Listing your car for sale can be a daunting experience, especially if it’s your first time trying to do so. Unreliable buyers and the prospect of having your car sit for an extended period of time before a final sell are just two of the many factors which can prolong the process and demotivate a seller. However, there are ways to make the experience more easy and straightforward for you, starting from evaluating the correct approximate value of your car to finally putting it up for sale and selling it.
Finding the right place avenue to sell your car requires consideration too, with options ranging from car shopping websites like Carfax and CarGurus, to basic word-of-mouth and distribution of flyers. Without first estimating the approximate value of your vehicle, though, you won’t be able to make the best decision as to where to sell it.
EVALUATE APPROXIMATE VALUECertain vehicles are more rare or desirable than others, naturally bringing their value up even on the used market. If you’re looking for a rough estimate, try an online value calculator like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds (and you can sell your car on Kelley Blue Book, too). AutoTempest is another excellent resource which aggregates listings from many different websites. Keep in mind, though, that market trends of individual models are dependent on one’s geographic location. For example, a Subaru WRX selling in Colorado will likely have a different value than a WRX in identical condition selling in New York. Consequently, the best way to estimate an accurate value for your make and model vehicle is to research how much similar examples are selling for in your area, say, within 500 miles (or 800 kilometers). Compare the mileage and overall condition of your car to similar examples, and price your own listing accordingly.CHOOSING A PLACE TO SELLThere are a plethora of car shopping websites available, most of which have features in common. Some of the most popular are Cars.com, Carfax, and CarGurus, with slight policy differences setting them apart. If you’re looking to sell your car online a little more quickly, CarMax and Autotrader offer appraisal services and the ability to sell your vehicle to participating dealerships. Looking to sell your car even quicker than that? Car buying services like We Buy Cars can travel to your location, provide an instant appraisal, and have your vehicle sold and towed all in the same day. eBay Motors and Craigslist are two additional avenues through which you can sell your vehicle, with eBay Motors providing protection for buyers and sellers alike. Be patient when selling, especially on Craigslist, and only meet with potential buyers in safe areas of town in daylight. Dealerships can also buy your car from you. Visit to receive an appraisal, and if you’re happy with the number, most dealerships will buy it the same day. However, this may not be possible if your car is particularly old, beat up, or otherwise not in working condition. If this is the case, your best choice to sell will be at a scrap yard or local auto dealer. Otherwise, you can try your luck with the basics: put up a “for sale” sign with contact information and distribute flyers in your local area, an easy but relatively ineffective way to sell. Finally, if you have an enthusiast or collectible vehicle, consider selling it through forums or auctions. Specialized forums are active and available for many different enthusiast vehicles, so you should be able to find one for your particular vehicle.LISTING TIPSAfter deciding where you’ll list your car (and if you’re selling it yourself), it’s time to make the listing. Try to provide in-focus photos of both the exterior and interior, covering all the major angles and views. Be sure to disclose any major issues, and don’t forget that some buyers will appreciate it if you disclose minor issues too, like paint imperfections and any interior rattles. After estimating the approximate value of your vehicle, list it for a reasonable price. This will attract more buyers to your listing and potentially help the vehicle sell quicker. After putting it all together and making the final listing, be patient, and you’ll be well on your way to selling your vehicle and putting a little extra money in your bank account! |
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