A better approach is to gather everything you'll need to finalize the transaction once you've decided to sell your car or truck privately. Each state has its own requirements for required paperwork when selling a car ; as a general guide, be prepared to have:. A clean vehicle will be more attractive to potential buyers, and give the impression that the car or truck has been properly cared for.
Guide to Selling Your Car
Before you take pictures of the vehicle or list it online, you'll need to detail the interior and exterior of the vehicle. If you decide to do this yourself, be sure to:. Once the car is clean and detailed, you'll want to take plenty of pictures. This will aid in your efforts to advertise the vehicle and attract potential buyers. Be sure to take multiple shots from different angles and choose the best of your selection when you create your ad. A few shots you'll want to be sure to include are:. To advertise your vehicle properly, you'll need to find an online classified service where potential buyers will be shopping.
There are plenty of options out there, so we've provided a guide to advertising your vehicle to get you started. Creating a good ad is a must to attract buyers, and it starts with knowing the details of your vehicle inside and out. Since a detailed description will leave a good first impression and help you attract more buyers, you'll want to make sure it's as accurate as possible.
After you've posted an ad online, be ready to respond to incoming inquires. Answer any questions by e-mail or phone, and only set up test drives for serious buyers.
This is also the time you'll want to beware of fraud. Lay out your guidelines to determine legitimate candidates. Before setting your appointment:. If a buyer makes the effort to come over and look at the car, use the opportunity to make a sales pitch. The best time to inform the buyer of why your vehicle would be a better purchase than others on the market is during the test drive. After you've shown and discussed the vehicle, remind the buyer how firm the price is.
If it's up for negotiation, don't be afraid to make a few counter offers if you aren't happy with the buyer's price. When you negotiate, it's a good idea to have a starting price that's higher than what you're willing to accept. Also have a dollar amount in mind that's your lowest acceptable price and stick to it. Once a sale has been agreed upon, you'll need to finalize all the paperwork. If you accept a cashier's check, go with the buyer to his or her bank to get your money.
When payment has been completed, you'll need to:. Make sure our Newsletter makes it to your inbox by adding email dmv. Additionally, you can check out the other guides in this section, including: Selling your car online vs. Selling a car with a lien. Mistakes to avoid when selling your car. Determine the Vehicle's Worth Sometimes the decision to sell a vehicle privately comes down to the amount of profit you'll gain through the transaction.
A few resources that will estimate your vehicle's current market value include: Gather the Paperwork If you wait to do this step toward the end of the process, you find yourself scrambling for all the necessary documents. Each state has its own requirements for required paperwork when selling a car ; as a general guide, be prepared to have: You'll need to sign the title and hand it over to the new owner. Keeping up with scheduled maintenance can increase the value and reliability of your vehicle. If you've kept all of your maintenance records, great.
If you haven't, you can get them at the dealership or mechanic who handled your services. A bill of sale is used to document the terms and conditions in the event of a dispute, and can release you of certain liabilities. This form will keep you from being liable for any damages incurred after the vehicle is sold.
Without it, there could be a dispute over accidents or other events that occur before the vehicle is registered under the new owner. If the car is still under the manufacturer's warranty or an extended warranty, you'll want to have these documents ready to provide to the new owner. If there are no warranties, make it clear that the potential owner will assume all responsibility for repairs and damages once the vehicle is sold. You can sometimes include this on the bill of sale. Get the Car Ready A clean vehicle will be more attractive to potential buyers, and give the impression that the car or truck has been properly cared for.
If you decide to do this yourself, be sure to: Wash and wax the exterior of the vehicle. Clean the rims and tires. Replace or wash old floor mats. Vacuum the floor, seats, and trunk. Wash the windows inside and out.
Advertise on your chosen venue. Now that you have your car ready and a competitive asking price, you're ready to list your car. You should also include: Car mileage The condition of your vehicle A history of accidents or damage Modifications or upgrades Recent repairs VIN vehicle identification number Number of owners. Come up with a sales pitch.
