The increased lifespan of used cars, thanks to improved manufacturing and heightened maintenance habits of the average driver, has made it easier and more profitable to sell your unwanted used car to a dealership for a maximum profit. By keeping a few tips in mind and avoiding common mistakes, you can get the best price when you sell your used car.
Clean Your Car
The overall condition of your used car directly informs the amount of money a dealership will be willing to pay. While this primarily applies to the mechanics of the car, how well it runs and its major aesthetic features like paint and upholstery, general cleanliness can also affect the sale price. A dealership will need to clean a dirty car in order to resell it and will lower the offer for the vehicle to accommodate the time and energy spent. Take the time to thoroughly clean, inside and out, before bringing your car to a dealership to sell.
Do Your Research
Research the current fair market value of your used car before attempting to sell it to a dealership. Realistically evaluate the condition of your car’s major systems and accessories and refer to market value databases and manuals for up-to-date pricing guides. Whether you are selling the car outright to the dealership or using it as a trade-in, this information will help you negotiate the best possible deal.
Benefits of Selling to a Dealership
Many drivers fail to even consider selling their used cars to a dealership when they aren’t planning on using the vehicle as a trade-in. Selling outright to a dealership is the best option if your car is in poor condition and unlikely to attract private buyers. Dealerships have the means to pay you what the car is worth and then invest resources in either fixing it up or harvesting parts from the vehicle.
The process of selling your used car privately on your own can be time-consuming, compared to the expedited experience of selling your vehicle to a professional dealership. Also, the dealership understands market value better than the average private buyer, so you are more likely to get the best possible deal.
Research on market value and time spent caring for your vehicle can increase the amount of money a dealership is willing to pay for your used car. Even if you don’t want to apply the car’s value toward a trade-in deal, selling your used car to a dealership can offer time, stress and profit benefits.
*Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net
