4 things to do before you sell your old car

Selling your vehicle probably seems like a hassle. You need to educate yourself on the market and find the right price. You may want to clean it up and have it checked by a professional. You’ll have to search for the paperwork related to the car and get it all in a single place.

Next, you’ll have to figure out how to sell the car. You can sell it to a car dealership, which typically earns you less money, but is easier. You can sell it via classified ads, which require more work but typically will earn you top dollar.

While the process sounds a bit complicated, it doesn’t have to be. Make sure you do these 4 things and soon you can wave goodbye to your car and have cash in your pocket.

Study the market

You need to start by figuring out the value of your car. You can look online at the U.S News & World Report’s Best Price Program to see the prices of cars like yours. You can also visit the U.S. News Best Cars homepage and use the “What’s My Car Worth?” tool. This tool can generate a market price of your car.

Keep in mind that local prices might different from the guidelines. You can check Kelley Blue Book pricing for a local value.

Assemble all paperwork

If you own your car, you’ll have to procure the title. The title is the paper you received with the purchase that proves you’re the owner. If you’re unable to find it, you’ll have to request a copy of the title from your local DMV before you can carry on with the sale of your vehicle. When you sell your car, it’s very important that you remember to transfer your car title! Many states require several documents such as a notice of sale or transfer, a vehicle record, a source of funds and the transfer of the title to recognise the sale.

Inspect the car

Before you list your vehicle for sale, it’s ideal to take it to a mechanic or the dealership for an inspection. Maybe you believe your car is in perfect, operable condition, or maybe you’re experiencing the danger signs of broken brakes. Either way, a professional will let you know of any problems that need fixed.

If your car is operable, you might want to replace old tires or invest in new floor mats. This will cost you some money up front, but when your car is in aesthetically excellent shape it will help you secure a higher price. Getting these steps out of the way will make your car more appealing for potential buyers, alleviating worry and streamlining the sales process.

Craft your ad

If you decide to sell your car instead of taking it to a dealership, there are some things you need to know. First, you need to write a compelling description of your vehicle. You will be competing with many other ads for attention, so it’s vital that you have an eye-catching headline, clear photographs of your car, and a thorough summary of your vehicle. Your ad needs to be concise. Take your time when crafting your ad – it’s your opportunity to secure the attention of the buyer.

Selling your car can seem like a chore; there are a lot of moving parts to keep track of as you prepare to sell it. Make sure to utilise the right tools and selling your car can be a breeze.

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