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So, you want to sell your car? It isn't as easy as it sounds, so be prepared to put in some time and effort before you can get the best deal. Unless you're just looking to get a vehicle off your hands, you'll want to invest in the nitty-gritty to get your car fully prepared for the handoff. But don't be alarmed—with the right tools and tips, the process will go smoothly. Here's what you need to know before selling your car.
Know Your Car's Value
Before you put your car on the market, you'll want to know what your vehicle is actually worth. Aim too low, and underpricing might lead to someone else getting a bang for their buck while you're left regretting your decision. Aim too high, and you might not get any offers.
To make sure you're pricing your car right, do ample research and take advantage of online tools like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to get a gauge of the current market value of your vehicle. You should also remember to adjust this base point accordingly; if your car has extensive wear and tear, or you've racked up a high mileage, factor that in.
Prepare Your Documents
You'll need to prepare the necessary documents, too. Interested buyers will appreciate having your vehicle's full history, so if you can, make sure to include a detailed report. Along with that, you'll also want to make sure to have the car title (or vehicle registration), maintenance records, original sales paperwork, and any other service contracts or warranties. To make the whole process smoother for you and potential buyers, sort out all your documents beforehand so you're not left scrambling in the middle of it all.
Fix It Up
Thinking of selling your car for a higher price? You don't want to do this without merit. While you shouldn't touch your vehicle's mileage (a rollback is possible but illegal in the United States), you can touch up your car in other ways to make it more enticing to potential buyers—and more worth the spend.
Sometimes, a thorough wash and deep interior clean may be all you need. Other times, you might need to fix up any minor dents or scratches, or peeling paint. Even though repairing your vehicle until it's almost like new takes money out of your pocket, you'll be glad you did it, as your car's value will go up.
Advertise It Right
Remember to advertise your car well, too. If you don't put it out there correctly, you might not attract any potential buyers at all. It's also important to decide whether you want to keep your pool small or if you want to have more offers. For the latter, the best way is to put your car online.
Before doing so, though, there are a few things to keep in mind. One: make sure to take high-quality and accurate photos of your vehicle, and include various angles and pictures of the exterior and interior. Try to take these in good lighting. Two: after you've taken all the necessary photos, write a good description for your vehicle by highlighting its best features, whether it's low mileage or a special function, like autonomous driving.
Be a Good Negotiator
When the offers come in, don't be immediately swayed. The key to securing the best deal with a potential buyer is to become a good negotiator. Most people will try to haggle, so be prepared to stand your ground. When selling online, you'll also want to be careful of who you meet and who you choose to test drive your vehicle. Always trust your gut instinct.
It's a good idea to grab a friend to help you with the process, too, especially if you know someone who has sold their car online before. This way, you'll know what to watch out for, and you'll feel more confident and secure with someone experienced by your side to guide you.
