Sell a Used Car on AutoTrader.com
AutoTrader.com is an established and user-friendly resource for reaching interested car buyers. Because selling a car involves many factors, it is helpful to be knowledgeable about the process and especially how to sell a used car on AutoTrader.com.
Steps
- Plan your sale.
- Determine your state's Department of Motor Vehicles requirements.
- Gather all paperwork. This includes attaining your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for buyers to research your vehicle's history, maintenance history, warranty documentation, as-is documentation to state that there are no additional warranties provided, an odometer disclosure and title.
- Clean your car inside and out. This includes cleaning tiny interior spaces, buttons, license plates and holders, and even the mechanical components such as the engine and battery.
- Have a mechanic perform a thorough vehicle check and include this documentation with your vehicle history paperwork.
- Determine a selling price by using a major online pricing tool (like those at Autotrader.com, Edmunds.com or Kelley Blue Book). Compare these figures to local classified and dealership prices for the same vehicle model, year and mileage. Keep in mind that the condition of the car as well as appearance is a large contributing factor in buyer's mind (as are nonphysical conditions. such as whether the car was ever smoked in).
- Advertise your vehicle on AutoTrader.com.
- Go to www http://www.autotrader.com.
- Enter your zip code.
- Select an advertising package. These options include the Standard package of a 3-week ad with 3 pictures, the Enhanced package of that runs for 8 weeks and includes 9 pictures and the Deluxe package that will run until the car is sold and includes 18 photos and a money-back guarantee. Also available is the VIP services option, in which a consultant advises you and creates your advertisement.
- Input the details of your vehicle, including its make, model, year and VIN number.
- Upload photographs of your vehicle. Ads with photos receive twice the response of advertisements without photos, so upload photos that showcase the interior and exterior with high-quality resolution.
- Preview your advertisement to ensure that contact information, vehicle details and ad details are accurate.
- Choose from an array of ad enhancements, including a Carfax vehicle history report and visibility enhancements to make your ad stand out.
- Check out by paying for your advertising package and details on the secured payment page.
Tips
- Be prepared to answer questions about your vehicle history, including any accidents and repairs.
- Make your vehicle description as detailed as possible.
- Be patient. Most cars spend a few weeks online before being sold.
Warnings
- Meet the buyer in daylight and in a public place. Bring a family member or friend along and have the buyer leave collateral if you allow him or her to take your car for a test drive alone.
- Be sure to get the full name, address and phone number of a buyer you are seriously considering as a purchaser.
- Make sure you secure payment before you transfer a car title.
Things You'll Need
- Vehicle
- Credit card to purchase a plan
- Vehicle documentation