You could scare off potential buyers who don’t think they have a chance to negotiate. You’ll need the vehicle title to complete the sale when selling the car yourself.
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He holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and a Master of Arts in anthropology. If you’re interested in researching options in addition to what CarGurus offers, read our guide to the Best Ways to Sell Your Car.
Describe the car’s condition accurately to get the correct value. Take more pictures than you think you need, including close-ups of any dents or scratches. Being honest in the listing will ensure that a potential buyer doesn’t walk away because you missed a large dent in the side door panel.
The used car market can be unpredictable, and once you do figure out what your car is worth, that does not mean every interested buyer will pay that amount. Sellers also must notify the county tax assessor’s office of the sale. This provides another layer of protection if the future owner fails to properly title the vehicle. For example, say you are trying to sell a classic Chevrolet Corvette in pristine condition. You would be less likely to list this car on Craigslist when you know the right audience is on a platform that focuses on classic car enthusiasts. For example, you can use Car and Driver’s car value estimator to find a price range you believe is fair.
Is Now the Time To Buy, Sell, or Trade-In a Car?
The test drive is not the time to take payment; but once completed, it’s appropriate to begin negotiating the price. Credentials – Check the buyer’s license before they get behind the wheel.
If a buyer offers below your lowest acceptable sales price, be prepared to move on. But if the buyer makes a reasonable offer, be prepared to say yes. For a fee, an escrow service takes a buyer’s payment until the deal is done. This type of third-party service protects both parties from fraud. If the buyer suggests one, check the source first before agreeing to anything and determine who pays the fees. Check local listings to see what other similar vehicles with similar equipment and options are selling for in your area. You may think your car drives and shines like new, but its value depends on its actual condition.
From Ford to Porsche, he’s as interested in the history behind the machine as he is in the view behind the wheel. Matt has been working on the journalism side of the auto industry since 2014. As CarGurus’ Deputy Editor, he creates and oversees the site’s written and video content. Different states have different requirements for selling vehicles, but the process can be relatively straightforward.
If the value outstrips the repair price, then rebuilding can often be economical. Likewise, it will make it easier to sell to junk car buyers at an auction for a greater value than the scrapyards would provide. Furthermore, charities that accept junk cars can sometimes provide you with a tax write-off that’s greater than the sale price of the car. For example, in the case of sales below $500, you can claim the fair market value of the car up to $500 as a tax deduction.
If you’re slow to respond, the buyer may perceive it as disinterest or that you don’t want to sell. Why you are selling – Buyers will be curious as to why you are selling the car. Think about how you’ll answer and be ready for their questions. Complete repairs – Servicing small items — such as fluids, brakes, light bulbs, air in tires, windshield cracks, dents or scratches — may help you get more money for your vehicle.
Carvana offers quotes online and they’ll come to you for inspection and pickup. Carvana always offers the best-possible price, so you won’t have to deal with uncomfortable negotiations. Vehicle history – If your car is an older model, or if you’re not the original owner, consider obtaining a Carfax report. This will provide information about the car’s history, any accidents and its maintenance records. Tell your friends, relatives, colleagues, and anyone else you know that you have a car for sale. If your network of contacts on Facebook is big enough, you might be surprised at how much interest you generate.