(Newswire.net — September 8, 2020) — You can trade your car in to put its cost toward a new one, or you could sell privately to a new owner. If you sell privately, you could get more than you would by trading in or selling it to a used dealership. But private sales can also be complicated, especially if you aren’t sure how to transfer ownership and still need to pay off your loan. To take the stress and confusion out of the process, follow this guide to learn how to sell a car quickly in four easy steps.
Contact the DMV
You’ll need your title before you can sell. You can acquire this from your local department of motor vehicles. The title is also known as a pink slip. It requires a signature at the time of sale. You should also check with your DMV to follow your state’s guidelines for selling and transferring ownership of a vehicle. You’ll likely need to print out an official bill of sale and make license plates arrangements according to your state’s laws.
Call Your Lender
If you’re selling a car you still owe on, then you need to contact the lender before you even post its ad online. You can sell a car that you haven’t paid off yet, but there is a process you need to follow that ensures you are not breaking any obligations you have to the lender. Ask about their policy on out-of-state or online purchases; ensure you have the correct payoff amount you owe down to the exact change, and make sure that you discuss the payment and transfer process. You don’t want to illegally sell and transfer ownership without paying it off first.
Get Your Car Checked by a Professional
Your used car should be fully inspected and tuned up by a licensed mechanic. You can use one that is recommended or required by your insurance company. Let them know you are planning to sell so they can cover all the most important things like changing the oil, tuning the engine and replacing any broken or outdated parts. Have the outside detailed to cover any nicks, dings or scratches in the paint; replace and/or polish the rims and hubcaps; deep clean the interior and make sure it smells fresh the minute a prospective buyer opens the door. You can also apply a new window sticker to make your car look newer. This tool is a helpful feature for those looking to sell their car. It looks up your vehicle’s sticker and prints a new one you can apply yourself.
Make Your Ad Shine
Once you’ve taken care of the logistics and gotten yours spruced up, it’s time to get ready to actually entice buyers. An ad should include all the important details about the vehicle including the year, make, model, mileage and any unique features or upgrades. Make sure that the photos you post are taken in good lighting on a clear day, preferably in the morning or early afternoon when the sun is shining. Take photos of the exterior from the front, back and sides, and don’t forget to also photograph the interiors. If yours is rare or a collectible, avoid selling on general sites. Look for specialty sites or organizations that could put you in touch with buyers who recognize the value of your classic car and are likely to pay higher for it.