4 Ways to Sell Your Car

Stephen Gurley lists four guiding means of selling your used car for cash or other benefits. 

There are dozens of reasons why you might need to sell your car. You may no longer have a use for an old car, or you might want to trade it in for a new vehicle. Although thousands of cars are bought and sold each day, it can still feel like an overwhelming process for the seller. This guide explains the four most common ways to sell your car so that you can decide which option is best for you.

Private Sales

A private sale is perhaps the most common way to sell a used car in the United States. It is the most basic process, and it involves two people creating their own contract and deciding on a fair price that both parties can agree upon. There will be no commission fees and the seller and buyer are both involved. While a private sale can net you the biggest profits, it can also be the riskiest. Speak to the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state to make sure you understand how to transfer the title legally.

Using a Broker

A broker is an independent party who will take over the entire sale. If you have no desire to be involved with the sale process, using a broker will undoubtedly save you time. However, expect to pay at least a six percent commission fee when you do sell your car. A broker will handle all advertising, communicating with interested buyers, negotiating the price, and handling the paperwork. This is a great choice for busy sellers who have vehicles of high or moderate value. Be aware that some brokers will not sell cars that have a low resale value.

Trading It In

If you plan to sell a car and replace it with a new one right away, then trading it in at a dealership may be the simplest solution. Simply bring your car to a large car dealership and discuss what the trade-in value would be. Although you might end up with less money from this than from a private sale, it reduces your hassle considerably. Plus, you can buy and sell your car in just one simple transaction. Come to the dealership prepared with a minimum trade-in offer on your vehicle as well as an idea of what car you might be interested in purchasing.

Donate Your Vehicle

One alternative to selling your vehicle might be to donate it to a charitable organization. Although you won’t receive cash in return, you will receive a tax credit for the resale value of the car. In the end, this can be both a charitable act and a financially viable one.

Ultimately, there is no one right way to sell a car. If money is the ultimate goal, then a private sale is probably the best. Those with busy schedules might prefer to trade their cars in at a dealership or work directly with a broker.

About the Author

Stephen Gurley is a freelance blogger, who occasionally writes on behalf of http://www.cashfortrucks.com/, a website that will buy your used vehicle.