Selling a Used Car...

You'll make more money selling it privately if you are just seeking cash. A trade in is good to have if you're looking for a new car but all dealerships no matter what anyone tells you want to give you the least amount possible on trade in. When selling it privately it helps to have the car is in the best presentable shape, so detail it from top to bottom. A good detail helps any car sell, even if you dont take care of it, it looks like you do. A potential buyer will be drawn away from a car that is dirty and full of your personal stuff. Also any maintenance and repair records are extremely helpful with a private sale. Make sure as well you can answer any questions a buyer might have regarding different areas of the vehicle. Another good tip is to fix anything on the car that is problematic BEFORE putting it up for sale. Something as cheap as a $3 part will drive someone away or at least make them offer significantly less should they notice. I've sold 2 vehicles on craigslist recently and to be honest the buyers on there are for the most part total scams or people who want something for nothing. Take only cash from any potential buyer, if they can write you a check, they can bring you cash. Lastly draw up a bill of sale that states the sale is final with no warranty implied, that way if they destroy the car in 2 days they cant say you sold them junk. If you need any more tips or advice feel free to PM I've been in the auto industry for quite sometime.

 

Wow!! Thank you!! That was really helpful. I never thought about the warranty, returns, etc. If I have any questions I will definitely PM you.

 

Sure no problem

 

A question for you...

The car needs it's 90,000 mile check up as well as work on the airbag system. If the buyer is well aware that the car needs mechanical work, and is getting the car for about $1500 less than its value, is that okay? How do I say this so it makes sense...like the buyer fully understands that they will need to take it a mechanic and have the work done, is it okay to sell the car like that?

I would rather sell the car for less than go through the hassle and money of doing it myself.

 

Yes. And what you need to do is type up a little letter that says The car is sold in "as is" condition, with no guarantee as to the mechanical needs or reliability. Make two copies. You and the buyer will both sign them, one copy goes to them, and you keep the other. That way there is no chance of them being able to come back to you complaining
What kinda car are you selling?

 

As long as the buyer is aware, its clearly stated in the ad, and signed on paper by both buyer and seller that should be just fine. What kind of car is it and what exactly is the issue?

 

Yep, sell it yourself, and you keep the money the dealership or any other "broker" would keep for themselves.

I sold both of my mustangs on craigslist. I got exactly what I wanted for both of them.

Now, on CL, you will get offers that are scams, those are simple to a avoid if you realize you are a target once you post an ad. The real, honest buyers are there and will buy the cars or whatever on CL.

 

Yep, make up a bill of sale for vehicles with this info, and each sign a copy, and you will be fine.

It may seem like a PITA to do, but it will cover you if the need ever arises.

FWIW, a 90,000 mile check up is usually nothing more than inspecting the usual suspects. Wear items like brakes, exhaust system, tires, and all that good stuff. If you accurately describe the car and its condition to the best of your knowledge, you won't have anything come back to haunt you.

 

It's a 2001 Honda Civic EX. My first car. Awwww....I'm sad to let it go! My parents bought it for me. I've had it sitting in the driveway for 3 months because I haven't got the guts to sell it.

But....with my tank upgrade and Christmas coming I could definitely use the extra cash!

It needs its 90,000 mile check-up, but has fairly new breaks, timing belt and a new battery. There is also something wrong with the airbag system. I don't know what. The SRS light in the dashboard has been on for awhile.

I will definitely write up a "contract" of some sort that we will both sign. And of course I will be honest and write up in the ad what the car needs, its problems, etc. I would never dupe anybody.

 

The SRS light on those cars can be set off by a battery that is almost dead. My civic did the same thing and for about $60 I took care of the problem. Get the code read at the auto parts store you get the floor mats at. It is normally free as they expect to buy the parts there.