Oftentimes, people feel unmotivated when it comes to selling their vehicles. With all the paperwork involved and the ridiculous wait times at the DMV, you probably feel the same way.
However, a recent study conducted by Ally Financial discovered that nearly 70 percent of Americans would likely consider buying a used car for their next auto purchase.
Hence, if your old whip is collecting dust in your driveway – it’s probably a good time to get rid of it. Considering the high demand and numerous resources available, the best time to sell old cars is now!
So, let’s get rid of that looming insurance bill and exchange it for a few thousand bucks! Here are the top five tricks that’ll help you sell your old car in no time!
1. Give Your Car a Deep Clean
It’s always a good idea to give your car a thorough cleaning prior to putting it on the market.
You can do this yourself, or you can hire a professional car detailer. Of course, if you hire a professional, you’ll be cutting into your profits. Most professional car detailers charge between $150-$300. Just double check they really specialize in deep car interior cleaning.
If you choose to do it yourself, make sure to clean your car thoroughly. This includes the carpet, windows, seats, dashboard, and center console. You can also clean the engine which can be a huge selling point!
Prestige LeatherCare experts may be able to fix damaged leather seats with a few simple tricks and tools. However, they also have to take care of the customer’s expectations by providing them with a quality service that is worth their money.
2. Take Good Photos
Taking good photos is one of the most important tips to consider when learning how to sell a car.
The goal is to make your old car look as good as possible. Make sure the lighting is good and you capture the entire vehicle.
Many people take poor photos of their car and don’t show the entirety of the car. Be sure to capture every detail of the car within your photos, including the engine.
It’s also important to pay mind to the background of your photos. If your photos contain people, pets, or junk around your car, it may distract buyers. It may even turn them away due to the lack of professionalism.
3. Craft a Good Description
Want to know the number one secret on how to sell an old car fast? If so, you’re going to have to think like a car salesman!
Many people put simple, single-sentence descriptions such as “2001 Toyota Camry for Sale – Good condition & runs great”.
Try to get a little more creative than this. Here are some things you should be sure to include in your listing:
- Make and model of your car
- The reason why you’re selling it
- Interior and exterior condition
- Features and specs
- Mileage
- Any repairs or recently completed work
- Any crashes or damage it’s received
Although you should be honest, don’t go overboard on the negative aspects of your car. Be sure to focus on the positive points instead.
4. Research the Value of Your Car
It’s important to do plenty of research when it comes to pricing your old car.
A quick Google search of “sell my old car” will lead you to websites such as Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and Auto Trader. But, oftentimes, these websites don’t account for things such as location and demand.
It’s best to use these websites, but also do research on similar cars that are for sale in your area. You can check places such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace to find other cars for sale.
5. Know Where to Sell Old Cars
Determining where to sell old cars may feel complicated. There are so many options such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp.
You also have the option of selling your old car to a dealership. Carmax is one of the most popular dealerships that purchases used cars. Although you may not make as much money, you’ll save the time and headache of selling it to an individual.
It’s best to list your car everywhere you can. You can purchase local ads, list it on various apps, and even park it in a busy area with a for sale sign on it.
If you have a used junk car, you may even want to get a price to scrap it. Oftentimes, the metal is worth more than the car, especially if the engine is unsalvageable.
How to Sell Your Car Fast
When it comes to selling your old car, there’s plenty of tips you can utilize to speed up the process.
Some of these tips include cleaning your car thoroughly, taking good photos, crafting a good description, researching your car’s value, and knowing where to sell old cars.
We hope these tips help you sell your old car in no time! If you found this guide beneficial, you’ll surely enjoy our other car-related articles. Be sure to give them a look!
