You can often get more for your vehicle when you sell it yourself, as opposed to trading it in at a dealership. If you’re in the market to sell a used car, many experts say the key to a successful sale is to approach the task the same way you might tackle any easy do-it-yourself project.

Here are some simple steps to get you started:

It’s in the Details
• Give the inside and outside a thorough cleaning or have it professionally detailed.

• Gather up the service and repair records and remember it pays to be honest, so be up front about any accidents, maintenance, repairs or current problems.

Keep it Real
• When you’re selling a used car, it’s important to price your vehicle competitively by finding the true market value. Use search engines or consult the NADA Blue Book Guide to determine a fair market value.

• Most people who are in the market for a good used car generally want to know what the actual mileage of the car is, if the odometer was rolled back and if the car was ever in an accident. You can set the potential buyer at ease by supplying them with a copy of the used car history, such as a Carfax Vehicle History Report. That way, they can be assured that the car is in the same condition you say it is.

Sell Online
• Placing a classified add online can often be effective. Web-based classified ads can help connect the seller with potential buyers who live outside of local areas and at the same time, being able to connect with local buyers, as well. A good idea is to use an online classified site where the ad stays until the used car sells.

• Take photos and include as many details as possible, especially a clear photo of the odometer.

• If you have a website or a blog, it’s easy to create your own ad and post it where regular visitors are more likely to see it. You can also place photos of the car on your blog or website, as well as scan a copy of the service records.

A Good Ad is a Good Idea
• Whether you’re selling your used car online or through local newspaper classifieds, a good used car ad can make the difference between selling it quickly and running the same ad week after week with little interest from prospective buyers.

• Read the classified automobile section of your local newspaper and notice the written pattern.  The ads probably include year, make, model, mileage, and whether it’s an automatic or a manual transmission, all of which should be included in your own ad.

• Include the condition of the vehicle, any accessories and options, mileage, color and your contact information.  

• Use discretion when mentioning the price of the car in your ad.  While some say mentioning price saves time and in turn, results in calls only from serious buyers, others believe that advertising the price in the ad may potentially steer prospective buyers’ away at the onset, so use your best judgement here.

• Save time by using standard abbreviations. If you are having the sales representative write your ad via the phone, they may ask if you prefer an abbreviated ad or they may automatically abbreviate the ad for you.

• When placing the ad, it’s a good idea to run it for at least one weekend. Most people have more time to make phone calls, look through the newspaper and make an appointment to see the vehicle over a weekend. When potential buyers call to schedule a time and day to see the car, make sure you will be available to meet them.

Remember, the more honest information you provide, the more responses you’ll receive, the faster you can move that used car out of the driveway and on down the road!

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