Kelley Blue Book offers 10 steps for selling your car

(August 13, 2013) IRVINE, Calif. — With tools and information for every step of the car-selling process, from determining your vehicle's value to setting your asking price, Kelley Blue Book kbb.com today offers 10 Steps for Selling Your Car.   

"Whether you are looking to offload your car quickly or if you'd rather wait until you get the best possible offer, it is smart to start with a little preparation," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com.
 

"Selling a car doesn't have to be a stressful or difficult experience. With these 10 steps, you are well on your way to getting the price you deserve."

10 Steps for Selling Your Car

Step 1:  Gather Your Car's Information
Many people overlook this step until the very end, but the selling process really starts with rounding up your vehicle's paperwork.  The car's title, service records and original sales documents are the big three.

Step 2:  Know Your Car's True Condition
You may think your car "drives like new" and shines like a baby seal, but its value will depend on its actual condition, so you'll need to be both knowledgeable and realistic about it.

Step 3:  Decide Whether to Trade-In or Sell It Yourself
Once you know the true condition of your car, the next step is to decide whether to sell it yourself or trade it in to a dealership -- since the pricing of your car varies depending on which method you use.

Step 4:  Increase Your Car's Resale Value
Whether you sell the car yourself or trade it in to a dealer, you will want to do the little things — and maybe also fix the big things — to boost your car's value, such as replacing a dead light, or repairing a windshield chip or crack.  If your car has been well maintained, bring a vehicle history report and any maintenance records to show a potential buyer.

Step 5:  Set the Asking Price for Your Car
If you've spent money improving your car's condition, your car's value has probably changed as well.  Check your Blue Book® Value during the week you're ready to sell, as this will help you price your car appropriately.

Step 6:  Create an Online Ad That Sells
If you've decided to sell your car privately, it's time to get the word out to the largest audience possible.  Websites like KBB.com and AutoTrader.com offer online classifieds services that put your car in front of thousands of active shoppers in your area in a matter of minutes.  With a detailed description and several good photos, you can stand out to the buyers who are most likely to be interested in your car.

Step 7: Screen potential buyers
Unless you hire a broker or have a friend who owes you several favors, you'll need to meet prospective buyers and set up test drives. This can be daunting, so it makes sense to look through all the candidates online first, then call the ones that seem promising. That initial phone call is the best way to put both parties at ease. If you communicate by email, re-send the details of your ad (potential buyers are probably reaching out to several owners) and offer to answer any questions they might have.

Step 8: Use the Test Drive to Sell
Before the test drive, anticipate a potential buyer's questions about your car. For example, if you're asking more for your car than others in the category, be prepared to explain why. Special features, complete maintenance records, and any recent upgrades are all logical explanations of a higher price — especially when you can back it up with the paperwork.

Step 9: Negotiate the Best Price for Your Car
At the end of the test drive, remind the buyer of the car's asking price and how "firm" that price may be. This is also the time to revisit any remaining warranty or extended protection, or whether you're selling the vehicle "as is." Then let the negotiations begin! Ideally you've given yourself some padding on your asking price, so let the buyer take the lead in either accepting or counter-offering.

Step 10: Complete the Sale
Once the buyer has fallen in love with your car and you've agreed on a price, the smartest next step is to accompany the buyer to their bank for a cashier's check. This will help protect you against any fraud.

For additional information of these recommendations for selling your car
click here.