subject: How To Safely & Profitably Sell Your Car [print this page] 1. If your state requires vehicle inspections, get a new/current one done. Some people like to know that the car has passed a state inspection.
2. Change the oil.
3. Clean the car really, really well inside and out, under the seats, all the nooks and crannies, shine the tires, wax the car, etc. A good first impression does help.
4. Advertise it on Craigslist and consider AutoTrader. The trouble with AutoTrader is, it is dominated by dealers. **Note: If you do Craigslist, be sure to post it to at least the localities within a hundred miles from you. That is what I like least about Craigslist is you can't do a radius search (not that I figure out anyway). But there is a service called SearchTempest.com that allows people to search Craigslist by zip code radius search.
When advertising do the following:
1. Check to see what others are asking for theirs.
2. Put up several exterior photos, picture of the engine, trunk, and several interior photos including a picture of the odometer.
3. Explain clearly the basics of the car (year, make, model, miles, color)
4. Explain the condition of the exterior and interior (make note of any defects, but don't overemphasize)
5. If the car has been in an accident or had any body work, explain what happened and how long ago.
6. If the car has had any major repair (trans, engine, etc.) explain and give time frame.
7. Note any recent repairs and/or service work that has been done. If you have service records make that known.
8. Above all, be perfectly honest about the car
When someone is interested in your car:
1. If you are a woman, I would have a husband, father, brother, significant male be there when showing the car
2. Get a full name and number prior to giving them your address or where you will meet them. If you meet them somewhere other than your home, have another person follow along in another car.
3. When they arrive, ask them to show you their drivers license...make sure it is valid and current before letting them drive your car. Take down the address.
4. Going on a test drive with them is a gut call. I don't usually do it. I think most people prefer to go by themselves. Some may want you to come along, if they do and they look trustworthy, then make that call.
5. For $1700, I would do cash only and give them a receipt. If someone pays by money order or certified check they are generally good. You can always go cash it or deposit it right then and there.
6. If the buyer wants to take the car to a professional service place/mechanic to have them check it out, by all means let them. Find out which service shop and what time YOU should take the car by to have the shop check it out. If they want to take it to their "mechanic friend", then that is another gut call. If I trust them, I would probably do it. I would just want to know when, where, who, and how long for.
After they agree to buy the car, you need to deal with the tags on the car. You have several options:
1. You can let them go with the tags on the car and ask them to mail them back. I would not do that, but that's me.
2. If they are somewhat local, you can drive the car to their home, take the tags off and have someone bring you back or follow along to bring you back.
3. They can run down to DMV with the title and get new tags and then come back.
4. You can take the tags off and have them haul it/tow it away.
