So you are ready to sell your car, what now? You will want to prepare the car, gather the title (ownership document) paperwork and take some great photos. Then you will want to figure out where you want to sell it and how to set the price you want for it and prepare for what happens once it’s sold.
Vehicle prep and photos
The first step would be to clean the vehicle. A car can’t help how old it is or how many miles are on it, but you can help it if it’s dirty. A clean car is one of the easiest things you can do to help you sell it quickly and for more money.
Find a nice spot to take some photos of the car. Cell phones have a high-resolution setting that can take great photos or you can have someone with photography skills take them. Front and rear 3/4 shots and side shots that feature the entire car in the frame along with interior and engine photos should be your main focus. You should grab a photo of the VIN on the vehicle as well as a photo of the current odometer reading as well.
Paperwork and description
You will want to gather any paperwork that goes with the car and make sure the title is free and clear and in your name. (If you have a lien, it should be paid off prior to selling, it generally makes it easier).
Write a nice description of the vehicle that lets people know more about what it is, what features it has, engine and transmission as well as miles if it’s a newer vehicle or you want to rep them and can verify. People can see the photos, so let them know about things they can’t see, tell them about things that add value.
Where to sell
There are many options to sell a vehicle: privately, through a dealer, as a consignment or through an auction. Depending on your situation and what kind of vehicle as well as your timeframe might help determine what avenue would be best.
You will want to do some research to see what similar vehicles are selling for, along with checking out some pricing guides to know what you might expect to see as a result and help you set your asking price accordingly.
Prepare for once the vehicle is sold to make sure no personal information or license plates are left with the vehicle, always verify funds at a banking institution, make sure you have a Bill of Sale and odometer statement, let your state and insurance know you no longer own the vehicle.
Congratulations on a successful sale!
Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson
Send an email with your vehicle information and goals, I’d love to chat with you about them! TipsforSellingCars at gmail.com