Got any tips for selling a car?

[retodd7711]

I'm getting ready to sell my car and I could use some advice.
What has worked for you,or what has not worked?
What do you look for when buying a used car?
What can I do to grab attention?
Any help would be appreciated and maybe other folks could learn too.

[kxnomore]

I've had good luck using Craigslist in this area. It did take a few weeks of slowly lowering the price, but when the price was right I got 15 calls in about 2 hours.

The local paper seems to get a higher level of buyer though, so it may depend on if you are selling a show car, or a beater.

Good luck!

[FormerMember]

Post pictures taken in a nice spot, with good light.

Add as much detail as you can.

BE HONEST!

Leave contact information with appropriate times to call.

[Ackattack]

I'm in the process of trying to sell 4 vehicles.....needs/wants/projects have changed.....

anyways it seems that people really like pictures, so be prepared with additional photos of the interior, engine, and anything else. Also, clean it up, and see if you can make it run great. I know I can live with a lot of little rattles/lights/smells/noises that just raise questions when people test drive them, so I think its a good idea to try to take care of them.

I've tried autotrader for a couple of vehicles and have had 0 success with that. I've sold one car off of an internet forum like this (guy flew half way across the country to get the car) and a few on craigs list.

Also, make sure you have voicemail/answering machine and call back if you can't answer. Seems like sometimes you have to take a little effort to sell stuff.

[xshadow]

I've had lood luck with craigslist and hey it's free so what do you have to loose....I've sold a converson van...a 89 4x4 and a lexus sc400 all on craigslist. I advertised one elsewere and just had a for sale sign on the others, but they were sold to people on craigslist.

[72GMCburban]

66 C-20 on craiglist for about 2 weeks. Lowered the price slowly, then bit the bullet and used autotrader. Gone 2 days later.

[corn]

Always start a little higher with your price. Everyone wants to offer you less than you are asking. Just dont get carried away.

[71swb4x4]

If it's a normal everyday car, make sure the car is ready to sell. Nothing sends off potential buyers faster than an ad that tells how great the vehicle will be when this, that and the other thing are repaired. If it needs a windsheild, put one in now. If the battery needs replaced, do it now. Make sure the car is ready to go, it will make it much easier to sell.

If it's a "unique" car. Tons of pictures. Adding history helps a lot too. Such as when you bought it, everything you have done to it, etc.

No matter what kind of car, the more description the better.

And last - BE HONEST in your description. Don't "forget" to mention that big dent in the trunk lid, or the key mark all the way down the car.

[ChevLoRay]

I did a free ad on Trucktrader.com, in October of '01. It was about 8PM on a Tuesday night. At 10AM on the next day, I got a call from a guy in Ft.Worth. At 6PM that night, he was in my driveway. He drove off in the '69 that I had listed and I got a picture of it last year....redone. But less than 24 hours after listing it, I sold it....not too bad.

[bad6772]

i would speak the truth completely about the car, tell them everything you know, have done to it , and problems.... you have fixed or have faught..AND IMO set a price and stay firm with it... i just sold our GTO about a month ago . and was dealing with what i would call a large about of money... and wouldnt budge 500, bucks.....if you set the price...stick to it just my 0.2

[N2TRUX]

The first thing you need to do is detail it. I don't mean wash it, I mean DETAIL. I have mine professionally buffed out, and touched up or even small areas painted. I replace the windshield if need, and have the paint-less dent repair by if needed.

In other words, I prepare the car to sell as if "I" were going to buy it. When a prospective buyer looks at it, they feel it has been cared for. I always ask top dollar for my used cars, and I "almost" always get it....

[special-K]

Is this somehow related to 67-72 GM trucks or should this be moved to General Discussion?