Have you got a car you need to sell? Well, if you are planning to get rid of your faithful old car, you must at least make sure that you are getting the best deal for it. There are some things that must be kept in mind when selling
secondhand cars. This is a guide on how to sell a car that has been round the block a few times.
*# 1: Estimate the value of your car.*
The first thing you must do when selling your car is to find out what the current value of your car is. Even before deciding to sell your used car, you must know that cars depreciate like nothing else, so dont get high hopes of making a fortune. Your best bet will be to get a PRE NCT done and access repair bills, or you could go online to find out how much your car is worth in todays market. Whatever price you decide, raise a few euros above it. You will need to keep some leeway for the bargaining that will follow.
*# 2: Pimp your car for the sale.*
No, you do not require any MTV style pimping up for your car, but you may need at least to carry out some minor repairs here and there. If something is really wrong with the cars engine, then you might consider scrapping it as a repair could be expensive. If you spend a few euros, and it raises the value of your car by a couple of hundred euro, then it is a good thing to do. Also, before you plan to sell your car, do some accessorizing and general tidy up on your car. This includes replacing any broken lenses and wipers, changing torn upholstery and carpeting, replacing broken knobs, etc. This will definitely help to get a good price, even if your car is old.
*# 3: Get your car serviced.*
Check if your car is still meeting all the standards you would expect. If not, then find ways to set them right before you sell your car. Prospective buyers will scrutinize every inch and function of your car, and if there is any out of place your car will keep gathering dust in your garage, and will not pass into another owners hands ever.
*# 4: Keep all your paperwork.*
You will have to ensure that all of your cars paperwork is up to scratch before you put it up for sale. This will include current registration records for your car, ownership documents, insurance
documents, service history for your car, nct report, etc.
*# 5: Advertise your car.*
There are many places where you can advertise your used car for sale. I would strongly suggest some internet websites. You should mention your asking price, and must mention the brand and make of your car, and give a fair indication of how old the car is. Describe the condition of the car in approximate terms, using phrases such as excellent working condition, very good condition, needing slight repair, etc. Give your phone number, but there is no need to give more information. Interested people will call you, and then you can fix up an appointment with them.
*# 6: Allow buyers to inspect your car.*
No one will arrive with a fat roll of euros in their pocket, hand it over to you and take the car keys from your hands. There will be a lot of inspection of your used car, some people may even bring their own mechanic along, or ask you to take the car to a garage of their choice. Of course, their requests must be reasonable. Do not just accept whatever they say because they will not be the last buyers on earth for your car. Do not allow people to take your car on a test drive by themselves.
*# 7: Negotiate, wisely.*
When you sell your car, a rule of the thumb is to never accept the first offer that comes your way. Even if the offer made is way above what you expect, it pays to be patient and appear to consider their offer. Make a grimace too, if you are good at that sort of thing. And this is true even if you are out to sell a junk car. The reason to be a bit cautious here is, if you jump and accept the first offer that is thrown at you, people will definitely think there is something hidden about your car. If that happens, they will check your car more severely, and the deal might fall through.
On the other hand, if someone really makes a ridiculously low offer, politely show them the way out. If their offers are low, there is no point even wasting time with a tyre kicker. Wait and more offers will come. Patience is extremely important when you sell your car.
*# 8: Be particular about the payment.*
If you wade through the entire rigmarole of advertising, soliciting buyers, haggling like an old woman buying apples from a roadside vendor and finally settling down to an offer you can live with, you can enjoy getting paid for your car.
Selling your car has finally borne fruit, but you must be wary here. There are a great number of people who have accepted personal checks and allowed their cars to be driven away, only to realize three days later that the checks have been bounced. Dont let this happen to you. If not cash, at least insist on a money order or a bankers draft.
*# 9: Transfer all documents to the new owner.*
Make sure you transfer all the documents to the new buyer along with the car keys. However, this is one point you need not be unduly worried about. The buyers themselves will make sure they get all the documents needed to establish their ownership of the car.
*# 10: Wash your hands off the sold car completely.*
Now that the car is not yours, you will have to ensure that no liabilities of the car get attached to you in future.Remember to post your change in ownership. That will protect you in case the car has been mishandled or involved in accidents or crime. Once you sell your car, you want nothing to come back and haunt you.