So, you’re looking to sell your broken-down car to make a quick buck or two. Maybe you need the money to help pay back your student loan or you need to cover housing expenses or just maybe you’re looking to save up and buy a brand new car.
There are plenty of reasons for selling your car but whatever your motives are, there are a few simple yet essential tips you must know before embarking on this journey.
FIND THE RIGHT CAR DEALERSHIP FOR YOU!
I mean sure, you can go the way of the lone ranger and post on social media, spend hours taking the right photo, finding a buyer, and haggling down a price, but this is all very time consuming and even then, it’s no guarantee of a sale. Plus, you never know who you’re going to meet online. Also, when going it alone, there is no room for discrepancy and ambiguity. You need to be specific about the age and state of your vehicle. This means that if your car is missing a backseat, then you need to state that in your ad.
This can all prove very stressful and that is why it is always best to seek professional advice. That means finding an auto dealership that’s right for you. If you’re looking to sell your car fast and at a reasonable price, the right dealership can cut out all the hassle, making this transition as smooth and seamless as possible. There are plenty of companies specifically set up for this, saving you plenty of time and money. Now, you can either sell broken down car as-is and get a free quote, or you can strip out any usable parts and sell them separately. It all depends on the state of your vehicle and the auto dealership will advise you accordingly.
BUT WHAT IF MY CAR IS WRECKED BEYOND REPAIR?
You might think your vehicle is in such disrepair that it’s destined for the scrapheap, but you’d be surprised. Whether your car has rust issues, was damaged in a fire, has engine problems, or no engine at all, and is a non-starter, there are companies out there that will pay you money for what you might consider a piece of junk. So it’s definitely worth five minutes of your time doing some research online before even thinking of condemning it to the junkyard.
Furthermore, you are far more likely to get your money’s worth by taking it to a dealership that deals specifically in collecting damaged vehicles than you are if you were to drop it off at some junkyard.
BE REALISTIC
It doesn’t matter how much you love your 1998 Mercedes-Benz G-Class or your 2004 Toyota Corolla, you need to be realistic about the pricing and keep your expectations in check. This, of course, all depends on the age and state of your vehicle (missing parts, damage, whether it’s a non-starter, etc). You can’t get too sentimental here, you’re looking to cash in fast and easy.
This is not to say that you can’t expect to make a fair price, but bear this in mind, a car depreciates in value the moment you buy it. This brings us back to seeking professional advice. Car salesmen and women know what they are talking about, this is their livelihood after all. They live for cars and will always give you a reasonable price.
All that being said, think of it as giving your car a new lease of life, a second chance. It’s been sitting in your backyard collecting rust for the last few years and now it has the chance to be on the road again.
GIVE IT A CLEAN/CAR WASH
Just because it’s missing some parts or looks a bit busted up, doesn’t mean you can’t make it look good. If it’s been rusting away and collecting dirt in your garage for the last five to 10 years, give it the farewell it deserves and get scrubbing. You want to make a good first impression.
Showing up to the car dealership with a one-inch layer of dust covering your car won’t do you any favors. At the end of the day, it’s a car dealership, not a carwash so make sure it looks the part by giving it a squeaky-clean finish, this includes vacuuming the inside and clearing out any junk.
Well, now you’re just about ready to sell your used car. Although simple, these tips can go a long way towards ensuring you get value for money in a way that is fast and reliable. Happy selling!
