How To

How to Write an Effective Used Car Ad

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(6 Ratings)

Be honest, describe the car accurately, and keep it short.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Newspaper
  • Newspaper
  • Notebooks
  • Pens
  • Pens
  • Notebooks
  1. Step 1

    Give the car's year, make and model.

  2. Step 2

    Note the car's current mileage.

  3. Step 3

    Describe the car's condition in a word or two. "Reliable" indicates exactly that; "clean" means no dents and good interior. "Running project" or "mechanic's special" means it needs restoration but has potential, "beater" means a jalopy reliable for neighborhood driving. "Beautiful" means exceptionally clean and appealing. Be creative but clear.

  4. Step 4

    State if the car has always been garaged.

  5. Step 5

    Identify recent repairs or overhauls: new clutch, 6,000 miles on rebuilt engine, new tires, tune-up every 3,000 miles.

  6. Step 6

    Identify any cosmetic details, negative or positive: no dents, dent in left front fender, new paint, upholstery worn, new red paint.

  7. Step 7

    If you are the first or second owner, state that.

  8. Step 8

    State color.

  9. Step 9

    State any interesting details that might drive up the price: convertible, roomy, rare.

  10. Step 10

    Name a price. If the price is negotiable, add "b/o," meaning "or best offer."

  11. Step 11

    If you do not want to bargain, add "firm," as in "$1,800 firm."

  12. Step 12

    Give a phone number where you can be reached and a time when you will be there.

  13. Step 13

    See the eHow entitled, "How to Read Used Car Classified Ads" and "How to Sell Your Used Car."

Tips & Warnings
  • Don't understate damage or overstate positives. Heightened expectations mean a lower final sale price.
  • If you have anything major to declare about the car, such as the need for a new transmission, say that in the ad. It's going to come out, so it might as well screen out those for whom it's a deal breaker up front.

Comments  

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 We got many more responses to our online car ad when we revealed a little about ourselves as the car's owners. We reported truthfully how much we loved the car and why were selling it. I think buyers like to know they are dealing with real people.

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