From long, scenic road trips to countless rides around town, your car has seen it all. So much so, it’s now time to part with your old friend—and, more to the point, profit from it. If you’re wondering, “What are the best strategies to help me sell my car?” we have you covered. Keep reading for expert-backed tips that will ensure you earn a pretty penny from your wheels.
How to sell your car faster: 7 simple strategies
Turning your sedan, SUV or truck into extra cash is easier than you think. And these tactics can help you get every dollar your vehicle deserves:
Compare multiple quotes
Don’t settle for the first offer you get—shopping around can pay off big, says Sean Tucker, Managing Editor at Kel- ley Blue Book. Start by getting free, no-obligation offers online.
Enter your car’s details at sites for companies that buy and sell used cars like CarMax and Carvana, as well as platforms that connect you with dealers, such as TrueCar and KBB. Each will give you a price that’s guaranteed for several days.
With a few quotes in hand, you can choose the highest or use them as bargaining power by visiting local car dealerships in person and asking if they’ll beat the offer. “Many people don’t realize you can shop your trade-in around to multiple dealers,” Tucker says.
Give your car a ‘spa day’
“The easiest no-cost way to boost your car’s resale value is to clean it thoroughly,” says Tucker. Buyers are quick to negotiate down if they spot smudges or catch a whiff of odors, he explains.
A sparkling exterior, vacuumed rugs, a fresh-smelling cabin and polished windows signal that you’ve been taking care of your vehicle and it’s worth top dollar. (Discover clever hacks to clean your car quickly.)
Take great photos
When it comes to getting the best offers for your car, a photo is worth a thousand words—and maybe even a thousand dollars. To help your vehicle look its best and attract more buyers, just whip out your smartphone.
Then photograph it from several angles during “golden hour,” at sunrise or just before sunset, when the soft, flattering light can take years off your wheels, making it appear newer.
If you can, crouch slightly and shoot from an off-center angle to add visual interest and make the car appear larger and more dynamic. And of course, have fun with your photoshoot by experimenting and snapping a variety of shots—from the front, back, sides and interior—so buyers get a clear view of what you’re offering.
Fix minor issues
It goes without saying that repairing major issues, like fixing a dent or broken taillight, is key to selling your car quickly. But most people overlook the details—minor repairs that go a long way to making a great first impression. (Discover easy ways to cut the cost of repairs.)
These might include things like swapping out a burnt-out interior bulb or changing your wiper blades. Not only do such small tweaks add up to paint a flattering picture, but they convey that you, the owner, care about your car. Why does that matter? Simply put, people want to buy from conscientious folks, who have poured not just oil, but TLC into their vehicle.
Gather your paperwork
Nothing says you’re prepared and ready to negotiate like having your paperwork—title, maintenance records and bill of sale template—ready to go.
Ditch round numbers
Instead of listing your car for, say, $10,000, try $9,900 or $9,750. Buyers mentally filter searches by price, and this keeps your listing visible in more results while making the price feel more competitive, even if the difference is small.
Time your listing right
The weekend is king: Car shopping spikes heading into Saturday. That’s why posting Thursday or Friday week puts your listing near the top of search results right when buyers are most active—and more likely to book a test drive quickly.
Portions of this article originally appeared in the January 19 issue of Woman’s World magazine
