It is much easier to Trade Your Car when you purchase a new one, but you may be able to get more Money by Selling Your Own Car.

Used Car For Sale; Tips To Sell Your Car Instead Of Trade
1) First and foremost is to make your Used Car look good. Spend 75-100 dollars and get a professional detail to make it look Great, or spend a day and do it yourself. Make sure to clean the engine, underneath, door jams, etc. You would be surprised the reaction to a clean car compared to a car that even has minor dirt or cool-aid stains.

2) Make sure you change the oil and all fluids. Flush the radiator and put new antifreeze. Make sure brake fluid is clean. You may even want to change the transmission fluid. Remember, everyone will at least check the oil on the dipstick!

3) Make sure your brakes and tires are in good shape. This is something everyone will check. If your tires are worn, spend $300-$400 and put new rubber all the way around. If your brakes squeak or do not stop correctly, put new pads on and turn the rotors. Rotors are usually visible through the wheels and look better if they are nice and shiny.

4) Make sure there are no lights on your dash. When I say lights, I mean Check Engine, Service Engine, Change Oil, etc. I guess I should say lights on your gauges. This is a direct turnoff for a Used Car For Sale. "My mechanic said it was nothing" does not work anymore.

5) Park your Used Car in a high traffic area to be seen. This is probably one of the most important of all tips. The more people that see your Car For Sale, the better your chance of selling your car.

6) Price your car where it will sell. Take it by your local dealer and ask the Used Car Manager for pricing advice. Most will be more than happy to help, Especially if it is the dealership you intend to purchase from once you Sell Your Car.

7) Make sure you put a phone # that you can be reached. I know this sounds crazy, but many people put a home # when they are never home. Put your cell # so you can be reached any time.

8) Have a carfax ran on your car along with all service records and any of the tuneup records you just performed on your Car. These records and history of a Used Car will go a long way in getting top dollar.

9) Price your car where you have some negotiating room as everyone loves to dicker. Everyone wants to think they got a deal. Price your Car 10% more than you are willing to take. If you want $5000, price it at $5500. If you want $10,000, price it at $11,000. You get the idea. A more expensive Used Car will merit a larger discount.

These are just a few tips to help you get top dollar for selling your Used Car instead of trading. You may have to spend a little money to make it more attractive, but the return may be worth it. It also depends on how fast you will be ready for your New Car. If you are in a hurry, it may be easier to trade. Try Selling Your Car 2 to 3 months before you are planning on Buying A Car. This will give you time to see if Selling Your Car is going to be an option. You might find yourself Buying A Car quicker than you thought. Good Luck!

Learn more about this author, Chuck Russell.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Best ways to sell used cars?
We want to hear your view. Write now!