The Fastest Ways to Sell Your Car Without Hassle
Selling a car is no fun—especially now, when there’s no knowing if a potential buyer has been exposed to coronavirus. If you know which shortcuts to take, you’ll spend less time on the process and deal with fewer people. Cut out the hassle by learning the fastest ways to sell your car.
Clean It Up
Get your car in its best condition by taking care of little repairs like dents and dings. There is such a thing as curb appeal when it comes to a car. Fix anything indicated by warning lights, then give it a good cleaning, inside and out. Professional detailing can run from $60-$200, so you’ll have to decide if your time or money is worth it. At least get your gym clothes out of the back, unless they’re a package deal with the car.
Determine Your Price
Check Kelley Blue Book for a ballpark value for your car, but look at more specific indicators, too. Select listings by owner on eBay to see what comparable cars are actually selling for now. Decide on your best price, and add 10-20 percent for buyers who want to haggle. And if you really want to sell quickly, accept the fact that it will sell for lower than you’d like, or the process can drag on.
Trade It In
If you know what car you’re buying next, trading it in is a sound decision. It’ll save time, and in Georgia, the value of your trade-in is not subject to sales tax. You’ll have better luck negotiating a higher price for your trade-in if you go near the end of the month, when sales representatives are trying to make their quota. Better yet, go in at the end of the financial quarter—March, June, September, or December.
List It
This is a better way to sell your car than parking it on your lawn with a sign that says, “I need a good home,” but it’s not great. Optimize your listing with time-saving details, such as whether your price is firm, or if you’re accepting cash only. Use terms that a buyer might search on, such as “fuel-efficient commuter car,” “ideal first car,” or “luxury car,” if it qualifies by definition. Potential buyers will find you faster. Pro tip: It’s best to list it at 11:00 a.m. on a Sunday since that’s when buyers have time to start their search.
Sell To a Specialist
This is one of the absolute fastest ways to sell your car because these people know their stuff. If your car is old, damaged, or really ugly, it may have to be sold for parts. When it comes to selling a midrange car, CarMax has it down to a science. If you think you might have a valuable exotic or cult model car, seek out a specialized buying service. Sometimes they’ll even come to you, inspect it, and give you cash on the spot. Just spend a little time checking their online reviews first.
