How to Sell a Used Car

1. Step 1

   Check the car's Kelley Blue Book value. The Blue Book is a catalog of car values, available at libraries and banks, and online at www.kbb.com.

2. Step 2

   Look in the classified section of your local paper or a local auto-trader publication (usually distributed free at grocery stores and similar outlets) to compare the market value of similar cars Sell Used Car.

3. Step 3

   Decide how far above or below that value you can fairly go.Sell Used Car Consider factors such as the car's condition, mileage, aftermarket add-ons, exotic coloring and any repair work you've had done.

4. Step 4

   Wash and wax the car, empty the trunk, and fix any small problems with the interior'broken knobs, sticking windows, torn upholstery Sell Used Car. Clean the interior thoroughly (see related eHows 'Wash a Car' and 'Wax a Car').

5. Step 5

   Gather all the service and repair records together. Make photocopies of the records to give to a prospective buyer. Take measures to see that the car's paperwork is in order, such as paying off any outstanding parking tickets and making sure the registration is current.

6. Step 6

   Contact your state's department of motor vehicles or authorized automobile club to find out if you're responsible for a smog certificate; this varies from state to state.

7. Step 7

   Advertise your car. Put up signs at your repair shop, local cafe or grocery store if any of them have a bulletin board. Place ads in local newspapers and other classified ad resources, and put a 'For Sale' sign in the window of your car Sell Used Car.

8. Step 8

   Seek out online classifieds and bulletin boards. Often bulletin boards have discussions for a particular make and model.

9. Step 9

   When a buyer shows interest, explain your reasons for selling the car. State the repairs you've had done and the gas mileage. Note any new parts Sell Used Car, in particular.

10. Step 10

    Appear to be mulling over the buyer's first offer, even if it's higher than you had hoped.

11. Step 11

    Avoid making a counteroffer to an insultingly low offer. Politely decline and say you cannot accept anything so low Sell Used Car. Counteroffer when the buyer gets closer to what you might accept. Continue until you agree on a fair price.

12. Step 12

    Accept cash, a cashier's check or a money order in payment for the car. Don't take a personal check unless you know the person very well.

13. Step 13

    Sign your car's title certificate to transfer ownership to the buyer. Federal law requires the seller to provide the buyer with two documents: the title certificate of the vehicle and an odometer statement showing the car's mileage. Certain states may require a smog certificate and other forms (call your department of motor vehicles to determine exactly what you'll need). Other documents, Sell Used Car such as the car's warranty (if transferable) and service records, are not required but may be turned over to the buyer.

14. Step 14

    Note that in many states the seller is required to contact the department of motor vehicles to inform it of the transfer of ownership; it's the buyer's responsibility to change the registration Sell Used Car.

15. Step 15

    Notify your insurance company once the car sells, and after you have transferred the title to the new owner. Tell the company to remove it from your policy.