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How to sell your used car and get the most money for it

[additional-authors]
July 6, 2015

Everyone knows that cars depreciate over time and that you won’t get nearly as much money for your vehicle as you had originally spent on it. This doesn’tmean that you shouldn’t try to get as much as possible when trying to sell it. Whether you’re planning to use the money as a down payment for a new car or something else, your old car could sell for a lot more than expected. However, it’s important to be realistic about what you have and what you could get for it. Even small changes can equal hundreds of extra dollars.

Market Research

Perhaps the most important thing when selling your car is doing the actual market research. Take a look at the ‘private sale’ value on “>AutoTrader or If you want top dollar for your car, it should really be in a good condition. Very few people want to purchase a new-to-them car for thousands of dollars only to get hit with larger expenses a few months down the road. Take your car to a mechanic and have them inspect it thoroughly. If there are big problems, plan to pay upfront to fix them. Sometimes, even a small problem such as a missing key fob battery could deter a potential buyer, so do your best to fix all the issues you can. If possible, gather up any information you have about the times you’ve had your car serviced, and order a copy of the Carfax report as proof that your car is in good condition.

All in the Details

According to the popular You’ll want to cast a wide net when it comes to listing your car, so place an ad on all the sites that people might use in your area. Remember that When it comes to used car buyers, not everyone has a specific style they have in mind, so any extra info may be the thing that sells the car. Don’t forget to add plenty of pictures of your car looking its best. If there are any small issues, it’s smart to be upfront with those in the advertisement so you don’t waste anyone’s time.

Showing It Off

Hopefully your ad does the trick and you have someone interested in the car. When that person comes to see it and take it for a test drive, make sure you’re there to show it off. You should be able to answer any of their questions and talk up the car. For example, you might be able to mention that you just had the brakes changed and that the interior fabric was cleaned. Before someone drives your car, ask to see their license. It’s also smart to drive with them to talk about the car while they’re driving.

Making the Final Sale

Expect the buyer to try to haggle with you over the price. Some people plan for this by setting the starting asking price $1,000 higher than what they’re reallywilling to take. Others simply try to get out of haggling by stating that the priceis ‘firm’. Once you’ve agreed on a price, you want to get the money in cash or cashier’s check. Make sure you have all of the proper paperwork with you at thetime of the sale. This can vary from state to state, so check with your local DMV before you proceed.

Selling a used car on your own can be a bit more difficult than just trading it in at a dealership, but the payoff is that you’re likely to get more money. If you want to get top dollar for your used car, don’t be afraid to spend a some time and money sprucing it up.

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