if it stinks of cigarette smoke, or New Car Smell after you’ve cleaned. Have your maintenance records handy, placed in a folder for easy reference. Spend some extra bucks and have your mechanic inspect your car to see what repairs it will need, which will affect your negotiations. Selling with an awareness of what your car needs will go far to convince a buyer that you’re on the level.

Advertise your used car

Place ads in weekly print shoppers which are fairly low cost, or in your daily newspaper, which won’t be. Online ads will probably get a faster response because they reach a lot more people quickly. Make sure to include your contact information: cell, email or home phone. Don’t forget “For Sale” signs on bulletin boards and tell friends or co-workers. Word of mouth referrals are best.

Create ads with zing!

Don’t be boring, be creative. “Driven by a little old lady” ads are passé. But if you rework this to something like “This car would be perfect for a little old lady, but I told Mom I’m selling” is more original, adding a twist. OBO “or best offer" or "asking price" indicates a willingness to negotiate. "Firm" means you’re pretty set on a price and less willing. When you write the ad, think about what you’d look for. Words can be your asset or downfall. And be sure to spell it right, to sell it for the right price. Include features: model, engine size, modifications, and selling points: original owner, CD stereo, 4-speed Hurst, new carpeting, A/C, low mileage, ejector seat, etc.

Show your used car with style

Don‘t dress like you‘re a recent escapee or just crawled out from under the car. Folks will evaluate you as much as your car. Use polite, not profane language and take them for a test spin. Make buyers feel comfortable, answer their questions openly and honestly and you‘re halfway there. Make arrangements for a check with their mechanic. This is a good sign, as are other buying questions about why you’re selling and car history. Most folks will be reasonable. But if the buyer from heck shows up who’s difficult, pushy or shady, pass..

Negotiate

Prepare ahead of time and answers to questions so you won't be caught unprepared. Remain cool and polite. Confidence will go a long way. Go for a win-win situation and allow the buyer some room to dicker. If the offer doesn‘t meet your needs, you can always sell it another day.

Complete the details of the sale

Know your state’s laws for selling a vehicle and required paperwork. Once you have cash or a cashier's check in hand--never agree to a personal check, sign the title over and provide a receipt or bill of sale, title certificate and an odometer statement showing the car's mileage. Some states require a smog certificate. Call your department of motor vehicles for more details about who is responsible for these costs. Notify your DMV of the sale. Cancel your insurance policy.