How to Improve your Cars Selling Potential
Selling a used car can be a daunting prospect. Trying to find a buyer who's willing to pay what you think your vehicle is worth, getting the car ready for sale, and handling all the little details can be a real pain. But by following these simple steps, you can alleviate some of the aggravation of getting rid of your old ride.
1) Fix minor problems.
The prospect of vehicle repairs is often frightening because of the usual price tag for vehicle maintenance. However, some repairs may be necessary for your vehicle to sell. Have a mechanic (or a savvy friend) give your vehicle a check-up and determine if there are some small repairs that might boost the value of the car. Sometimes putting in a functional radio or fixing problems with the air conditioning or heat can make all the difference in a test-drive. Change the oil and have the tires rotated for good measure. You want you car to be looking and driving its very best.
2) Clean it up.
That doesn't mean running it through the $1 car wash at the gas station. Many gas stations have industrial-type vacuums for a quarter or two and thoroughly cleaning the interior will have a positive impact. Try to see the vehicle as a potential buyer would. Clean all the nooks and crannies, consoles, glove compartments, trunk, floorboards, and seats. No one wants to buy a dirty car.
3) Know the value of the vehicle.
Don't try to sell a junker like it's a prize in disguise. You know the real condition of your vehicle better than anyone else. Be honest with yourself. Research the Kelly Blue Book value of your specific vehicle in it's current condition to have a realistic estimate for what you could fairly and reasonably expect to earn. Remember that you, too, have purchased a vehicle in the past and expected honesty from the person or dealership who sold it to you. Return the favor.
4) Network.
If you have a great, cleaned-up vehicle in excellent running order, you deserve a a good offer. Talk to friends, neighbors, relatives, and Facebook friends to find people who are on the hunt for a new (used) car. Often, someone will know someone who's looking or perhaps someone's child just turned sixteen and needs a ride. The options are endless. It's often easier to find a reliable buyer through the people you know rather than through the Internet or newspaper postings.
5) Talk money.
Upon finding a potential buyer, you should give them a price quote before letting them test drive the vehicle. Be reasonable and up-front about your expectations. If there are problems with the vehicle, you should acknowledge them in your price. Also, be sure that you get your money by asking that the buyer have the lump sum within a set period of time before allowing him or her to pick up the vehicle. Be flexible, but don't get be a doormat. If the buyer can't come up with the money in your time frame, start looking for a new buyer.
6) Be prepared.
Do your research. Make sure you have the title and registration ready to sign over to the buyer upon the completion of the sale (read: when you have the money in your hand). Also, remember to contact your car insurance company and let them know that you've sold the car and terminate coverage. If possible, make copies of any paperwork that shows where you signed over the title and keep bank records showing when you received payment and for how much.
