Sell a Car Checklist

Are you planning to sell your old car that’s been taking so much space in your garage? Or have you been eyeing up a new car that you’ve seen whilst out and about and need to sell your existing car first? Here’s a quick sell a car checklist to help you out.

• Have your car documents to hand. Make sure you have it’s service book, insurance papers, certifications, and service and maintenance receipts.
• Do a pre-sell inspection. A recent inspection will put the potential buyers at ease and also gives you a detailed idea of your car’s condition and the opportunity to fix any small issues.
• Decide if you want to sell your car directly or through a car dealer or broker. If you opt to sell it through a used car dealer then you have the benefits of fast, convenient sale along with instant money. But direct selling gives you more selling power, literally.
• Determine the price. Carry out research on the current market prices and make sure that your pricing will be competitive. Make sure that you know what your bottom price number is and stand your ground and refuse to negotiate further if it drops below this price.
• Make your car presentable. Give it a nice wash, clean the interiors, give it a little polish, mend the upholstery if possible, dust the foot mats and so on.
• Make sure that everything is working such as the brakes, all lights, windshield wipers as this will add to the car’s resale value.
• With a good camera, take a number of pictures of your car when it’s nice, clean and shiny!
• Write out a car advert. Be honest and include the car model, manufacturer year, registration details, mileage, years of usage and related features. Mention features like air conditioning, alloy wheels, electric windows, sunroof and parking sensors etc.
• Spread the word, publish your advert in newspapers or use famous online car sales websites for a wider reach. Once you get replies for your adverts be prepared to go face to face with potential buyers, but be careful while letting the buyers inspect your vehicle.
• Use a test drive to help sell your car, but make sure you go along and only do this with serious interested buyers.
• Negotiate. If you’re selling your car through direct transfer, be ready for negotiations. Make sure you see a profit at the end of the day. If you have an offer on the table borrow some time to think before you proceed.
• Once the deal is made, make a clear sales receipt that includes a precise description of the car, your name and address, the buyer’s name and address, the date and time of sales, the amount of sales, and the method of payment. Be clear on the payment, transaction terms, RC transfer process and its fees etc., Check buyer’s original id and retain a copy of proof before selling.
• Follow up on the process of registration certificate transfer. You might have to check on your country’s regulations, but it is very much important that the transfer happens immediately if not the vehicle will show off in the RTO records in the original owner’s name.