How to Sell Your Car

Trying to sell a car can be very frustrating, and sometimes even seem hopeless. The reality is that selling a car is relatively easy, thanks to the internet and the huge amount of websites that let you post free ads about your car. The instructions listed will help you begin your sale and hopefully get things going for you!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A computer
• An email account
• A car!!
• Information about the car (Things that will make the car appealing to readers)
• A phone
• A notepad
• A pen
• Pictures of your car (will get your car sold so much quicker, people like to see what they are reading about)
• The desire to get your car sold!!

1. The first thing you will have to do is write down what you want your ad to say. Only put the basics down, people wont want to read a long essay about how your car smells or feels.... It should only list the basics. Make sure that you tell people about things that they might not like, but that they really should know about, before they come check your car out, because if you don't then they will think you are trying to rip them off.
   Example:
   1971 Chevy El Camino
   -Classic Muscle Car(collectors!) (throw little things in there)
   -Great Engine (350, V8) (be specific)
   -Sunroof
   -CD Player
   -Original Interior
   -Just over 200,000 Miles
   -Needs Body Work/Rust Damage (Be honest, people do appreciate honesty)
   
   Will sell for $2500 or best offer (you can barter with them)
   
   Located in Tualatin, Oregon (List where it is located)
   If interested please call [phone]
   Email [e-mail] (List your contact information)
2. The next thing you will have to do is type the whole ad into Microsoft Word, or whatever program you use for basic word processing. Save the file and label it.
3. The next thing you will have to do is find out where all the free classified ads are on the web, and write each one down in your notebook. If you're not sure, write it down anyway. If they cost money then you can cancel. If you don't care about paying money to post your ad, then go ahead! That's a really good way to get it sold, because very well-known websites like Ebay cost $$$ to advertise. Remember, look for the classifieds section. I have a list of sites that are free:
   1. Craigslist.com
   2. Backpage.com
   3. Lycos.com
   4. Local.com
   5. OLX.com
   6. Kijiji.com
   7. Classifiedsforfree.com
   8. AveNews.com
   9. Salespider.com
   10. PennysaverUSA.com
   11. Myspace.com
   12. Lemonfree.com
   (some of these sites may not work for everyone. Some do not give you the option of listing a certain type of car, and some may not have listings in your specific state/city)
4. The next thing you have to do is fill in all the information that the classifieds websites need for your ad to get started. Take your Microsoft Word file and Copy/Paste it to the "Description" box that the websites will have available for you. Have the pictures of your car saved to your computer so that you can easily add them to your ad. Some sites require certain things like VIN#'s, so have that ready too.
   
   A lot of these sites require that you make an account with them, but it only takes a minute, especially if your computer automatically remembers all the information you have already typed into the previous website. Some sites do not require an account.
5. Now you have to wait. Once your ad has been posted, you finally get a chance to relax and let the customers come to you. Make sure that you check your email, because you might just get hammered with tons of people that want to buy your car. Make sure that you answer the phone if someone tries to call, but most will email, and then call.
6. Once people start responding to your ads, write down their names and contact information as well as how much they are willing to pay. Once you've come up with what seems like enough people interested, take the one that you think will be the best for you. If you're not getting any leads, try advertising some more. Look for more places. Try using the sites that cost money to advertise. Otherwise, keep your chin up. You will get your car sold. There are billions of people on the web every day.
7. Don't forget to have your car spic and span! People wont want to buy a dirty car. Don't forget to get that old take-out out from underneath the back seat!! Do all the cleaning things like wiping down the windows, vacuming, detailing, putting a "new car scent" car freshener on the mirror, cleaning out the glove box and trunk... anything you can think of that you need to clean, you definately MUST clean.
8. When you find your buyer, set up a time that would be best for both of you to meet and show him/her the car. Be brave! Some people are pretty rude if they are badly surprised (that's why your ad need's to be honest!!). Show them any records of work that has been done recently to the car at a shop, it will make them more comfortable if they believe that they wont break down as they are driving out the parking lot. If they are satisfied, make a contract, basically saying I, (your name) am selling (car name) to (buyers name) for ($amount.00) on (date). Sign the contract and make sure he/she signs it too. Sign the title over, hand them the keys, and, OH don't forget your money!

Tips & Warnings

• Here's a good tip: A good way to find websites to sell your specific car (Example: elcaminotrader.com for El Caminos) is to just Google (name of car[year/make/model]) for sale, and write down all of the web site names that sound good. Visit those sites as well and post your ad!
• Try searching for your car yourself to see how easy it is for people to find your ad. Pretend like you are someone who is searching for that muscle car they've been dreaming of, and type in different searches, switching around words and such. You'll be excited to find your ad right there in front of you!
• Be careful of those websites that don't tell you they charge money until the final step of setting up an account. If they don't tell you right away that it is free then it probably isn't free. Surf at your own risk basically. The worst thing that could happen is your email box getting crammed with junk mail.
• Don't accept Checks or Money orders. If you want, you can list in your ad that you wont accept checks or money orders, just to save you and whoever wants to give you a check or money order the hassle.
• Don't accept offers from people out of the United States(This includes Canada and Mexico). A lot of the websites you post ads on (like craigslist) will tell you about these warnings I am talking about. People out of the country are more likely to get away with your car than someone in the States, and they are harder to prosecute for fraudulent money orders and checks. (this also goes for buying cars on the internet that aren't in the US)