5 Steps for Buying a Used Car in 2023

If you want to sell a car with very little stress, Craigslist makes that possible. The platform lets you list the car, but you will ultimately meet the buyer in person to complete the transaction. This website is one of the pricier options for listing a vehicle, but you’ll connect with other auto aficionados and potentially make a sale in a niche market. In exchange for this vetting process, buyers must pay a fee to list a vehicle. In fact, those who use Bring a Trailer are often car enthusiasts who know their stuff.

It’s important to be knowledgeable and realistic about the sales price when determining how to sell a car. Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities.

Do not agree to drive the potential buyer to another location, especially if it’s to pick up the payment. If there’s an outstanding loan on your car, you and the buyer will have to go to your lender and make sure the lender gets its money before you get what’s left. In some states, the lender holds the title until the car is paid off. And a bill of sale is often required by the buyer for sales-tax purposes. Contact your state’s DMV to see if there is a specific bill of sale form. And always keep of copy of the final document for your records.

What’s the best way to sell a car?

It’s crucial to know how to fill out the pink slip when selling your car. The pink slip, or Certificate of Title, proves ownership of a vehicle and allows a transfer of ownership.

This may influence which products we review and write about , but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. If you still owe money on your car, you can still sell via CarGurus, either as a private listing, or 100% online.

There aren’t many downsides to selling your car to Carvana, but if you have a newer car with low mileage, you can get a better price by working with a private buyer instead. While most private car sales are complete without a hitch, staying smart and taking preventive measures is still important. If the buyer is from out of state, they can do this when they return home. Many states require the seller to provide the buyer with a current smog check or state inspection certificate showing the vehicle passed emissions before transferring ownership. Once you’ve decided to sell your car privately, it’s time to get the word out to the largest audience possible and sell a car online. You can also look up how similar cars are selling on private seller sites to check that you have priced it right, and can negotiate for a fair amount.

Clean it – While it may seem obvious, many sellers skip or marginally follow this step. A clean, waxed and fresh smelling car can be appealing to buyers. Vacuum thoroughly and remember to remove all bumper stickers as well as the residue they leave behind. Be prepared to provide service receipts and to accompany the buyer on a test-drive and to an independent mechanic. If you choose not to sell it online, you can either sell it to a dealership or privately. Remember to shop around for the best offer if you sell to a dealership. Know your lowest acceptable offer beforehand and consider the number of possible buyers you have in hand.

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Highlight your car’s most in-demand features, such as low mileage, high MPG, any remaining warranties, and special features. If detailing costs are out of financial reach, you can always do the detailing yourself. A broken door lock lever, a cracked windshield, the clattering of a noisy exhaust pipe — it’s in your best interest to fix these things before putting your vehicle on the market. If you plan to sell a car, find out how to get top dollar by using these steps for success.

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If you want to sell a used car, you might be uncertain about whether the web is the best possible place to do it. You might wonder if your vehicle would make a better impression in person than online. Some people choose to hire a professional photographer to take pictures of a car they want to sell. This can be an especially good idea if you are trying to sell a sports car, rare car, or collectible car. Classic car listings often benefit from interesting camera angles and playing with the background colors.

It’s generally safe to buy a car online if you purchase a vehicle from a reputable dealership or car-buying site. Always do your due diligence before you share your personal information or sign a contract with a seller, including requesting or buying a thorough vehicle history report. Stick to online forms of payment, if possible, or escrow services. As a last resort, only accept cashier’s checks from reputable banks or credit unions.