The steps you need to take to sell your car privately
“What’s the best way to sell my car privately?”
There are many places today where you can sell your car privately or otherwise. From online classifieds, to newspapers, to online auctions, to dealership trade-ins, to online wholesale buyers – there are many options. Each comes with its own pros and cons.
If you decide to sell your car privately, you will likely get the most cash for it. However, it is also the most time consuming and risky method. If your vehicle is newer, has few kilometers and no mechanical problems, you may have an easier time selling privately. Otherwise, trading it in or selling to an online car buying company may be a better option.
Sell your car privately: a step-by-step guide
If you decide to sell your car privately, here are the steps you need to take to make the effort worth it.
1. Find out how much your car is worth
Use a free car valuation service to find out how much your car is worth. Your car’s age, condition, kilometers, make and model, as well as the current car market will all affect your car’s value. This will help you determine whether it’s worth doing any repairs, or it’s better to just sell it as is.
2. Get a mechanical inspection of your car
The next thing to do is to get an assessment of the car’s condition. Do this early so you know right away if there are any problems, and you don’t waste your time in the future. You can then decide what to repair and what to keep as is – small repairs can go a long way in raising your car value.
3. Collect all your car’s documents
Get your paperwork in order before you proceed, to avoid later headaches. Make sure you have proof of ownership, registration certificate, insurance papers, a letter from your financial institution indicating that the vehicle is fully paid off – or a settlement letter if you still owe a portion. Find the owner’s manual. Collect all the records and receipts of maintenance or repairs done to the car – you can get these done for a small fee, or sometimes free. Lastly, get a roadworthy certificate – this is optional, but it will increase the desirability of your car to a private buyer.
4. Clean out all the junk
You’d be surprised at how much stuff is hiding under your seats and between the cushions of your car! Take everything out of your trunk, glove compartment, look under the seats and mats. Then use a strong vacuum cleaner to get rid of all the crumbs and dust bunnies.
5. Get your car cleaned and detailed
Getting your car professionally detailed is an inexpensive way to significantly raise its value and appeal to potential buyers. This will take care of your car’s paint, chassis and wheels, headlights and taillights, interior, and engine bay (if you get the extended package – which you should). Alternatively, you can spend a day cleaning the inside & outside of your car yourself – just be thorough!
6. Remove all gadgets
Devices like MP3 players, GPS, or radar detectors don’t add to your car’s resale value – instead, they may attract thieves. Take those things off before taking photos of your car or showing it to buyers.
7. Take photos of your car
Once your car is cleaned and stripped down of extras, take lots of photos of it from all sides. The light tends to be best early in the morning or in the evening. Don’t photograph your car in the shade – it’ll shine more in the sun.
8. Advertise your car for sale
Put ads in multiple places, like newspapers and online classifieds. Once your online ads are up, share them with your network on social media sites and via email. Advertising fees for your car can add up, so it’s in your interest to sell it sooner rather than later.
9. Show your car to potential buyers
Set aside time to respond to inquiries about your car and to meet potential buyers. Make sure to have all the documents and information ready, and be prepared to answer lots of questions. If the buyer wants to go for a test drive, come along for the ride in the passenger seat. Otherwise, you may never see your car again!
10. Negotiate the right price
You may have one selling price in mind, but the buyer may have another one. The price has to be right for both of you in order for the sale to go through – so don’t be too stubborn. Once you have agreed on a price, print out the bill of sale and both sign it. Wait for the payment to clear before signing the car over to the new owner.
11. Avoid scams
When you sell your car privately, you are at risk for scams. Take off your car gadgets before showing it to potential buyers, and never let anyone test drive your car without you being in it. If someone asks for special payment terms, this is often the sign of a scammer. Never transfer ownership or hand over keys before the payment is cleared in full.
Phew! Can I sell my car fast without all that trouble?
A safer and less time-consuming alternative to selling your car privately is using an online wholesale buyer. It’s free, so you don’t have to worry about advertising fees or commissions.
Find out more about online car sales, or get a no-obligation car valuation.
