There is a lot of information available on the internet these days on how to go about
purchasing the best car. Buying a car is an exciting phase and the research and
planning can also be an enjoyable chore. But when it comes to disposing off the
vehicle, the experience can be a cumbersome one.
Doing this on one’s own can be time consuming and quite a hassle. Exposure to a
potential buyer base and the knowledge to deal with the formalities are the prime
hurdles for an individual seller. Hence, more often than not, the seller is dependent
on car dealers and agents to effect a sale. The downside with that is that getting a
middleman in between means being ready to forego some of the sales proceeds as
commission or, in some cases, a margin being kept by the dealer.
So how can an individual strive to sell his car for the maximum price possible? A few
pointers in this regard can mean all the difference between a difficult sale or a lower
price and a smooth transaction at the optimal price. Let’s take a look at the steps
involved in the process of selling one’s car.
Paperwork to be complete:
Even before considering a sale, it should be ensured that all the paperwork related
to the vehicle is in perfect order. Checking this at this stage itself will avoid any
hurdles to the talks later. If any documents are missing or incomplete, steps should
be taken to put things in order before attempting the sale. The documents that need
to be in order include, firstly, the registration papers. Also needed is an insurance
cover, both for the vehicle and third party, which is not expired. Another document
that needs to be available is the pollution checked certificate.
Vehicle’s condition:
One of the surefire ways of ensuring the maximum price for your car is to have a
vehicle that is in top condition. It goes without saying that regular service, a good
driving technique and good care results in the car being in the best of shapes. But,
it will also do to have your car inspected thoroughly by a qualified mechanic just
before putting it up for sale. This will also avoid any embarrassing issues being
pointed out by the buyer and his mechanic. Besides the mechanical and electrical
check-up, the car should also be cleaned and looking good cosmetically. Dents and
scratches should be mended, the seats and the insides cleared of smudges and
marks and a coat of polish for the exterior should be given. Finally, parts like the
battery should be in working condition, new or fairly new tyres should be clad and
the exterior should get a good, shiny polish.
Reaching out to potential buyers
Now it is time to find your potential buyer. For this, marketing your car through
a well written and presented advertisement is important. The seller needs to
be transparent and honest about the condition of the vehicle while also putting
forward the desirable aspects of the car. Points like any new accessories (tyres,
battery, music system etc.) installed or any enhancements made (costlier audio
parts, anti-rust treatment done, leather seats etc.) should be amplified for good
effect. Similarly, any shortcomings like accidents that took place or parts that
are not working should also be up fronted. If the car has been driven only by one
person, it is a good sales point. Likewise, if it is a second sale, that should not be
concealed.
The ad can be inserted in the leading auto sites and forums which attract the most
number of auto enthusiasts and potential customers.