The most important key to selling a used car is to advertise it. Of course, the cheaper you advertise it, the more money you will realize from the sale of the vehicle itself.

Online Ads

Advertising your used car for sale online is easy. If you don’t already have a few sites in mind, use your favorite search engine to look up “free auto classifieds.” The search should lead you to a number of possible websites that will allow you to post your car. You might even be able to upload a picture, so make sure you have one on your computer before entering your classified. Once you have entered your used car information, please proofread it. Make sure your list price and phone number are correct.

Printed Ads

Advertising in print is a standard option and still seems to work well with car sales. Place your information in your local newspaper classified section under the “Used Cars for Sale” header. Adding a photo here might be pretty expensive. Once the ad is published in the newspaper, check it to see if the list price and phone number are correct. If not, call the newspaper and ask them to reprint it without additional charge since the mistake was theirs.

Display the Car

Another form of advertising that works well is to display the car. Put a “For Sale” sign in the window with your phone number and price. If you don’t have a prominent place to park the car, look around town for a high volume traffic area. Popular places include near schools, grocery stores and traffic lights. Always ask permission before parking your car for display.

Ducks in a Row

Once you’ve effectively advertised your used car for sale, the calls will start coming in. Decide whether you will let people test drive the car alone or if you must be with them.

You’ll also need the title to your car. The title is the document that proves ownership of the vehicle. If your used car is already paid in full, then you probably already have the title in your possession. If you are still making payments on the used car, you will need to make arrangements with your bank and your buyer. The bank will not release the title until all money is paid in full. Your buyer will need to know this. A loan officer at your bank can help walk you through this process.

Will you accept a personal check or cash only deal? Your payment terms should not cause a problem. If the buyer really wants your car and isn’t trying to pull the wool over your eyes, he/she will be more than happy to pay cash. Another option would be to accept a cashier’s check.

Give a receipt to your buyer and make sure to keep a copy for yourself. Hang onto it in case you need proof of the sale for your tax records.

Selling your used car can be just that easy!