Are you ready to upgrade your car to a new model, but aren't quite sure how to go about doing so? There's a lot of work that goes into selling an old vehicle to make way for a new one. Instead of being wary of this process, however, drivers can embrace it by having a solid idea of what to expect. Kelley Blue Book recently offered 10 Steps to Sell 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 KBB.com. "Selling a car doesn't have to be a stressful or difficult experience."
Here are a few of the tasks you'll need to complete to get the selling started on the right foot:
Get the vehicle information together
The easiest way to get the selling process started is to collect all of the formal paperwork related to your car. Original sales documents, the car's title and service records are all must-haves. You should do your best to gather information relating to all types of vehicle maintenance or auto repair done to your car. These documents show how much preventative care has gone into a vehicle, and it is a good predictor of how well a vehicle runs.
"These days, regular oil changes are an even better indication of good upkeep than tune-ups," said Dan Ingle, vice president of vehicle valuations and industry products for Kelley Blue Book. "If you changed your oil every 3,000 to 8,000 miles, in keeping with the manufacturer's recommendations, that's a good signal to a buyer that the car has been cared for."
Appraise your car's condition
After gathering formal documents related to your car, you should take the vehicle in to an auto repair franchise for a tune up. This can provide you with a clear picture of the outlook of the automobile, an overview of any work that needs to be done and a prediction of the life expectancy of the car.
Know the expected value
Once you've figured out the condition that your car is in, you can use that knowledge to figure out a retail price. You have to take more into consideration than just your vehicle, however, as the market for pre-owned vehicles will also influence the price point, Edmunds.com reports. Use all of these factors to come up with a sticker price you will be happy with.