Selling anything might be a bit challenging, but selling a used vehicle in the current age can seem like a nightmare! Fortunately, there are many tips for selling a used car that experienced car dealers use to help them boost their sales.
To make a successful sale and to get the highest price, you need to know the current market. Also, learn to think like a buyer so you can have an idea about what might spark an interest and make someone buy your product – especially when you’re selling a car.
So, if this is something you plan on doing in recent months, here are 7 tips for selling a used car you might want to try out!
Understand the Value of Your Car
Many people feel so attached to their car (and any other property!) that they overestimate its value. The truth is that the car has a value set by the car market.
In 2022, the prices of cars are extremely high. In fact, some used cars might sell for more than the new list prices! This is quite surprising, especially if the last time you’ve looked into car prices was before the pandemic.
This is great news for all sellers, so if you’re planning on selling a car, do it fast. However, don’t be surprised if we experience a sudden drop in prices in the future years or even months! Always ask for a professional opinion about the value.
Consider What You Want to Gain from the Sale
There is a reason why you want to sell your car. Do you want to sell it because you need your money fast, or you’ve simply got bored of the vehicle you have? Maybe you no longer feel as if it’s convenient to have that model for any possible reason. All of this will influence how you want to sell your car.
If you want to sell your car as quickly as possible and get the money quickly, you might want to contact some of the many instant car buying websites, or try to exchange it for your next car – if the other seller will agree to it.
If you’re looking to get the best price for it and aren’t in a hurry, you might want to invest some money and tweak your car a bit. Also, you might try to sell privately on a site such as eBay or find a classified auction or a listing website. While this has no guarantee of success, in case you manage to sell your car, you’ll get more money than you would if you used any other tactic.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Not many people want to buy a car they need to invest a lot of money in, especially with the current recession. As such, make sure your car is in the best possible condition when a prospective buyer comes.
Every single flaw they notice on your car might chip away at the price. This usually happens at the last minute, leaving the seller quite devastated or angry.
No, we’re not just talking about functionality. Your car also needs to have a great curb appeal. Everything needs to be in its place and to look as appealing as possible. Wash your car and make sure it is cleaned both inside and out. Fix any minor issues, such as scratches and dents. Make sure there are no unpleasant smells.
Choose Your Audience Wisely
Whether you’re trying to get into the business of selling cars or are just trying to sell a vehicle you no longer use, you need to think about who is your potential customer. You’re not selling a new BMW or a Porsche, but rather a used car that is probably not new.
As such, there is no need to try to cater to the rich audience or car fanatics – unless you have a rare model a collector might love.
Instead, try finding people who need a car for the same reason you’ve bought yours years ago. In fact, this is probably the most important of 7 tips for selling a used car you can get. Try figuring out why someone would want your car, then try to get in contact with the same group.
Social Media Is Your Friend
Today, social media is everything. It is the best possible place to find a buyer, even if you’re trying to sell on your own.
By informing your friends that you’re selling and by asking them to share your sale post all over social media, you are more likely to find a serious buyer. Even if your social media friends are not interested, chances are someone from their friend or follower list might be.
You don’t have to be a social media guru for this one – just make sure your listing gets shared everywhere – especially if there are local online groups for car enthusiasts.
Negotiate
Let’s face it – you’re not the only person selling a used car right now. You might not even be the one offering the best price. As such, you need to be flexible, especially when the competition is high. As selling used cars is a profitable investment right now, chances are you’re in a bit of trouble.
Be knowledgeable and informed. Have numerous information about why your car might value more than the car your neighbor is selling. Don’t reduce the price just like that – but don’t be too stubborn if the buyer noticed an existing flaw.
Also, keep in mind that the sale isn’t complete until the money is in your bank account. Be prepared for any bad surprises.
Make a Checklist
When you’re selling a used car, you also need to think about the essentials that go with a car sale. Keep a checklist of all the things you need to be handing over to the new car owner. Don’t forget items such as:
- Car keys, including spares.
- V5 document.
- MOT and service history.
If you don’t have any of these necessary items, the buyer has every right to reduce the selling price. Also, it will look extremely unprofessional if the buyer wants to complete the sale, but you’ll need five more days to find that spare key!
By keeping a checklist of all the necessary items, you’ll always know what’s where, so you can hand it over without a hassle.
Final Words
While selling a used car seems like a challenge in the current market, this might be just the right time to make a sale, considering the prices. However, knowing these 7 tips for selling a used car might help you get the most out of your sale.
Always remember – no matter how good or faulty your vehicle is, if you know how to market it, you’ll make that sale. Good luck!
Jake Anderson is a car mechanic and author for Driversadvice. His love for cars made him pursue a career as a car mechanic, but his writing career hasn’t suffered either. In his free time, Jake loves to spend time at car races and restore old classic cars.
