If you are looking to sell your car fast and for the best price, you need to have it ready for sale. Unless you are selling something unusual or rare, chances are you will be competing for buyers’ attention against numerous sellers. Keep in mind that mechanical condition, service history, and presentation can make the difference between an easy sale and a long drawn out process where you have to tweak the price every now and then.
In this, read were are going to provide several simple and straightforward tips for a smooth car sale:
The Price
It is important that you price your vehicle realistically, especially when you’re looking for a fast sale. Look for the price of similar cars on ads, be it online or in magazines to have an idea of how to price yours.
Finance
You cannot sell a vehicle with outstanding finance. So, ensure you settle the finance first or seek the finance party’s permission.
Facts
Describe your vehicle on ads as accurately as possible. Stick to facts that are interesting to potential buyers, including the year or number plate, where in the state or country you are located, and how many months are left on the MOT. Keep in mind that thieves may reach out pretending they’re interested in the car. If you provide them with details such as VIN number or share personal details, they could use this information to create a cloned ad. A genuine buyer should be willing to come and see the car and check the car details in person.
Claims
Avoid making reckless or false claims when making the ad. Phrases such as ‘’the first to buy will buy’’ won’t do much good in convincing potential buyers.
Physical Condition
The car’s condition is the first thing that people will be interested in. So, ensure you clearly state in the adverts or receipt whether the vehicle is being sold spares only, needs significant repairs, etc. Give the car a really good clean inside and out. Invest in some car mats to spruce up the interior and give it a fresh feel.
If anything is cracked or broken, make sure you do any minor repairs to help the car retain its value. For example you can get replacement wing mirror glass at Spares Hut.
Documents
Ensure you have the history and all relevant documents including service records and MOT certificates. Also, do not allow interested parties to take photos or make copies of these documents. Keep receipts of any work done on the car while you owned it. A stamped dealer service record will add value and smoothen the sale. If you don’t have one, however, ensure you have all the relevant documents in order.
Test Drive
When arranging for the potential buyer to come, view and test drive the vehicle, ensure you take their contact details including the name, address, and phone number. An authentic buyer will be happy and willing to do so and understand when you call back to check the number issues and confirm any arrangements. Ask them to bring along and verify their driving license if they wish to test drive the car. Insist the potential buyer comes to your home address for the test purposes and ask whether they have adequate insurance for it. Your insurance policy may cover you, but it’s always best to ask for theirs as well to ensure they are serious about purchasing the vehicle.
To avoid being a car theft victim, accompany the buyer and when it comes to changing seats, take the keys with you and hand them over when everything including the paperwork. Also, ask a friend or loved one to accompany you during the car viewing and testing.
Haggle Room
Ensure you create a haggling margin. This way, the potential buyer will have the satisfaction of negotiating the price down as you get near to the amount you want.
Receipt
Next, ensure you provide a ‘’sold as seen, tried & approved without guarantee’’ receipt and utilize our seller’s/buyer’s contract. Keep in mind that giving out a ‘’sold as seen’’ receipt does not have an impact on the buyer’s legal rights. Simply put, the vehicle needs to match the description you provided either verbally or in writing during the course of the transaction.
Also, note that you can’t use ‘’sold as seen’’ receipt to cover the potential of the vehicle being unroadworthy in one way or the other. The law states that it is illegal to sell a vehicle that is not road-worthy.
Get Paid
Do not allow the buyer to drive the car away until you are satisfied that you have been paid in full. You can get paid in cash or through an online bank transfer. As for the former, consider arranging for it to be handed to your bank. Online bank transfers are fast nowadays and people can make payments over their mobile devices as long as they have internet connectivity. This will certainly make your car sale smoother and hassle-free.
With these tips, you should be able to make a fast car sale, while avoiding scammers.
Additional reading:
- Buying a new car? It’s always smart to check out cars for sale on different platforms
- Tips for traveling on a budget
- Best times for buying a car