How to Sell your Car

Maybe you can't afford it, maybe you need the money or you want a newer car. What ever the reason is, selling your car shouldn't be a huge headache. Relax, here are some tips that should be helpful in the process.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Positive thinking
• inginuity
• motivation

1. First, you need to know what your car is worth. Check the Blue Book value and depending on any wear and tear and years and mileage, you can name your price.
2. Write down a list of questions you may ask if you were looking to buy. Put yourself in thier shoes. Questions may arise like-'I love it but not sure if I can afford it.'
   OR-''Are you sure it's only the muffler?''
   OR- 'If it's so great, why are you looking to sell it?'
   
   After doing that, write down the answers you need to have if the buyer does present you with such questions.
3. There are a few ways of getting the word out. Word of mouth is one, online such as craigslist, weekly shoppers, your card pinned up in laundry matt and grocery stores. Make sure to list and state mileage, model, how old the car is, if there's any work to be done and ofcourse, your asking price. Give yourself a little bit of wiggle room so you can be negotiable.
4. Make sure your car is washed and waxed. You may want to do a little upkeep, oil change, maybe a new tire or two. You can also obtain a repot from your mechanic stating the car's condition. This can motivate a buyer who is on the fence.
5. If the repair is needed, and you trust the mechanic's assessment, you could propose reducing the agreed-upon price by all, or part, of the amount for the repair. If the repair is questionable, but the buyer is insistent, split the difference, or have the car taken to your mechanic for further evaluation.
   
   Remember, the older the car, the more a mechanic is likely to find. At some point, you have to draw the line. You may have to say to the buyer, "True, this work could be done. But the car drives well as it is. And the proposed repair isn't addressing a safety concern." After all, a used car — particularly an elderly one — isn't expected to be perfect.
6. Keep in mind that when you sell your car, people will also be evaluating you. Make the buyers feel comfortable. They will probably be uneasy about making a big decision and spending money. Put them at ease and answer their questions openly.
7. Have all maintenance papers ready to show prospect buyers.
8. Before your car drives away for the final time, take a last look through the glove compartment, the trunk and under the seats. You might find some long forgotten treasures you misplaced years ago

Tips & Warnings

• When creating "For Sale" signs or putting a classified ad in the paper, you have an opportunity to show how eager you are to sell the car. This can be done by inserting the following abbreviations and phrases:
• Must Sell!: This often means the seller is leaving town and needs to dump the car at a fire sale price.
• OBO: This stands for "or best offer" and it indicates that you are willing to entertain offers below the stated price. This usually means you are eager to sell the car.
• Asking price: This also communicates the feeling that you will negotiate, but it is one notch below OBO on the eagerness scale.
• Firm: This word is used to rebuff attempts to negotiate. It indicates that you aren't in a hurry to sell the car — you are most interested in getting your price.
• Some sellers feel uncomfortable about having buyers come to their house to see the car. However, you can generally screen buyers on the phone. If they sound suspicious, don't do business with them. If you don't want people knowing where you live, arrange to show the car at a park or shopping center near your home. However, keep in mind that people will eventually see your address when you sign the title over to them. Some buyers will want to take the car to a mechanic to have it inspected. If you have an inspection report from your mechanic, this might put their doubts to rest. However, if they still want to take the car to their mechanic, this is a reasonable request. By now, you should have a feeling for the person's trustworthiness. If you feel uncomfortable or have reason to think they will steal the car, decline the offer or go along with them.