by Tony Jones

Created on: September 25, 2008   Last Updated: October 07, 2008

So you want to sell your car? Well, to attract a buyer these days you will be expected to compete in very a difficult used car market. Selling a good used car is no longer an exception it is a given that you are trying to sell an above average used car. How can you compete with home sellers who are offering free Ferraris and Cadillacs when you purchase their home? How can you compete with dealership "piggy back" offers that include a free plasma screen TV with a used car?

The truth is that you don't have to. Your best advantage against any sales scheme is truth and honesty. My Daddy was fond of saying that there are three truths in this world:

First truth: I know what I know. In other words, do your homework. Locate a viable source for pricing your car such as the Blue Book, and then compare your car against the evaluated model. Ask yourself: What does this model have that mine doesn't? If a CD player is the answer then start pricing it.

Second Truth: I know that you know. With a market evaluation in hand, take the car to an independent inspector. This can also be accomplished during regular servicing. Let them point out the flaws in your logic and the dings in your car. Ask them if these deficiencies are worth the effort of repairing the car to increase the reselling price. Frequently, the total cost of repair outweighs the actual resale value. Keep a copy of the inspection report. Don't expect that auto dealerships to offer you top dollar for a used car. They are in the business of selling new cars.

Third truth: I know that you know that I know. Be prepared to share your findings with a prospective buyer. Prepare a handout that justifies your sales price. This handout should include your car's service record, insurance forms, Blue Book evaluation, inspection report and receipts of any major automobile-related purchases you may have made. This will save a lot of time during negotiations because you have removed the minor bargaining points from the table and can focus on selling the car. You can also transfer some of these items to the internet via eBay or Craig's list.

Now all that is left is to take the car to a professional detailer and follow his advice about repairing or replacing upholstery. Take your detailed car home and park it in a secure location, and walk away from it. At this moment this car is no longer a method of private transportation, but rather an item for sale. As such it must be ready for immediate inspection by interested parties.

Now all you have to do is wait for the phone to ring.

Learn more about this author, Tony Jones.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.