Need Advice Selling a Used Car?

I haven't sold a used car in many years. What's the simplest way to do that these days when the car is 9 years old and smells like old cigarette smoke? Should I try to sell it online or just take it to Carmax? I'd like to get a fair amount for it but don't need to get the best deal ever for it. Advice?

 

If you just want to sell it, carmax. No hassles and you'll get a fair, but below market price. Easy way to get rid of usedcar. If your feeling generous, then you could donate it to an organization of your choice,American vets, etc....good luck!

 

Carmax does tend to be the fastest and easiest, but you also "pay" for it in that they don't give you as much as someone else would.

Selling it yourself allows you to price it how you want, but you tend to have to wait a long time for the right buyer.

Trading it in on a new car is not a bad idea nowadays - dealers are having a tough time in the bad economy too and might be willing to make some deals. The value of your trade can be an extra point of negotiation.

Remember that Cash for Clunkers took a bunch of used cars off the road, so as a result, prices for used cars have gone up significantly. Many dealers are offering 125% of Kelley Blue Book on used cars, so use that as your benchmark.

 

Thanks for the responses. The car is my mother's and she can no longer drive it. Normally I would try to get the most I could when selling a used car but in this case easy would be good.

 

May I ask what kind it is and what you might want?

 

2003 Ford Taurus SES 4 door
50,761 miles
white exterior
automatic transmission
Radio w/CD player
Strong cigarette smoke smell

I don't know if technically I'm allowed to sell it here since a) this isn't the for sale forum and b) I live in Ashburn Village, not Broadlands.

But still... Asking around $6,000

 

Hmmm... Kelley Blue Book valued it at around $6,000 but Edmunds prices it around $5,000 or less.

 

You could throw it up on Craigslist, but just be prepared for the inevitable scammers. Carmax isn't a bad option. They will usually offer something between trade-in and wholesale value. Might be worth just seeing what they offer. Anyway to "febreeze" out that smoke smell?

 

get a carfax and rub bounce sheets all over the upholstery!

 

A year and a half or so ago, I took my car to Carmax, got a quote. I had also put it up on Craigslist. I was lucky to find a buyer who was specifically looking for a volkswagen. I was able to sell it within 48 hours of posting the Craigslist ad, and got a fairly decent price above the carmax offer.

The challenge with Craigslist is that it is a hit or miss, plan posting your during mid week to attract weekend shoppers. Be prepared to be flexible with your schedule for potential buyers who will want to come and test drive, haggle, etc. If you'd rather not deal with the hassle, Carmax is the way to go.

If you are selling it yourself, make sure safety/emissions inspection is up to date.. as in - it has been renewed recently. Also check VA DMV site for the process, I think I had to print and fill out an invoice or something of that sort for the buyer/seller to sign and agree upon etc.

Good luck!