Best way to sell a car

**maat55** · 08-07-2008, 06:40 PM

Put it on Craigslist to start. Park it where it get exposure. Keep it really clean. I would do Auto-trader last.

No taxes where I come from. Just do the transaction at your bank so that they can provide a lean release.

**Exile** · 08-07-2008, 07:09 PM

I had fairly good luck with Carmax. I didn't get as much for my vehicles as I would have from a private party (I was in a hurry to sell), but I got more than from a typical used car dealer. Click here if you're interested in knowing more about that company.

**DebtFreeMe2** · 08-07-2008, 09:22 PM

I don't know where you live, but usually unless you are a business, or you are making money on the sale and do that often, like a business, you should not have any tax to pay for selling your car.

Enjoy,

DebtFreeMe2

**MonkeyMama** · 08-08-2008, 06:36 AM

I'd second Craigslist, BUT I have never sold a car more than for $3k cash. So, um, I would be a little uncomfortable to sell a car for so much. I am curious what others have to say. It's kind of a catch-22. You will lose thousands with a car dealer, but there is some risk involved with dealing with a private party. So it may be worth taking the hit and dealing with a reputable business.

**glock35ipsc** · 08-08-2008, 06:59 AM

I would never take a vehicle to a stealer, er-uh, I mean dealer, to sell. I don't like losing money. I see no risk in dealing with a private party. Pay me cash, and I'll sign the title. Deal done.

Craigslist is probably the best place to start. I have sold a couple of vehicles on there in the past worth over $20k each. eBay is fine, but their listing and final value fees are ridiculous for vehicles. Craigslist is free. Your local newspaper and classified ad paper would be the next best bet. Then AutoTrader. Also hang a for sale sign in the window.

If it's a decent vehicle at a reasonable price, you shouldn't have any problem selling it.

**noppenbd** · 08-08-2008, 07:51 AM

Originally posted by glock35ipsc View Post

I see no risk in dealing with a private party. Pay me cash, and I'll sign the title. Deal done.

I agree in part, although paying more than a few thousand in cash is going to be impractical, dangerous, and possibly require reporting to the IRS. The better way for higher values is to get a cashier's check. But since there have been incidences of fraudulent cashier's checks, an even better way is to meet or drive with the buyer to their bank, have the cashier's check issued in your presence, and sign the title over at that point. You should also make sure to create and sign a Bill of Sale so you can prove the car was sold. You can find one of these easily online. This protects your liability in case the new owner doesn't register the car in their name and is involved in an accident.

**saversaba08** · 08-08-2008, 08:17 AM

Originally posted by noppenbd View Post

You should also make sure to create and sign a Bill of Sale so you can prove the car was sold. You can find one of these easily online. This protects your liability in case the new owner doesn't register the car in their name and is involved in an accident.

This is a very important point, something that many of us overlook. A signed Bill of Sale is your only proof that the car is no longer yours. Last year we both bought and sold cars directly (private party), for cash. We found the car we wanted to purchase on Kijiji.com (a Craigslist wannabe) The seller insisted on cash payment so we asked them to meet us at the DMV a couple of days later. We paid, title transfer and registration was done and we drove off in our new (used) Accord.

Sales tax on the transaction will be the buyer's responsibility so you don't have to worry about it.

All the best.

saversaba

**feh** · 08-08-2008, 08:40 AM

I've only sold one car, but I used ebay. I was very surprised at how much we got for it. The more eyes, the better.

**anewleaf** · 08-08-2008, 09:48 AM

Wow - thank you all so much for your insight. I'm so glad I didn't try to go it alone on this. I really appreciate it! Now... wish me luck on a good price!

Best way to sell a car