Selling your car can be tricky, whether you’re selling it to a private individual or a dealer. In a private party situation, you have to take pictures of the car, post them online and then wait for a good candidate to come and buy it. That process can take weeks or months.
If you prefer to unload it quickly, selling your car to a dealer or an online retailer like Carvana is the best way. Here are a few tips for selling your car to a non-private party if you choose this method.
1. Determine the value of the car before going to the dealer
While you can easily go to the dealer and have the used car manager tell you the value of the car and give you a quote, don’t act so quickly. Instead, go to Kelley Blue Book or the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) to obtain your car’s value. These sites have online raters into which you enter your car’s information, and they give you an estimate of the margin.
It’s important to be honest right now. Are you listing your car as “good” when it is in fact in “fair” condition? Do you take into account oil leakage or squeaky belts? If not, the value of your car may be slightly higher. If so, you’re in for a big surprise when the dealer hits you back with a low appraisal.
Remember to enter all the details of your car as accurately as possible. Also remember that these guides are only guides and do not take into account certain fluctuations in the car market. Therefore, be prepared for a lower appraisal amount; but as long as it’s the margin of what the online reviewers gave you, you’re doing fine.
2. Run a history report on your own car
Although you are planning to sell your car to a dealer, it is important to know everything about it beforehand so that you are not caught off guard during the valuation. A Carfax or AutoCheck report can tell you whether or not your car was involved in an accident, how many owners it has had, and even some of the previous work that has gone into it.
Knowing this information will give you a better idea of why the dealer offered you a specific appraisal amount for your car.
3. Receive multiple offers
Whether you’re selling your car to a dealer or an online retailer, it can be worth getting multiple offers. You can get instant quotes from Carvana, Carmax, and Vroom, which gives you a good starting point. Then you can go to two or three different dealers in your area to get competitive quotes.
According to American news“Focus on dealers who sell the brand of car you sell, especially if your car is only a few years old and in good condition, as it could be a candidate for the brand’s Certified Pre-Owned Program (CPO). , which will increase the dealer’s profit margin.”
4. Fix any minor repairs yourself
If your car needs a few minor repairs to fix minor oil leaks, scratches or burnt out light bulbs, you can fix them yourself. This can lead to a larger offer. Major engine or transmission repairs aren’t worth fixing, and you could end up spending more than what the car deal is worth.
5. Clean the car before having it appraised
While any dealer will probably tell you that it doesn’t matter if the car is dirty, it’s best to spruce it up ahead of time. This could potentially lead to a higher bid as it shows that you have taken good care of the car. You don’t have to have it professionally detailed, but a good wash does wonders.
Be realistic with your expectations when you sell your car to a dealer
Let’s face it, everyone wants top dollar for their car, but you most likely won’t get it from a dealer. Each dealer will consider overhaul costs and market value adjustments before bidding you. Therefore, keep your expectations in check by doing all possible research before going to a dealer. So you can even be pleasantly surprised by the offer.
RELATED: 5 Important Tips for Buying a Car from a Private Seller
