Want to get the highest value out of your used car?
OK......sell it yourself.
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Sell your usedcar yourself and you could pocket an extra $1,000 to $5,000.... or more depending on the type of car, its age and how well it's been maintained.
If you own a late-model used car, you could really make a bundle in a private sale.
Unless you want to give that kind of money to your friendly dealer, it is smart on your part, to sell your car or truck on your own. A private sale is also a good back-up strategy for a new-car buyer when you don't like a dealer's offer on a trade-in.
New Car Sales are at an all time high, thanks to all those zero-percent financing offers. With all the new car buyers trading in their cars, the dealer lots are loaded with used cars. Your best bet is to sell it on your own.
Right now dealers just don't have to offer much for trade-ins.(( They never really did ))
If your vehicle is 6 years or older and has high mileage, say 85,000 miles or more, it's more probable the dealer will try and do what is called a "Jump" in car sales terminology. To jump simply means give you "nothing" "notta" "zilch" "0" for your trade and then they jump for joy. It is done by various means using excessive mark ups,manufacturers incentives you don't know about (( because they don't tell you, Happens a lot folks )) back end money and several other ways.Some places even have a "jump day".Don't play into their hands.
Before you advertise to sell your car.
Ready to be your own used-car salesman?
OK....HERE are the first three steps.
STEP 1......Clean it.
STEP 2......Clean it again
STEP 3.......Make it shine inside and out.....Got the idea? Don't want to do it yourself, I don't blame you, pay to have it detailed. You will make your money back. Just get it clean.
Clean (( spotless clean )) is the key to"top dollar" for your car, inside and out. Pay special attention to glass, hood, front floor, dash and inside trunk. Ever see a dirty car on a dealers lot?
If it has a bad fluid leak that is really obvious and its not to expensive fix it....do it
Leave more expensive repairs to the new owner. For example, it makes no sense to put a $2,000 engine into a 5-6 year-old car because it uses a little oil. You will not get your money back more often than not.
Tires getting worn down? Why not let the new owner replace them?
Use your judgment. Make a couple of quick, inexpensive repairs if you have to and leave the rest to the new owner.
Buyers are looking for well maintained cars, not perfect ones. You will be surprised what buyers are willing to over look. If you have copies of maintenance and service records to show perspective buyers, now that will impress them..
Setting the Price
Now for the pricing. Do some homework the N.A.D.A. Guide, Edmunds Automotive Buyers Guide and Kelly Blue Book are good sites
with current pricing information. Also you will want to check local newspaper ads, and
even Car Dealers at different locations.
Ask at least $500 more than what you want. Buyers will expect to negotiate the price and when you do, it gives the buyer a good feeling (( Win-Win ))
Advertise your car
The best advertising is word-of-mouth, and it's probably the safest way, just spread the word to family, friends, relatives, and co-workers. Do it in advance.
The best and quickest car sales happen when the seller knows the buyer or the seller knows someone who knows the buyer and so-on.
Put an ad in the local newspaper
And don't forget where you are reading this now..."online."
The internet is changing how we do business in America, (( and driving Dealers Crazy )).
You can sell it on
eBay!
or
at CarsDirect
.com
they are the national leader in reaching serious car buyers.You can even have your buyer
arrange their financing to pay you through E-LOAN
even if
they have questionable credit. If you want to spice it up they can get an extended Used
Car Warranty through warrantybynet.com all with just the click.Online ads normally are
cheaper than newspaper ads and they also give you the opportunity to communicate with
potential buyers via e-mail
.
If you bought your car new and have taken good care of it, say so. Using phrases such as
"original owner," "kept in garage" and "service records
available" are Stand out phases.
Also always a good idea to include a photo of the actual car whenever possible. Let potential buyers see the real deal.On the internet sites it's easy.
You may need to close the deal in person. It's a good idea to bring a friend along, this is especially important for women. The local court house or library are good choices.
If you are a single woman, the internet becomes your best choice. If you put an ad in the paper, don't give callers your home address. Pick a public location for meetings and test-drives like the courthouse, library or even the police station.
If you use a for-sale sign or an auto ad in the paper, you'll be getting phone calls from strangers at all hours. Some folks will make appointments to see the car and not show up.
You may sell in a couple of days or it could take several weeks. Be
patient, plan ahead.
There may be some hassles involved and perhaps a little risk, but the rewards are
significant
Focus on the money you'll be making by selling the car on your own. Reward yourself with your new found fortune. Who knows maybe you will start to make your living by buying and selling. Stranger things have happened.
Good Luck and Good Selling
The Staff of
#1 Auto & Car Loans
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