If you want to sell your car yourself, you’re going to have to put in a little more work than you would if you sold to a car buyer. Fortunately, marketing your car yourself has never been easier. With a little time and effort, you can sell your car at top dollar in no time. These are the must-know strategies to get the most out of marketing your car.
Do Your Research
Before you put your car on the market, you need to know how much your car is actually worth. Don’t post your car blindly on the internet with an over or underestimated cost. Check Kelley Blue Book for the most accurate price for the make and model of your vehicle. Kelley Blue Book will give you the best value, but you also need to consider the current condition of your car. If your car is in bad shape, your vehicle will likely fetch less once sold.
Inspect for Repairs
Take your car to a mechanic and get an honest inspection for repairs. If your car has worn out brake pads, an old battery, or a faulty transmission you’ll have to get it fixed before you hope to sell. Don’t waste yours and the buyer’s time by having them show up to see a malfunctioning vehicle. At best, you’ll get a much lower offer than you would have gotten otherwise. Invest in low-cost repairs that will get your car off your hands and money in your pocket.
Get it Detailed
Your car may function, but is it clean? Nobody wants a dirty, scratched up car with sticky seats and trash in the floorboards. Get your car fully detailed to get it looking like new. For about fifty dollars you can get your car a thorough cleaning. Perhaps you’ve taken good care of your car; in that case, clean it thoroughly yourself from top to bottom. Vacuum the floor boards, clean out the cup holders and buff out any scratches. Remember that anything you pay for can be added to the asking price.
Create the Ad
The ad is the first impression your potential buyers get when they look for your car. After your car is detailed and repaired, take photos of your car at different angles in good light. Get clear photos of both the interior and exterior. State in the ad how old the car is, the mileage and any history or repairs. Also include your contact information and preferred method of payment. Post your ad to social media sites where strangers or friends can inquire about your car.
Set Your Price
After the value has been determined and the repairs have been made, you can now think about your price. Evaluate the local market by browsing sites like Craigslist to see if there are any similar cars marketed in your area. Compare prices to see how they compare. If their cars are in poor shape, you can likely demand a slightly higher dollar amount. If you plan to sell yourself, consider how and when you want to sell. If you need to sell your car quickly it may be more difficult to get the price you ask for and you may need to be willing to negotiate a lower price to get it off your hands. If you can wait, however, you’re more likely to get a buyer who will take your price. If you’re unable to wait or you just want to sell your car fast, consider forgoing this option and sell the car to a car buyer like CarBuyer USA.
Everyone wants the best price they can get for their used car. Whether you’re moving across the country or you just want a new car, selling your old car is a great way to earn extra cash. Maximize your car’s selling value with these tips in mind.