Seller's Tips

Price

Your first step is to check various online classified ads and local newspaper ads to see how much your "competitors" are selling your type of vehicle for. Be sure to pay particular attention to Make, Model, and Trim level, as well as the vehicle's mileage, the vehicle's condition, and geographic location. This will allow you to properly price your vehicle.

Your next step is to price your vehicle, so that you're competitive in your market. Additionally, you'll want to price your vehicle slightly higher than the price you're willing to accept, so that you have some leverage in the price negotiations with a prospective buyer. And, when you're able to lower the actual selling price, this will make the Buyer feel like they're getting an even better deal. Also, you'll want to do what the auto dealers do - add your total expenses (i.e. warranty, advertising, detailing etc.) to the intended selling price of your vehicle. For example, if you're planning on selling your vehicle for $7500 and your total expenses are $200, you should advertise your vehicle for $7700.

Documents

Learn what your state's requirements are for such documents as title transfer, smog certification, and possibly an odometer reading statement. If you have any questions related to the required documents in the sale of your vehicle, visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent state agency.

Prepare

When prospective buyers look at your vehicle, you'll want to be sure your vehicle has been washed and is in "showroom" condition. This means your vehicle should be ready for sale, and that you don't have any personal belongings inside the vehicle. Give the prospective buyer a true buying experience, as if you were a professional automobile retailer. Preparation Tip: You may not realize this, but scent is a very important factor. Aim for that "new car" smell!

Records

Have all your maintenance and service records in order, so that you may provide them to prospective buyers. It's a good idea to put these in chronological order, so that prospective buyers have a timeline to reference.

Advertise

Now you'll want to advertise! You can use the traditional newspaper classifieds for your local market, which work great. There are several online classified ads, which will allow you to reach a bigger audience than your local newspaper. Additionally, most online ads allow you to include several photographs of your vehicle, as well as vehicle details (be sure to take top quality photographs of your vehicle!). Your ad should include a reliable telephone number that reaches you. What's most important in your ad is that you advertise For Sale With Warranty so your vehicle stands out.

Showtime

When a prospective buyer takes the time to see your vehicle in person, they're generally interested in buying your vehicle. You've done everything right to this point. Now, all you have to do is show that the vehicle is as advertised. You can show your vehicle at your home or a public place, like a shopping center parking lot. Be prepared to answer questions honestly, and to allow a test drive (be sure to ride along or have some form of collateral you're comfortable with). If the prospective buyer would like to take the vehicle to a mechanic, you should drive the vehicle to their mechanic. Make certain to point out that your vehicle has a warranty by affixing the For Sale With Warranty signs and stickers included with your Sales Acceleration Kit. When explaining the warranty’s coverage, describe the coverage as a "major medical plan" for your vehicle (if the heart stops, we'll fix it), and show them a copy of the Warranty Agreement.

Sell

The prospective buyer is interested, so now is the time to close the deal and sell your vehicle. You may find the buyer negotiating with you, so you'll want to be prepared. Important Tip: Accept only cash or a cashier's check as the form of payment. Or, you may want to visit the bank together.