How to Sell Used Cars

There are many reasons why a person may decide to sell their used car, such as needing money, having no use for the car, or they realize that they can get more money for it by selling it rather than trading it in. Selling a car is not a hard task. Yet, it will require a bit of work and a lot of patience. If you want to make a little extra money by selling your used car, here are some simple steps you can take to make it easier.

Things You'll Need

• Used car
• Oil
• Water
• Soap
• Polish
• Dust rag
• Vacuum
• Computer
• For sale sign
• Printer

Instructions

1. Inspect the used car for minor repairs and fix what you can. Giving the car a good tune-up will mean it will run better and can impress prospective buyers. While you are at it, change the oil. This may be something that is inspected because dirty oil can be a sign of car problems.

2. Decide on a price that you want to get for the car. Don't be greedy, but be realistic. If you need help in deciding what the car may be worth, check out http://www.kellybluebook.com for help estimating the car's current value. Once you have an idea on the price, be sure to add a few hundred when you are stating the asking price. This gives you negotiating power. For example, if you want to sell the used car for no less than $5,000, you could make your asking price $5,400. That gives you $400 to use for negotiating.

3. Clean and polish the outside of the car. Any car, including a used one, will look better clean and polish. If you take the car to a car wash, you can make your task easier.

4. Clean and wipe down the inside of the car. Vacuum the floors and dust the interior. Remember the inside of the car is just as important to a buyer as the outside is.

5. Place a for sale sign on the car. You never know who may see the car and wish to buy it. Place your asking price on the sign, along with a phone number.

6. Write an advertisement for the used car. In this advertisement, add the vital information, such as model and make, asking price and a brief description. Be sure to add your contact information and a location where the car can be seen.

7. Pay for the advertisement to be printed in your local newspaper and on any popular online sites.

8. Print some flyers with the advertisement, along with a picture of the car. Place these flyers throughout your neighborhood.

9. Allow any prospective buyers to test drive the used car, but only if they ask.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are in a hurry to sell your used car, you could check with neighboring dealerships to see if they are interested in buying it.

• Don't drop your asking price to your final price too quickly. Give the buyer time to negotiate.

Resources

• Kelly Blue Book