Have Your Car Evaluated
Now that you have purchased a vehicle, you may have a vehicle that you wish to sell. Since you have been through the buying process, you are aware of the potential buyer's frame of mind. If you have your car checked out, you will be better prepared for the questions and inspections of a potential buyer.
Think About the Season
Car sales are somewhat seasonal, with spring and summer the most active times, That said, some types of cars are more popular in certain seasons. For example, convertibles are especially likely to sell in spring and summer, while vans, pick-ups and sport utility vehicles are becoming popular year round.
Options Besides Selling
If for any reason you feel that going through a traditional sale of your car is not worthwhile, you may want to consider options other than selling it. For example, you can auction it off. Or you can donate it to charity for a tax deduction, or drive it to a salvage yard and maybe get $20 for it
The Selling Process
If you decide to sell you car, here are a few tips for consideration:
Getting the value range
Find the bluebook value range.
Check listings of cars of the same year and model to get an average value. Call a dealer, AAA, or your insurance agent and ask for the approximate value.
If you have a well-maintained vehicle in good running condition, ask for a price on the high end of the blue-book value range. You can always lower the price, if necessary. Most likely, you are going to be offered less than your asking price, so leave room to bargain. If the vehicle has low mileage, use this as a selling point.
Advertising the vehicle
List the vehicle for sale on TheAutoLog.com, another website, in your local newspaper or specialty used vehicle magazine. If the vehicle is in poor condition, list it in the mechanic's section of the newspaper.
When you place an ad, list the year, model, miles, color, condition, automatic or standard transmission, accessories and as many oher details as possible. If the vehicle needs a lot of work, say "As is-needs work."
Put For Sale signs in the car's windows and park it on a busy street, where permitted.
Some places will sell you car for a commission. Check your local yellow pages.
Ask your service technician or auto shops if they know of a potential buyer.
Getting ready
Make a folder and keep all receipts pertaining to the vehicle in it.
Spend time and detail the vehicle, Clean it inside and out.
Make a list of any problems that you know of. If the vehicle needs a lot of repairs, let the buyer know. Again, sell it "as is." Write this on the bill of sale.
If any smog equipment is missing or has been modified, fix it. It is your responsibility that the vehicle meet legal standards. Or, list it under the mechanic's special section saying, "Smog parts missing. Selling as is."
If the odometer is inoperable, give an estimate of how long and how many miles you have driven since it stopped.
Doing the deal
Never go alone with strangers on a test drive. Never allow them to road test the vehicle without you and a friend there with them.
If you are not in a hurry to sell and your price is firm, tell potential buyers that.
Transactions should be made by cash or cashiers check only. Do not release the vehicle until you have received full payment. Keep complete records of the transaction.
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