Selling a used car can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation, you can ensure that you get the best possible price for your vehicle.
Whether you are upgrading to a newer model or simply looking to downsize, selling your used car can be an excellent way to make some extra cash.
In this guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive set of steps to follow in order to prepare your used car for sale.
Table of contents
Step 1: Gather all relevant documentation
Before you even think about putting your car up for sale, it is important to gather all relevant documentation. This includes your vehicle registration, title, and any service records. If you have made any modifications to your car, be sure to have documentation for those as well.
Step 2: Determine the value of your car
The next step in preparing to sell your used car is to determine its value. This means figuring out how much your car is worth, what the market is like for used cars in your area, and what you need to do to get your car ready to sell.
You can use online resources like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds, or you can take your car to a dealer and get an appraisal.
Be sure to take into account the condition of your car, as well as any upgrades or modifications you have made.
There are a few different ways to research the value of your car. Once you know how much your car is worth, you can start to compare prices for similar cars in your area.
The market for used cars can vary depending on a number of factors, including the make and model of your car, its condition, and the time of year.
If you’re selling your car during a popular time for car sales, like summer or winter, you may be able to get a higher price.
Once you’ve done your research, you can start to get your car ready to sell. This includes cleaning it inside and out, fixing any dents or scratches, and making sure it’s in good running condition.
Step 3: Get your car ready for sale
Once you have gathered all relevant documentation and determined the value of your car, it is time to get your car ready for sale.
This involves cleaning the interior and exterior of your car, as well as addressing any mechanical issues.
Consider having your car professionally detailed to give it an extra shine. Or you can do it yourself.
You might want to consider buying new hubcaps to make your car look nicer — especially if any are currently missing from your car.
Check under the hood too. A clean engine will make people think the car was well taken care of. Although I don’t recommend washing an engine. Instead take some cleaning wipes and carefully wipe down the tops and sides of the engine to remove extra dust.
If there are dents or scratches on your car, think about how much it would cost to fix them. There are some places that can repair dents without having to repaint the car and those repairs can be very affordable.
If it’s an old car, you might not want to spend a lot of money fixing it up.
But if it’s a newer car, fixing it might be worth it. However, a bad paint job might make the car look worse, so be careful.
Make sure your car has clean oil and plenty of it. If the oil is dirty, change it before you sell the car. Good tires will also make the car look better.
If your tires are old and worn, consider buying new ones. Places like Sam’s Club and CostCo often have great deals on tires. Or if you have a friend that owns a tire shop, they can usually find you a sweet deal The tires don’t have to be expensive, but they should look good.
Finally, don’t forget the rubber trim. You can make it look better with a silicone-based cleaner and conditioner, like the black plastic restorers. It will make the rubber shiny and protect it, too.
I had a car that I sold last month. To get it prepared, I took the car to a self wash and did the $10 wash. Then I got the Mother’s Ultimate Hybrid synthetic clay kit and it worked great on the exterior paint and was only $20. I then used the Armor All wipes for the interior and those were super easy. Just these things alone improved the appearance of the car tremendously — and they were quick and easy.
Step 4: Take Photos
One of the best ways to sell your car is to take high-quality photos of it.
I took photos of the car inside the garage and outside on the driveway.
These photos should show the car from all angles, and they should be well-lit.
You should also consider taking some close-up photos of any features that make your car special, such as its leather seats or its sunroof and the light up dashboard.
Step 5: Advertise your car
Now that your car is ready for sale, it is time to advertise it.
When you write your ad, be sure to include all of the important information about your car. This includes the make, model, year, mileage, condition, and price.
You should also write a brief description of the car, highlighting its features and benefits. It helps to look at ads other people wrote so you can make sure not to forget anything in your description.
Consider posting an ad on online classifieds websites such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. You can also list your car on automotive websites such as AutoTrader or Cars.com.
Be sure to include plenty of photos and a detailed description of your car.
I sold my car within a week by using the Facebook Marketplace. It was simple and easy. One thing to watch for is anyone asking for your phone number.
The first day my Facebook Marketplace ad ran, three people asked for my phone number. I told them my son would not let me give it out online.
I then vetted each and turns out one person was a legitimate out of state dealer. They had made a very fair offer so I sent them my phone number. They bought the car a few days later.
But again… be very careful and really vet anyone that you might consider giving your phone number too.
Step 6: Respond to inquiries and set up test drives
As inquiries start coming in, it is important to respond promptly and professionally. Be prepared to answer questions about your car’s condition, service history, and any modifications you have made.
You should also be prepared to set up test drives with potential buyers.
Step 7: Negotiate the sale price
When you’re setting a price for your car, it’s important to be realistic.
You need to factor in the condition of your car, the mileage, and the current market value.
You should also be prepared to negotiate with potential buyers.
Be prepared to justify your asking price with evidence such as the value of your car and any upgrades or modifications you have made.
They may try to get you to lower your price, and they may also ask for additional discounts.
It’s important to be prepared for these negotiations, and to be willing to walk away from a deal if you’re not getting what you want.
However, be open to negotiation and be willing to compromise if necessary.
Step 8: Complete the sale
Once you’ve found a buyer who is willing to pay your price, it’s time to close the deal.
Be sure to have all necessary paperwork ready, including the title and bill of sale. It’s important to do everything you can to make the process as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
Ask for cash — or at least some of the deal in cash and some by money order. Try to avoid getting a check.
Never accept a money order for more than the price of the sale. The buyer may request a refund of the difference. Typically these transactions are scams and are a way to get your car and extra money from you.
Take a cash detector pen with you (a counterfeit bill detector marker pen). If you get cash as part of the transaction, run the pen across the bills to make sure they are all valid. It’s sad that we have to check everything these days, but everyone expects this and it’s no big deal anymore.
It’s important to remove your license plates from the car and cancel your car insurance and cancel extra services such as Sirius XM.
Once the deal is closed, you can enjoy your profit! This is the money you’ll get after you’ve sold your car.
You can use this money to buy a new car, or you can save it for future use.
Preparing to sell a used car can seem overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth and profitable experience.
By following those steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that you get the best possible price for your vehicle — while also making the process as stress-free as possible.
