Do you need to sell your car?
How do you intend to sell your car – confidentially, with a public sale, to a Dealer, or a Trade-In?
What is the value of your car?
How do maximize your earnings from the car?
General Guidelines
Decide the timing of your sale – do not attempt and sell following Christmas or past a number plate modification.
It is best to sell the car when it has a comparatively low mileage (below 42,000 for 3years Used Car). For older cars, it is important that the vehicle is in good condition at the time of sale, and has a clear history.
You will need to present all applicable papers, so retain them in a file. Log book, MOT certificate, handbook and any receipts for repairs and spare parts.
Trading your car in
This is a fast and moderately simple way to sell your used car. It is useful to keep your car in glowing condition first – wash, clean and check.
Often it appears like the dealer is giving you a good price for your car, except that they may be paying for it by increasing the price of the car you are buying. Get quotations for a new car from multiple dealers, some with the trade-in and some without the trade-in. Compare the quotes to see what you are really being offered for your car.
Selling to a Dealer
This is a quick way to sell your car. However, the price you obtain will not be as good as advertising privately.
Selling by Auction
This is a quick way to sell your car. You must place a reserve price or otherwise your car could potentially be sold for as small $50. The auction house will get 10% of the earnings from the sale.
Selling Privately
This is the best method to get a good price for your car, however it is not hassle free. You want to choose where to sell, how much to sell the car for, and how to reach an agreement with prospective buyers.
Advertising
This can be done in the local newspapers, car magazines, national newspapers, websites and even enthusiasts clubs. Numerous websites have particular deals that may be valuable.
The advert itself should be truthful and contain:
· Make and model of the car
· Age/year of car
· Mileage
· Condition
· Colour
· Any add-ons (alloy wheels, air conditioning)
· Number of previous owners
· Service history
· Length of tax/ MOT
· Photo – taken in light of day with neutral surroundings
· Price
· Area you live
Almost every car related web-site will charge you anywhere between $20 to $60 to place an advertisement to sell your car. However, http://www.unocardealers.com/ is one high traffic web-site that allows you to place a sell advertisement for free (no catch here).
Preparing to sell
· Clean the car inside and out – this can increase the value by hundreds of dollars!
· Swab the car with good car shampoo, wash and dry with a chamois.
· Shine the car – fine T-cut.
· Find an expert cleaner if you do not have the time or inclination necessary to clean the car well.
· Clean the instrument panel, windows and upholstery.
· Vacuum carpets and replace older, ragged mats.
· Do some maintenance – restore bulbs, retouch scratches, restore damaged windscreen wipers.
· Top up the oil, coolant, screenwash and brake fluid. It may also be useful to change the oil if the car has not been recently serviced.
· Restore wheel trims. If the car has alloy wheels, make sure they are spotless.
· Some expert trimmings could be distorted, for example racing steering wheels, gear knobs or alloy pedal covers.
· All the above highlight that the car has been well-cared for, which is what buyers like to see.
Dealing with potential buyers
1. You will have to be ready for timewasters, and people that do not revert to you.
2. You also need to be alert that your car may be a target for thieves, and get needed safety measures.
3. People will need to test drive the car – do not let them go alone, plus if you are a woman it may be safer to take a friend.
4. On the trial drive, permit them to take their own route.
5. Be ready to negotiate a price. It may be better to take a little less, than to risk not selling at all.
6. Be patient – it is common for buyers to acquire expert advice before making an offer, but it shows that they are truly involved.
7. If possible, get a deposit and put a time limit till when the deposit would be refunded (in case the buyer backs out from the offer).
8. Get the details of the buyer – name, address and landline telephone number. It may be safer to inquire for an ID to verify this.
9. Cash payment / banker’s cheque is safest and simplest. However, if you are given a personal cheque, wait for the cheque to clear before handing over the keys and title to the buyer.
10. Fill out and complete the essential rules and regulations to update the DMV that you no longer own the car and are not responsible for any damages.
