Home › Forums › WSB Reader Recommendations › Advice on selling a car by owner
- This topic has 15 replies, 10 voices, and was last updated 11 years, 9 months ago by Halyn.
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July 11, 2013 at 3:10 pm #608178
pennidoggParticipantAnyone have any advice on how to sell a car by owner? I have always traded in my previous car so this is new territory for me. I do have a listing on Craigslist that has garnered little to no interest. Thanks in advance for your input and advice
July 11, 2013 at 3:19 pm #793370
B-squaredParticipantI’ve had good success with Autotrader, but that was years ago (before craigslist). If you can find somewhere with high visibililty to park it with a “for sale” sign on it, that helps tremendously. Also, don’t underestimate the power of detailing. I have meticulously detailed all of the cars i have sold, and it makes a big difference. I have also provided all of the maintenance records as part of the selling features so folks know what they are getting into. Good luck!
July 11, 2013 at 6:17 pm #793371
ricoMemberHere is a warning story about selling a car.
I once had a old, difficult to sell car. Found a buyer, got money, and signed title over to him.
He never transfered the title so it was still in my name unbeknownst to me. Until I started receiving parking tickets.
Moral to the story – go with buyer to DMV and ensure title is transferred.
July 11, 2013 at 7:16 pm #793372
clark5080ParticipantWhat kind do you have for sale?
July 11, 2013 at 7:23 pm #793373
pennidoggParticipantclark5080,
It is a 1993 Chevy Lumina Z34 Coupe, a car you rarely see on the road (everyone that thinks Luminam thinks of a Sedan or parent’s car)… here is the craigslist posting with all the particulars and pictures of the car.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/3922672434.html
It is a very well maintained vehicle. The pictures need to be retaken on a sunny day to show the car better. If you are interested the price is negotiable.
July 11, 2013 at 7:26 pm #793374
EdSaneParticipantWhen using craigslist post pictures. Plenty of people (especially those under 30) won’t consider an ad where they have to do extra work just to see what you’re selling. Also, check craigslist for the same car with comparable features. Is your price within a normal range. A lot of people post to low (scam alert) or to high. Also, posting mileage is helpful. The more info you provide initially the more likely you’ll attract an interested buyer and not a tire kicker. Just saw the ad. That price is pretty high for a 20 year old car.
July 11, 2013 at 7:39 pm #793375
WFMembergood topic, i too am pondering the sale of a vehicle.
pricing of the vehicle can be determined using a service such as Kelly Blue Book. And I was also thinking inquiring with my mechanic.
title transfer is an item that needs to be done correctly; see rico post #3
July 11, 2013 at 7:42 pm #793376
pennidoggParticipantEdSane,
Thank you for the insight. We priced it at that since the mileage is around 140,000, which is good for a car that old. Would we be better off just asking Kelly Blue Book? Also are you in agreement that the pictures need to be retaken?
Again thanks for your insight.
July 11, 2013 at 7:45 pm #793377
trickycooljParticipantPics Pics Pics, as many as you can upload! Take pics of the interior, seats, the dash (with mileage visible), stereo, back seat, etc. A friend of mine recently sold a ’93 Accord and once he had a lot of pics and the car was in the ballpark price of other listed Accords, he got plenty of bites especially closer to the weekend when people needing cars can get rides to view one.
I am one of the (barely) under 30 crowd that won’t consider contacting anything without a picture. Too many scammers out there.
July 11, 2013 at 7:58 pm #793378
EdSaneParticipantPictures of the interior would be helpful. The kbb value is around 2k. I think most people shopping for this car are probably penny pinching parents. Without any real modern safety features, probably not great on gas plus Chevrolet had a bad ’90s reputation. I honestly don’t see it selling for more than 1500.
July 12, 2013 at 7:46 pm #793379
KenParticipantI know a retired commercial driver who would be interested in this car around the BB value. Let me know if you move to that range.
July 12, 2013 at 8:27 pm #793380
kgdlgParticipantThe car will move if you price at KBB and are willing to negotiate. Make sure you clearly write on title AS IS, so no one can make a claim against you later. I have sold several cars this way and had no problems every time. In terms of price, google 5k on Craigslist and you will see your competition. Many cars from 2000 years, so that is why you need to lower price.
July 12, 2013 at 8:28 pm #793381
kgdlgParticipantSorry I meant write on “bill of sale” not title.
July 13, 2013 at 2:49 pm #793382
pennidoggParticipantKen,
If your friend the retired commercial truck driver is truly interested. We are willing to negotiate the price. He can call the number on the craigslist ad.
July 17, 2013 at 6:32 pm #793383
pennidoggParticipantKen,
Just realized that there has been a typo on the phone number in the craigslist ad. If your friend is still interested I have fixed the number. Hopefully we can negotiate to a price that works.
July 18, 2013 at 4:53 pm #793384
HalynParticipantYou don’t have to worry about the title transfer if you’re the seller. What you have to worry about is the Seller’s Report of Sale. Filing this form with DOL releases you from liability for the vehicle:
http://www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/transfertitle.html?homebox
Actual transfer of title is entirely the responsibility of the buyer. My recommendation for anyone selling a car is to spend five minutes on the DOL website familiarizing yourself with the way things work. I would be annoyed beyond belief if I handed over cash for a car and was then told, “OK, now I’m gonna follow you down to DOL to make sure you file the transfer.” Seriously? I’m a grownup, I’ll take care of my business without some stranger looking over my shoulder.
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