6 Tips for Selling Your Old Car

If you are one of many individuals who do not like to keep an old car after purchasing a new one, you may find the task of disposing of your old vehicle rather challenging. Selling it involves a number of tasks such as establishing the market value of the car, gathering all the documents it needs for the sale, getting repair work done, and marketing it to potential buyers.

All of these can be quite overwhelming to take on, which is why most people would rather take their vehicle to a dealership that facilitates the sale and trade of pre-owned cars. Such a dealership already has an established process of screening vehicles and gathering all the necessary paperwork to ensure a smooth sale. Additionally, they have a suite of relevant services as well as expertise in effective marketing.

Even if you choose to remain a private seller, such dealerships can still offer you a bit of help. For instance, if you need to determine the value of your vehicle, they can provide an online car valuation check. All you have to do is fill out a form with the car’s specific details, and in no time, you will be given a reliable ballpark price of the old car.

It doesn’t stop there. From most dealerships’ websites, you can get a collection of tips regarding everything from the repairs and replacements that can boost the market price of your vehicle for a sale, to actual marketing strategies for locking in the interest of potential buyers.

If you need more help with successfully selling your pre-owned car, here are six other valuable tips to consider:

1.Choose the most convenient platforms for sale.

There are different places to sell a pre-owned car. Some car sellers like to just pop up in weekend car fairs where all different sale arrangements can be made. Meanwhile, some choose a few online selling or trading sites that specifically cater to car sellers.

Weigh the pros and cons of these options based on how much time and effort you can dedicate to the task.

2.To gain a higher market value, implement repairs and replacements.

A few repairs and replacements can effectively boost the market price of your used vehicle. According to industry experts, the following are the improvements that yield solid returns:

• Entertainment systems
• Leather seats
• New tires
• Air conditioning

Of course, you do not need to carry out any of these upgrades because they would entail additional work for you. However, if you want to ensure a good profit from the sale, such repairs and replacements are undoubtedly worth considering.

3. Create marketing materials.

Take high-quality pictures of the vehicle and make sure to do so at different angles. You can post these pictures online and provide potential buyers with a better idea of what they are considering investing in.

If you are tech-savvy, why not create a video for the vehicle as well? A video is usually better at fully showcasing the top selling points of the car. If you have no idea how to do this, take some pointers from popular car commercials and auto reports for TV. Videos are considered the best marketing media and creating one for your car can score you a sale much faster.

4. Be responsive.

Finding a committed buyer can take a while. So, be as responsive as you can be when selling your car. Set up the notification system for the platforms where you will be posting the “car for sale” ad. This way, the moment somebody expresses interest through the messenger, you can immediately connect and reply.

Also, have your phone with you at all times and create a template that provides answers to frequently asked questions. This will help to streamline things and save you time, particularly when inquiries pour in.

5. Consider the season.

Timing is a critical consideration when you want to sell. Make this work to your advantage by studying when the ideal time to sell your car would be. According to auto experts, if you will be selling a family car, you can easily do so throughout the year, but may be more successful right before the start of the new school year.

As for convertible cars, summer and spring are usually the best months to sell because buyers take to the romantic idea of cruising the roads in a top-down vehicle. However, if you’re from a warm climate, convertible cars tend to sell better during the fall and winter.

6. Always freshen up the car before meeting potential buyers.

Car buyers always come in to see a potential purchase hoping for the best. Do not give them any reason to think otherwise by presenting them a vehicle that looks and smells worn down.

Take your car to the carwash and make sure the interior is shiny, clean, and smells fresh.

Selling a car can take time, and you never want to wait long, given how time devalues vehicles. The tips shared above can hasten the process and secure an attractive profit for you.

AUTHOR BIO

Mahesh Rohra is the Managing Director of certified Pre-Owned Multi Brand Car Sales & Service, AWR Strategic Ventures, Part of the AW Rostamani Automotive Group, a trailblazer in the automotive fraternity with a legacy of over 50 years. AUTOTRUST is the strategic arm business vertical through which the group had diversified into certified Multibrand Car Sales and Aftersales Service Center Network, offering a one-stop shop solution for all automotive requirements. AUTOTRUST offers solutions to buy & sell cars, Agency standard Car Service and Maintenance, car rentals and much more.