How To Sell Your Car. - 21st Feb 2008 3:45pm
Step 1:
Clear out your car, then wash, vacuum and wax it. Fix minor problems, or prepare to come down substantially in your asking price. Have a mechanic look at your car before you sell to help appraise its value. This will keep some buyers from telling you to lower the price by claiming the car needs significant work.
Step 2:
Research the vehicle's value in the Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com), and compare with other sellers' asking prices for the same vintage model. This will give you the basis for a realistic price (add a little more so you can comfortably bargain).
Step 3:
Post an ad in the newspaper, online, in the window of your car, on community bulletin boards--wherever you can get the word out. Create a Web site to display additional photos and descriptions of the vehicle. Be sure to highlight selling points such as low mileage, great condition, option packages, aftermarket additions (new hardtop or car alarm), number of owners (if it's very low), nonsmoking owner(s), and complete maintenance records.
Step 4:
Run a car history report on your vehicle through a service such as Carfax.com, then print it to show prospective buyers.
Step 5:
If you're selling a specialty car whose appeal is seasonal, sell when it's most in demand. Spring and summer are when convertible sales are hot, while fall weather sells all-wheel-drive vehicles.
Step 6:
Make sure you have in your possession: the title, no outstanding tickets, a bill of sale or vehicle transfer form (available from the DMV), up-to-date emissions certification, registration and a release of liability form.
Step 7:
Confirm that anyone wanting to test-drive your car has a current driver's license. Be prepared for potential buyers to ask if their mechanic can check out the car. If you've had a mechanic look at your car recently, you can show the receipt or work order.
Step 8:
After you've agreed on a price, ask for cash or a certified check. Do not accept personal checks or payment in installments.
Step 9:
Fill out the bill of sale, which buyer and seller both sign, and make copies for you both. Sign over the title and fill out a release of liability form (available at the DMV). Cancel your insurance for the car, so if anything happens to it you won't be responsible. Unless you have arranged otherwise, it's a good idea to add "Car is sold in 'as is' condition without any guarantee or warranty" to the bill of sale.
Clear out your car, then wash, vacuum and wax it. Fix minor problems, or prepare to come down substantially in your asking price. Have a mechanic look at your car before you sell to help appraise its value. This will keep some buyers from telling you to lower the price by claiming the car needs significant work.
Step 2:
Research the vehicle's value in the Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com), and compare with other sellers' asking prices for the same vintage model. This will give you the basis for a realistic price (add a little more so you can comfortably bargain).
Step 3:
Post an ad in the newspaper, online, in the window of your car, on community bulletin boards--wherever you can get the word out. Create a Web site to display additional photos and descriptions of the vehicle. Be sure to highlight selling points such as low mileage, great condition, option packages, aftermarket additions (new hardtop or car alarm), number of owners (if it's very low), nonsmoking owner(s), and complete maintenance records.
Step 4:
Run a car history report on your vehicle through a service such as Carfax.com, then print it to show prospective buyers.
Step 5:
If you're selling a specialty car whose appeal is seasonal, sell when it's most in demand. Spring and summer are when convertible sales are hot, while fall weather sells all-wheel-drive vehicles.
Step 6:
Make sure you have in your possession: the title, no outstanding tickets, a bill of sale or vehicle transfer form (available from the DMV), up-to-date emissions certification, registration and a release of liability form.
Step 7:
Confirm that anyone wanting to test-drive your car has a current driver's license. Be prepared for potential buyers to ask if their mechanic can check out the car. If you've had a mechanic look at your car recently, you can show the receipt or work order.
Step 8:
After you've agreed on a price, ask for cash or a certified check. Do not accept personal checks or payment in installments.
Step 9:
Fill out the bill of sale, which buyer and seller both sign, and make copies for you both. Sign over the title and fill out a release of liability form (available at the DMV). Cancel your insurance for the car, so if anything happens to it you won't be responsible. Unless you have arranged otherwise, it's a good idea to add "Car is sold in 'as is' condition without any guarantee or warranty" to the bill of sale.
MOT & Tax also help the sale.