Price a Car
When you decide to sell your car, your goal should be to make as much money off of the sale as you can, while setting the price at a reasonable level to attract potential buyers. To determine what your car is worth, it's important to carefully evaluate it. Make notes about all of its features, carefully determine its condition, consult market prices and set a goal for your car sale. Here are some tips that will help you price your car.
Steps
- Evaluate your car's features and options. Make a list of every feature it has, including power windows, locks and seats; premium sound system; special trim packages; motor size; any aftermarket additions; sunroof; tinted windows; suspension additions; navigation system; leather seats; and anything else that makes your car more valuable. The more options your car features, the higher the price you should set for your car.
- Determine your car's condition. Consider whether your car is in excellent, good, fair or poor condition. Various things contribute to this evaluation, including any door dings or other cosmetic damage, mechanical issues, tire tread wear, fluid leakage, malfunctioning controls, windshield cracks, seat or carpet stains and rust damage. If your car is relatively free of mechanical issues, doesn't have any obvious cosmetic damage, and the tires are good, your car is likely in "good" condition.
- Consult various online sources for professional estimates about the value of your car. Some online sites offer interactive programs through which you fill in the year, make, model, options and condition of your car to get pricing recommendations. Many of these sites are well-recognized by car dealers and other professionals recognized in the automotive industry.
- Compare the professional estimates with online classified ads. Look for cars similar to yours that are the same make, model and year. If the prices are matching up, you are probably in the right ballpark and will be able to set a price that is acceptable in your market. However, if prices vary greatly from the professional estimates you received, reconsider the price.
- Set a goal for how much you want to make from the sale of your car. When pricing a used car, it is often wise to price it a bit higher than the amount you actually expect to get from the sale. This way you have room to bargain when a buyer makes you an offer. Often, the bargaining process is an integral part of selling a used car. However, keep in mind the minimum amount you are willing to take for the sale of your car.
Tips
- As you're considering how to price your car in order to sell it, clean it thoroughly and make minor repairs so it looks worth the price you quote potential buyers.
Things You'll Need
- Computer with Internet connection
