How Do I Sell My Used Car Online: The Ultimate Guide
Selling used cars online can be tricky. Finding prospective buyers and spreading your listing can be difficult, especially if you have no idea where and how to start.
Selling a used car is daunting as it requires numerous steps. You must know how to make your vehicle appealing to customers, avoid common pitfalls, navigate the selling process and legalities, and still consider your profit margins.
But how do you sell a used car online? Are there any tips and tricks to guarantee a sale? Continue reading our ultimate guide and sell your preowned vehicle online in no time.
Tips for Selling a Used Car Online
Know where to market your pre-owned vehicle.
The best way to sell a used car online is to know where to post about it. There are several sites to choose from, such as Craigslist, eBay, Autotrader, and CarGurus. You can also utilize Facebook Marketplace to make a sale. Remember that the best one depends on the kind of vehicle you have.
Some sites charge a basic fee for the initial listing and extra payments for promoting or boosting your listing. It also helps to know how consumers see a specific site. For instance, more consumers see AutoTrader.com as safer and more credible than Craigslist.
Be extra cautious when meeting with potential buyers online. Set your meeting place in open public areas like designated police parking lots and mechanic shops, and other areas that are crowded or full of people. Always bring along a companion for your safety during these meetups.
Find out your car’s value.
Another factor that you should consider is the current value of your car after depreciation, upgrades, and repairs. The first step you can do is to check similar listings on different websites or contact an appraisal team to get an accurate value of your ride.
You must prepare the car’s basic information, such as year, make, model, mileage, and zip code. You will also be asked to describe your ride with utmost accuracy. We suggest getting multiple quotes by submitting the same information to different dealers to get an average number of what your car is actually worth.
Know when to price higher.
Another tip for selling a used car online is adding a few thousand dollars to its base price if it’s under its original equipment manufacturer's warranty. You can also do this if you have an extended warranty for your ride, provided it is transferable.
Other reasons to price higher include installing a new set of tires or brakes and completing major scheduled maintenance, such as a 60,000-mile service. Having this additional price gives you room for negotiations without sacrificing profit.
Make your car presentable.
While prospective buyers know they won’t be getting something fresh and new, they still want the product to look appealing and presentable. Repair and replace components you wouldn’t want to pass on to the next driver. Change worn-out tires, brakes, and lights to get more out of your used car before posting it online.
An interested buyer would know to take your ride to a mechanic for a thorough inspection. You want to minimize the chances of the buyer seeing unpleasant features or defects as they inspect your ride, as this will discourage the buyer from pushing through with the sale.
Have your car cleaned and detailed before bringing it to a potential buyer. Wash its body and wax its paint to give it a fresh new look. You’ll be surprised how a quick clean-up can make a $1,500 car look more valuable.
Depersonalize your ride.
A thorough cleaning involves depersonalizing your ride. Remove personal items or decorations, such as bumper stickers, windshield labels, and license plate borders. You should also clean the interior by removing accessories hung on the rearview mirror, air fresheners, and seat covers.
The idea is to present your vehicle like it’s fresh from a manufacturer or at least the closest it can get. Doing so allows potential buyers to envision making the car their own.
Take photos.
The best way to sell a used car online is through pictures. Take photos of the best and essential angles of your ride so that buyers can have an easier time seeing what they’ll be getting. Take shots of its front, back, sides, and interior. You should also include photos of what’s under the hood, the trunk, and the undercarriage.
Make sure you shoot it under good lighting and with little to no background so that all the focus is on your vehicle. You can shoot behind blank concrete walls or empty parking lots.
Describe your vehicle thoroughly.
Apart from pictures, a good description will help convince buyers. List down its basic specifications, like its transmission and engine type. You should also include the reason you’re selling it, any work it may need, and if it has undergone any recent repairs. It’s best to be honest and straightforward, as drivers will appreciate that.
Gather necessary documents.
One of the most important things you must prepare is your vehicle documents.
- Car title: This document guarantees you’re the legal owner of the vehicle you sell.
- Service records: Give your buyer peace of mind by letting them know your ride is well taken care of. Service records include mechanic visits, oil changes, and other forms of maintenance. It can also help you ask for a higher selling price.
- Original paperwork: It helps to know your car’s trim level and other features it may have.
- History accident report: This document informs the buyer of any accidents it has experienced, if any.
Be willing to negotiate.
Always have enough wiggle room with your listed price. You can always post your used car with around $500 to $1,000 above market value. You're still within the correct asking range if the buyer negotiates for a lower amount. And if they don’t, you’ve just made a great sale.
It’s important not to sell yourself short and not go overboard with how you price your ride. Flexibility can go a long way.
Ask for a deposit.
It can be frustrating to have someone commit to buying only to have them retract their offer after you’ve already removed your listing online. Safeguard yourself by asking for a deposit or down payment. The amount can vary, depending on what you’ll be needing it for or describe it as. A good rule of thumb to have is to ask for at least $500 or 50% of your final asking price to lock in the deal or at least cover your efforts and labor.
Sell Your Used Vehicle Online with Ease
Selling your preowned vehicle is a great way to earn extra cash when upgrading to a better ride. It isn’t easy, but when you know the best way to sell a used car online and have tips and tricks up your sleeve, you’ll easily find an interested buyer in no time.
Visit the VIP Automotive Blog for more tips for selling used cars online and check our used car catalog to find the perfect used car for you.