The choice to sell your car to a dealership can save you a lot of time, effort and even money compared to trying to sell it someone on your own. However, before you head to a dealership to sell them your car, there are five steps you need to take in order to drive up prepared.
Step One: The Paperwork
You need several specific sets of paperwork on hand before trying to sell your car to a dealership. Aside from the title and bill of sale you will also need to have your car’s service records to show the dealership. There are two reasons to compile the service records. First, if there are any recalls associated with your vehicle, the service records will indicate whether or not they have been handled. Secondly, the record immediately tells the dealership if you have been taking care of your car.
Step Two: The Value
The next step in selling your car to a dealership is investigating the fair market value of your vehicle in its current condition. Be honest and realistic about your car’s condition; you know better than anyone if it has body damage, engine issues or interior wear. Research market value websites and publications for the estimated value of your car’s make and model in its condition. Use this information while negotiating the selling price at the dealership, to ensure the offers are fair and reasonable.
Step Three: Clean and Detail
Clean cars get better offers from dealerships, just like private buyers. Right before you head to the dealership to sell them your car, take time to thoroughly clean and detail both the interior and exterior. Remove any unnecessary personal items, not just trash and debris. The closer you can get your car to resale-ready condition, the less money the dealership will knock off of their offer to balance the work needed on their end.
Step Four: Shop Dealers
Do not take the first offer that seems fair from the first dealership you visit. Armed with a presentable car and market value research, take the time to get offers from a few of your local dealerships. By limiting yourself to a single dealership, you may be missing out on a better deal from another dealership with a need for your specific vehicle.
Step Five: Same Salesperson
After shopping around dealerships for the best offer, return to your chosen dealership and find the same car salesperson you worked with previously. Until there is a signed contract, the other salespeople have no obligation to honor the appraisal offer given by someone else. It is worthwhile to wait until the same salesperson is available, or you may not get as high as an offer.
Research and preparation make the process of selling your car to a dealership simpler and, often times, more profitable. Gather your paperwork, clean your car, and know its value before driving onto the dealership lot looking to sell.
