There’s no need to get stressed out when selling a used car. By following a few simple rules, you’ll be able to both get a fair price for your vehicle and not be scammed. Knowledge is key. Once you know what to do and what not to do, the likelihood of being a victim decreases exponentially.
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What To Know and What To Do When Selling Your Used Car
No one wants to feel they’ve been taken advantage of, especially financially. If you’re selling your used car, the possibility of getting ripped off does exist. There are plenty of scammers and hustlers looking to bully you for a lower price or will try to pay with fraudulent funds.
If you’re selling an older vehicle with over 100,000 miles or one that’s proven to be difficult to sell, the easiest and most risk-free way to unload it is to seek out a car buyer in San Diego that purchases vehicles like yours.
Know Your Vehicle’s Value
Understanding your car’s value is key when it comes time to sell it. Ask too much and you won’t get many, if any, offers. Set the price too low and you’ll definitely get ripped off. If you’re just looking to unload your car and money isn’t a top priority, selling it for less than its market value will probably result in a quick sale. But for those looking to get the most for it, you’ll need to know what its resale value is.
There are several free online car resale value calculators that you can use to find out your vehicle’s true worth. Just pop in your vehicle’s VIN (vehicle identification number) along with some other basic information and you’ll have what yours is worth in a few seconds. One of the most popular resale value calculators is Kelley Blue Book, but there are several others available.
Once you know what you can expect to get for your used car, you can set your selling price appropriately. Since these online calculators give you an overall nationwide estimate for your make and model, it’s smart to also see what local used car dealerships are selling yours for.
Cash is King
When trading in your used car to a dealership or selling it outright to them, you won’t have much say in how you’ll be paid. Obviously, for a trade-in they’ll deduct the value of your car from what you’re paying for a new one, so there’s no payment. Used car dealerships buying your vehicle will pay with whatever method they use.
However, when selling to a private party, there are significantly more risks of getting ripped off. It’s completely acceptable to ask for a cash payment, even if it’s a large amount. If the buyer refuses and wants to pay with a personal check, do not transfer ownership of the vehicle until after the check has cleared the bank.
Don’t Back Down
When selling your used car, don’t forget that you’re the boss and have full power to control the situation. You have the right to set the price and conditions. That’s not to say that you can’t be flexible since there can be a bit of haggling over price when selling a used vehicle. Some buyers may try to bully you for a much lower price. Remember that it’s your choice whether or not to lower your price.
Sell Your Used Car To a Specialized Dealer
One of the safest, quickest, and hassle-free ways to sell an older, run-down used car is to sell it to a dealer that specializes in difficult-to-sell cars. They’ll offer you a fair price, even for vehicles that aren’t running. There’s no fear of being ripped off and they’ll handle all of the paperwork for you.
Bottom Line
Selling your used car can be a stressful experience. You’ll want to get the most money for your vehicle and hoping to not get ripped off can be nerve-wracking. Toss in the added worries of what type of payments to accept and the nervousness of dealing with total strangers can turn into an anxiety-ridden wild ride.
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