Whether you’re planning to buy a new car, need some extra cash, or just no longer need your vehicle, selling it is the perfect option. However, selling your car privately does require some preparation to make sure you’re protected and getting the best deal. Below are a few simple tips to help you if you’re thinking about selling your car or another motor vehicle yourself.
Research
The first place to start is to make sure you’re carrying out some research regarding the make of your car and how much you should be selling it for second-hand, especially if you’re not an individual who has a keen interest in cars generally. Compare prices that other people are selling the same model (or something similar) for to give you a good idea of what seems to be the average asking price. It’s also a good idea to see if you can find selling tips and tricks for a specific vehicle, such as selling a touring caravan, for example, as this advice might be more useful for your needs.
Use Websites
Posting your vehicle on relevant websites that are designed for private sellers is also a good idea. You can use more general sites like Gumtree, Craigslist, and even Facebook, but it might be a better idea to use websites that are specifically for selling motor vehicles as you are more likely to attract serious buyers this way. You can find some examples of the best sites to sell cars here.
Think About Hiring a Storage Unit
This might be an additional cost, but you should at least consider hiring a storage unit for your vehicle while you’re waiting to sell it. This is because if you are meeting with potential buyers who want to look at the vehicle, keeping it at your home means inviting a lot of strangers onto your private property, which could be a potential security risk for you. There could be individuals masquerading as an interested buyer who is using the opportunity to scope out your house or to steal the car itself. A storage unit for your vehicle will guarantee security not only for your car but to keep people away from your residence.
Tell the DVLA
You should also notify the DVLA (or your country’s equivalent) that you’re selling your vehicle so that any unexpired vehicle tax can be refunded to you. You’ll also need to provide them with the details of the registration certificate that goes with the vehicle in question, or if you don’t have this, write to them quoting the vehicle registration mark, make and model, and the date of the sale. You should also hand over any relevant paperwork to the buyer when you close the sale.
Don’t Let People Test Drive the Vehicle Alone
It’s understandable why buyers will want to test drive the vehicle in question, but never let them do this alone because they could be a thief looking to take advantage. If you’re uneasy about getting into the car with a stranger, ask a trusted friend or relative to come with you when you’re meeting a buyer so they can get in with you if they do ask for a test drive.
If you’re planning on selling a motor vehicle privately, use these tips to help you get the best deal and to stay safe during the process.
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