There are over a hundred years now of automotive history and vehicles of every year, make and model around to sell. Do you have an old car you inherited? Do you have a more recent older vehicle and it’s time to upgrade (or downsize)? Did you restore something you want to sell or have you got something that needs work that you’d rather let someone else take on? Maybe you have a high-dollar vehicle that will attact attention but you want serious buyers.
Many people find themselves the beneficiary of an inheritance that includes a vehicle or possibly a collection of vehicles. Knowing the condition of these is important but even more important is getting a new fresh title in your name to be able to sell- no matter what the condition.
If you have an older vehicle that you would like to upgrade (or downsize), it is a good thing to have the vehicle serviced, if for nothing else than to know what the conditon of the vehicle is in to be able to represent it correctly. Many people find they want to add extra items to try to add value, but the truth is you really never pull back out money that is spent on customizing and things of that nature ( a $500 stereo doesn’t add $500 to the value of the vehicle). Again you will want to make sure the title is free and clear and in your name in order to sell. If the vehicle is 1981 or newer, you might see about getting your hands on a CARFAX, another valuable selling tool.
Maybe you found a vehicle that needed work and have fixed it or even done more extensive restoration work on it, that’s great. Make sure, depending on the year, that the legal public VIN is still intact (if not, you might have to get a state assigned VIN in order to legally sell). Also, if there are receipts and things to reflect work done, you might organize those things together, since they add value as well.
If the vehicle is not in good running and driving condition, or needs some cosmetic help, be sure to accurately represent what you know of the vehicle to the next buyer. It will still need VIN and title to legally sell in most cases.
When you have a collector or high-value vehicle, it can attract a lot of attention, however, you want to make sure you prepare the car with the detailing, paperwork in order and protect yourself by where you show or sell the car and be able to verify the funds.
Each different kind of vehicle requires different preparation and consideration. However, the basic steps remain the same: detail the car and get great photos, select the proper avenue to sell and have the title and paperwork prepared in advance!
Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson