How to Sell a Car Through an Ad

Check out different advertising sources to decide where to advertise your car for sale. Check your newspaper to see the number of advertisements listed. Some areas prefer Craigslist over newspapers because it is free. Conduct a search for cars in your area to find where sellers are advertising. You may find used car publications specific to your area that prove worthwhile.

Check the cost of different advertisements to help you determine which to use. Some publications may offer free advertisements only if your car does not sell. Some are free and some require upfront payment, regardless if the car sells or not. Choose your advertising methods and pay, if necessary.

Take various pictures of your car to include with your sales advertisement. Take pictures from the back, passenger side corner that shows the trunk and side of the vehicle and do the same from the front driver’s side of the vehicle, showing the front and side body in your shot. Continue to take pictures of the front seats, back seats, trunk area, under the hood, odometer, audio or navigation system, roof rack and DVD player.

Include all vehicle identifying information in your advertisement, such as year, make, model, interior and exterior color. Include all vehicle amenities, such as transmission (automatic or manual), engine size, power features (windows, seats or locks) and any extra options your vehicle offers (sunroof or leather).

List what you can about the vehicle’s repair and service history. State how often you’ve had the vehicle serviced, recent replacement items, such as timing belt, water pump, tires or brakes, as buyers prefer a maintained vehicle. If you have all of your service records, state so and have the receipts ready to present once you have interested buyers.

Tell interested buyers what you liked about the car or anything that sets it apart from the rest, in the body of your advertisement. For example, if you achieved 40 miles-per-gallon on your commute to work, say so in the advertisement. If you’ve never had to replace mechanical items or used synthetic oil every 3,000 miles, stating so can interest buyers.

Include the sales price. You can expect people to negotiate unless you state that the price is firm. Provide your phone number and email information in your advertisement. Answer emails and voice mails as often as possible, as you can lose a buyer if you do not return contact within hours.

Meet with the people who may want to buy your car. Go for test drives together and continue to meet with people until you find your buyer.

Follow all of your state’s procedures for selling your car. Sign the title where appropriate, along with any additional forms your state requires. Contact your insurance company to remove your car from the policy and take your plates off of the vehicle before releasing it to its new owner.

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