Chip shortages and rising prices are making it difficult for people to buy vehicles in the United States. 

Many people have started selling their vehicles to get some cash and help others get around. 

If you’re getting a new vehicle or want to downsize, you should look into putting your car on the market. 

Continue reading to discover everything you need to do before selling your car and driving away with a new one! 

1. Gather Vehicle Documents

One of the first things to do when you decide to start selling your car is to gather your paperwork.

Not only will you the title, but you’ll also want the registration, car accident reports, and odometer certification. The bill of sale and title transfer application will also need to get filed. Put all of your documents for your vehicle in a folder so that you have everything you need.

If you’re missing documents, you may have to pay a fee and make an appointment at the DMV. 

2. Dive Into the Market 

If you want to sell your car and get the highest amount for it, you need to research the market.

You can search for the going rates for the same make, model, and year of your vehicle. Although prices will vary based on the condition of the car and mileage, you can get a general idea of what to sell for. 

Depending on the repairs that your vehicle needs, it may help you make more money to get them fixed. Aside from the internet, you can drive to local dealerships to start gathering data on how much they will pay you for your car. 

Your location and season of sale may also influence how quickly you can sell your vehicle. 

3. Clean Your Car 

Dealerships and buyers won’t be interested in buying a vehicle with fries on the floor, stains, and fingerprints on the windows. 

If you want to sell your vehicle quickly, you need to get it looking brand new. You can vacuum and wipe down the vehicle’s interior, but if the dirt is bad, you may need to invest in detailing services. Detailing is worth the investment since it can freshen things up and even make repairs to the interior. 

While cleaning your car, take note of any damaged or worn-down areas. If they impact the vehicle’s integrity or appearance, they may need to get repaired before the sale. 

4. Get the Vehicle Inspected 

Depending on the buyer, you may get requested to get the vehicle inspected.

Vehicle inspections can be completed at dealerships and most independent mechanic shops. Although you may not be responsible for covering the repairs, in some cases you can sell at a reduced price. 

After your inspection is done, use the details to determine which repairs are worth investing in. Only make the repairs if they add value to your car, otherwise, you may not break even. You should be cautious of inspection fees and get them covered by your dealership if you’re selling to them directly. 

5. Advertise 

If no one knows that you’re selling your car, you won’t be able to negotiate for the best offers.

The internet, especially social media, can be a powerful tool when you’re trying to get the word out. You can avoid risky sites such as Craigslist and advertise on local and public pages. Make sure you include a detailed description and several photographs.

Hashtags and checking into locations can help people in the community see your posts, even if you don’t follow each other. You should also make sure that social media posts can get shared so your friends and family can help find a buyer. 

Unless you aren’t seeing the results you want, you shouldn’t have to pay for ads to sell a car. 

6. Find a Buyer 

Strong advertising techniques should result in calls and offers on the vehicle.

You can take as long as you need to decide on a buyer if you recieve multiple offers. Some buyers allow you to sell your vehicle online, which takes away a lot of the hassle. You can look at the Automoblog to discover if selling online to CarMax would be an appropriate choice for you. 

After you’ve found someone that wants your vehicle, you can start gathering documents and info from them. 

7. Transfer the Title & Vehicle

After finding a buyer, you may need to work with a financial consultant to complete the transaction. 

Payment, insurance, and the transferred registration and title will be handled at this time. Before you watch your car drive away, you should go through it and pull out all of your belongings and information. Check your glove box and remove items with identifying info on them.

Depending on who you are selling to and if a dealership is involved, you may have the option to drop off the keys and car. Some vehicle transactions are more casual, however, and you can meet with the buyer at your home or somewhere public.  

Selling Your Car Can Be a Breeze 

When it comes to selling your car, there are a few prerequisites to take care of. 

Before you start contacting dealerships and advertising, you need to study the market and determine the value of your car. Although the condition of your vehicle will influence the sale, you can’t overlook mileage and location details. To get the highest offer, you must clean your car from the inside out. 

Don’t forget about online selling options since they can save you time if you need a quick sale. 

Make sure you check out our blog for more content about selling cars and investing in a new vehicle!