You might think that selling a car online is a long, drawn-out process, but that’s not necessarily the case.
This guide will help you understand the 3 steps you need to take in order to successfully sell your car online. From setting a fair price to taking the proper safety precautions, we’ll cover it all.
Why Sell a Car Online?
The world has been revolutionized by the internet, and that includes selling a car. No more wasting time with classified ads or scouring local dealerships for a buyer — now you can get your vehicle off your hands in a jiffy with an online listing.
And there are so many reasons to take this route: from convenience to cost savings. When you sell your car online, you don’t have to spend a dime on advertising, and the process is much faster than waiting for someone to show up at your door or call you up after seeing your ad. </p
Plus, since it’s all digital, you can do it anywhere — including from the comfort of your couch.
Another advantage of selling your car online is that you can control the sale process more accurately.
You can set the asking price for your vehicle and use filters to show only interested buyers. And if it’s a private listing, you don’t even have to worry about dealing with dealerships or negotiating prices. Plus, you get to keep all the proceeds from the car sale — no middleman fees required.
Ultimately, selling your vehicle and getting an online offer is the most efficient way to get top dollar for it and free up time in the car-buying process. With a few clicks of a button, you can have your car listed and ready to go in no time at all.
You don’t have to worry about scheduling appointments, negotiating prices, or spending extra money on advertising. All you need is an internet connection and a few photos of your car.
How Do You Sell a Car Online?
When selling a car online, you must be organized and thorough. To get the most value for your car, it’s important to take the time to make sure everything is in order.
To sell your car, you’ll need to have a bill of sale, the vehicle title, and the vehicle history report, which can help you explain any dents or dings. Be prepared to accommodate test drives, as well.
The following steps will help guide you through the rest of the process.
1. Estimate the Value of Your Vehicle
Before you begin the online sale process, it’s important to know what your car is worth. There are a few ways to go about this. You can look up the blue book value of your car online, research comparable cars that have sold in your area, or consult with a professional mechanic.
Once you know the approximate value of your vehicle, you’ll be better prepared to negotiate a fair price. Some excellent resources for estimating the market price of used vehicles include Kelley Blue Book (KBB), Autotrader, and Edmunds.
You’ll be able to get the most accurate estimate of your car’s value if you include information about the car’s condition, vehicle identification number (VIN), mileage, and any extras that are included in the sale.
Fortunately, websites like those mentioned above require you to enter this kind of data in order to generate an estimate. So even if you’re not sure what to include, you’ll be guided through the process.
This is also the step where you can decide how you would like your funds. If the buyer is local, you can request an upfront instant cash offer or a personal check. If your buyer is not local, a check, money order, or cashier’s check may be better options.
2. Choose Your Selling Platform
Once you have an estimate, it’s time to decide where you want to list your used car. There are various websites and apps that can help you with this.
Before deciding on a car-selling platform, make sure that it’s reputable and secure. You’ll also want to consider factors such as fees, customer service, safety protocols, and the type of audience it attracts.
Some popular options for selling a used car online include:
- Cars.com
- eBay Motors
- Craigslist
- Carvana
- CarGurus
- CarMax
- Facebook Marketplace
However, there are many more to choose from — so make sure you do your research before committing.
3. Ship Your Car
When it comes to selling a car online, you’ll need to figure out how to get it from point A to point B. Thanks to Carvaygo, this is a non-issue.
Carvaygo is a car shipping service that simplifies the process of transporting your vehicle. All you have to do is enter information about your car and where it needs to go, and they’ll take care of the rest. And if your buyer has a trade-in, Carvaygo can pick up and deliver it, too.
Best of all, Carvaygo offers competitive rates and a wide range of delivery options. From enclosed trailers to open carriers, they have solutions that fit any budget.
There are a few final details you’ll want to take care of before you officially list your car online. Make sure to take care of any necessary repairs unless you’re selling it as-is, clean up the interior and exterior of the vehicle, and gather all the pertinent documents, such as title and registration.
Once everything is in order, you can confidently move forward with the process — safe in the knowledge that you’ve prepared your car for sale as best you can.
How Can You Stay Safe From Fraud?
Whether selling a used or new car online, it is important to take extra precautions to make sure you stay safe from scams. Here are some tips for staying safe:
- Make sure any prospective buyer provides valid identification and contact information before you release the vehicle to them.
- Always get payment in full before handing over the keys. Some buyers will want to pay in cash, but if they offer other payment methods, such as a cashier’s check or money order, make sure you verify it is legitimate and valid before releasing the vehicle.
- Don’t agree to any transactions that involve meeting with strangers or overnight shipping of the car. Stick with face-to-face, in-person transactions.
- Be wary of any car buyers who offer an unusually high price for your car or who want to purchase the vehicle without seeing it first. This can be a sign of fraud.
- Make sure you keep records and documentation of both the bill of sale and correspondence with buyers throughout the process, so if anything goes wrong, you have a paper trail to back up your story.
- You also want to be sure to remove your license plate before handing over your car title. For your safety, you don’t want a private party having your license plate number.
By following these safety tips, you can protect yourself and make sure that selling a car online is an enjoyable experience.
The Bottom Line
Knowing how to sell a car online can be both profitable and convenient. You can save yourself time and money by researching the market, setting an attractive price, creating an effective listing, and communicating with potential buyers.
With the right approach and effort, you may be able to maximize your return when selling a vehicle online. Keep in mind that you should always follow safety precautions when meeting with prospective buyers.
And when you’re ready to ship, contact Carvaygo to handle the details for you. They’ll make sure that your car gets to its next home safely, securely, and affordably. With Carvaygo’s world-class customer service, you can rest assured that your vehicle is in good hands.
Feel free to reach out to the experts at Carvaygo if you have any questions about selling a car online or need help with shipping. Their team will be more than happy to assist you for a hassle-free experience.
Sources:
VIN Decoder | NHTSA
Used Cars for Sale Near Me | CarGurus
Instant Used Car Value And Trade In Value | Edmunds