If you're not a trained car salesperson, you may benefit from making a list of all the positive features of your vehicle, in addition to reasons why people might want to buy the car. Have specific figures at the ready, like fuel efficiency and odometer mileage. There is always the chance that your advertising might attract a less than savory individual. If you are a woman and feel uncomfortable meeting a stranger on your own, arrange to have a friend with you, or be sure friends or family know when you're going to have an appointment to show your car.
Something as simple as, "I'm sorry, another buyer offered a better price," can save you from being hassled. Indicate in your communications the methods of payment you find acceptable. Take a test drive together. Under no condition should you allow a prospective buyer drive the car alone. Choose a public, safe place for you and the interested buyer to cruise around. Be as helpful and honest as possible throughout the test drive. Before offering a test drive, make sure your insurance covers other drivers. Try not to let yourself be outnumbered while in the car by a buyer and his or her friends.
Have your pre-sale inspection information at the ready, so that if the buyer asks to take the car to a mechanic before agreeing to the sale, you already have the information ready. Negotiate with potential buyers. After completing the test drive, you should re-state the asking price, how firm you are on that price, and any other significant features, like warranties, that might be alluring to a buyer. It can be helpful walking into a negotiation with a firm understanding of how much you're willing to budge the final sales price of your car. Whatever you do, don't allow yourself to be bullied.
Step 1: Determine the Vehicle's Worth
Finalize the sale of your car. The requirements for transferring ownership of your car to the new buyer will be different for each state. When it comes to personally identifying information, which might be included on your maintenance reports, you will want to black out unnecessary details to prevent the possibility of identity theft. There may also be transfer paperwork required by your state that must be filed by the seller of the vehicle. Complete the bill of sale. Hand over the keys. But not before you verify the payment. If you've been paid by check, you'll want to be sure that the check doesn't bounce.
Keys should only be given after payment has cleared, and following that, all you have to do is take off your license plate, remember to cancel your insurance, and get a ride home, if necessary. Some states do not require you to remove the license plates for your vehicle after completing the sale. You can search for them online and print them out. Your state may be different, but in many places you can write one out on any piece of paper and both parties can sign it.
You want to include mileage, year, make, model, sale price, date, VIN, and printed names at a minimum. I once had a bill of sale written on an old envelope. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5. Meet in a public place, like a store parking lot or gas station. Have someone with you when you meet a potential buyer, and have them stay there while you go for a test drive. Make note of their personal information by asking to see their driver's license beforehand.
They are less likely to try something if there was a witness who can identify them and who saw you two leave together. Do not take valuables or cash and leave ATM cards, credit cards, and jewelry at home. If legal in your area, you can carry pepper spray in your pocket for peace of mind. Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3. What if I still owe the bank money on the car I'm selling? How do I then sell the car.?
You must pay off the balance of the loan in full to receive the title.
Once you have the title, you can sell the vehicle to a private party. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1. I am selling my car with payments from the buyer. How do I protect myself from any liability while holding a note? This isn't an ideal arrangement, as there is really nothing you can do about it if they decide to stop making payments. Make sure to receive full payment prior to selling. If you haven't already, read this article for a lot of useful information.
How can I protect myself if a buyer defaults after I sell my care with payments from the buyer? Before you sell your car, have a contract typed up by a lawyer that outlines the payment plan and the penalties if the buyer defaults. This will protect you if the buyer defaults in the future. Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2.
How to Sell Your Car Privately (with Pictures) - wikiHow
Then don't even think about selling your car. The dealership you're paying installments to would most likely report you to the police. Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1. Do I have to get an emissions test at the time of sale, even if I just got one a few months ago? Answer this question Flag as Do I have to make sure the buyer has insurance?
Is there sales tax on a used car in New York State? Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Already answered Not a question Bad question Other. Warnings Don't be afraid to be firm; some sellers might only be shopping around, but your time is valuable to you. You can ask if the buyer is planning on financing or paying in cash, which will tell you whether they are ready to buy a car.
Be sure to check your local laws regarding parking your car on the street with a "For Sale Sign. Never allow your car to be test driven without you being present.
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Until the car transfers ownership, it is considered your responsibility and you could be liable for damages incurred with it. Meet with potential buyers during the day and if possible in a public place. Tell friends and family where you are. Provide them with all contact information for your appointment.