5 important things to know about selling a car
Whether you just want something new or you're tired of seeing it lying there unused, selling a car will probably cross everyone's mind at some point. However, there are a few important things you need to know about selling to make sure it's a positive experience for everyone involved.
Know its value
While you may want to get a certain amount from a car, you need to take the time to do some research and find out exactly how much it costs. Sources such as Kelly Blue Book, AutoTrader.com, and NADA are great options for getting information about your vehicle's actual value. Just make sure you give honest and accurate answers about condition and mileage for the best results.
Create accurate ads
While it might be tempting to overlook the fact that the kids got the seats dirty, don't. Similarly, using terms like small dents when the side panel is wrinkled is not acceptable. While you can entice people to come and see the car, you can be sure that they will leave once they see the reality. The same applies to any known engine problems and such - all will be revealed during the test drive!
Lead to shine
When selling a car, you need to take the time to make it as presentable as possible. Make sure it's washed and waxed, and thoroughly clean the inside. Most buyers will make a buying decision within seconds of seeing the car, so you need to make sure it looks great to grab their attention.
Stakeholder Verification
When people contact you, take the time to check them out. Make sure they understand the terms of payment, whether you expect cash and whether they plan to test the vehicle. Once you're sure they're really interested, schedule a test drive. Be sure to ride with them - never let anyone get away in the car for any reason.
Get ready to negotiate
There is little chance that you will receive your original asking price. Most potential buyers will negotiate to get a better deal, so make sure you include some wiggle room in your price. For example, if you don't want to go below $5,000, set your asking price a little higher so you can lower it for the interested party.
