Chapter 7. Selling a Car

---

First get an idea of what the car is worth in your current market from several of the sources below. Keep in mind that they only provide estimates, and actual selling prices may vary depending on factors like availability and prices for current similar listings, market conditions, and vehicle condition. Use the sources to converge on a price range, and to help you decide whether to sell to a private party at retail pricing, or a dealer at wholesale pricing: 

• Black Book®: published by National Auto Research, it's independent and up-to-date vehicle pricing information available to industry-qualified users through online subscription. Widely used by dealerships, insurance companies, and lenders, but consumers do not have direct access to it.
• Car and Driver: uses the Black Book® data through a licensing agreement.
• Edmunds: uses their own proprietary valuation method based on a complex process and multiple factors.
• Kelley Blue Book: uses their own proprietary valuation method and is the most widely used consumer vehicle valuation source.
• NADA Guide: owned by J.D. Power and uses their own proprietary valuation method based on a complex process and multiple factors.
• Regional listings for comparable cars on several of the selling/buying sites listed in Chapter 8 - Website Directory, such as Autotrader, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay.

• Check your state DMV requirements (Web search "<your state> DMV") 
• Registration 
• Title 
• Odometer disclosure (Web search "vehicle odometer disclosure <your state>" for forms/examples) 
• Bill of sale (Web search "vehicle bill of sale <your state>" for forms/examples) 
• Emissions test documents 
• Written statement that the car is being sold as-is, with no warranty (often incorporated into the bill of sale forms that you can download)

• Autocheck or CARFAX vehicle history report 
• Maintenance and repair/replacement records 
• Owner's manual 
• Warranty documents  
• Original window sticker (get one at Monroney Labels for $9.95). This shows that the features, trim and other options you claim to support the asking price are actually included.

Visit the DMV website for your state (Web search <your state> DMV) to learn which documents are needed. Also be sure to read the private party sales recommendations in Appendix 2 to be safe, cover all your bases, and avoid scams.

Pros

• Potentially get the highest price

Cons

• More time and effort involved 
• Need to deal with advertising, inquiries, test drives, and potential safety risks when meeting buyers 
• People calling to come look at the car, then not showing up 
• People wasting your time with ridiculous offers

Steps

• Gather paperwork: title, registration, service records, forms, etc. listed above. 
• Consider using an escrow service such as Caramel, Escrow.com, or Private Auto to handle paperwork, secure payment, title transfer and registration, and verification. Available options may include vehicle protection, digital inspection, finance, insurance, and transport. 
• Thoroughly clean and detail your car to make it look its best to attract buyers. Consider professional detailing. 
• Write a compelling description and take photos: highlight the key selling points of your car, and make the price clear, acceptable payment options, and how to contact you. Include the make, model, and year, and list features such as color, engine size/type, and drive type. Mention anything that makes your car unique, such as low mileage, special features, new tires, recent services, etc. Also be honest about any flaws. Got writer's cramp? Try asking ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or other AI assistant to get you started. For example, ask it to: "Write an ad to sell a 2020 Toyota Camry with 45,000 miles on it and in very good shape for $15,000." Then just edit and add to the result. 
• List your car online: popular platforms are listed in Chapter 8 - Website Directory, including Autotrader, Cars.com, Craigslist, eBay Motors, and Facebook Marketplace. 
• Respond to inquiries and schedule test drives; be polite and professional. 
• Only meet in a public, well-lit place and bring a friend or family member with you. 
• Check that the buyer has a valid driver's license. 
• Ensure that you are covered by insurance, whether yours or the buyer's. 
• Give the buyer an overview of the car's features and controls. 
• Negotiate the price: be prepared to walk away if you don't get a fair offer. 
• Accept only secure payment types: cash, online/mobile payment services like PayPal or Venmo, or a cashier's or certified check that you've verified is good with a call or visit to the issuing bank. You might consider ACH wire transfers, but there is some risk in sharing your bank routing and account numbers. 
• Complete the paperwork and transfer the title following your state's DMV guidelines and requirements. 
• Remove the car from your insurance policy.

Pros

• Quick and easy, no hassle, guaranteed sale 
• You don't have to deal with talking and meeting with potential buyers

Cons

• Typically get less money than selling to a private party

Steps

• Gather paperwork: Title, registration, service records, forms, etc. listed above. 
• Thoroughly clean and detail your car to make it look its best. Consider professional detailing. 
• Get quotes from multiple dealers if not trading in for another car. 
• Don't be surprised if the offer is less than expected, as dealers will typically offer the low book value (Kelley Blue Book, or more likely Black Book), minus the cost of any repairs or improvement needed to make the car saleable. Exceptions may be made if the vehicle is rare, in immaculate condition, or in high demand. 
• Negotiate the price (optional): You may have some wiggle room, but dealerships generally have less flexibility than private buyers. 
• Complete the paperwork, which the dealer should manage. 
• Remove the car from your insurance policy.

The websites below specialize in low value and "junk" cars. They all offer instant online cash offers and free pickup. Research your car's value and set a price if possible and desired, as recommended in that section above. Contact one of more of the dealers below, or just list it on Craigslist or FaceBook Marketplace and follow the private party sales recommendations in Appendix 2 to be safe, cover all your bases, and avoid scams.

• CarBrain www.carbrain.com 
• CashforCars  www.cashforcars.com 
• Peddle  www.peddle.com 
• The Clunker Junker www.theclunkerjunker.com 
• Wheelzy www.wheelzy.com

Refer to the classic and collector car sites listed in Chapter 8 - Website Directory for the best places to sell your unique offering. Be sure to follow the private party sales recommendations in Appendix 2 to be safe, cover all your bases, and avoid scams.