Tips for Getting the Most Money from Selling an Old Car
Selling an Old Car
The older your car gets, the further its market value will decline. However, with a little effort and some marketing skills, you may be able to get top dollar for your older vehicle.
In some cases, you may be able to sell it for more than its estimated market value.
Have the Vehicle Thoroughly Detailed and Inspected
No matter when your vehicle was manufactured, it will always look better when it has been washed, waxed, and vacuumed.
Furthermore, there is a good chance that whoever buys your car is going to want to know that it has been properly maintained.
The fact that the car has just passed inspection can be used as proof that it runs reasonably well and that you have taken steps to keep it in good condition.
Have Some Idea of Who Your Target Buyer Is
Knowing who your buyer is before you attempt to sell the vehicle can help you create a marketing campaign that will pique that person’s interest.
For instance, if you know that your car is highly sought after by car enthusiasts, you could refer to it in an ad as a collector’s dream purchase.
If you know that the car is hard to find on the open market, you could refer to that when pitching your car to buyers.
Know How to Get Rid of an Old Car Quickly
There are several strategies that you can use to get rid of your car quickly if that is your top priority.
For instance, there are many companies that will pay money for your junk car regardless of its condition.
You can also donate it to a local charity and receive a tax write-off equivalent to its fair market value.
Don’t Forget That Parts Have Value to Buyers Too
While your car as a whole may not be worth a lot of money, its parts may carry significant value on the open market.
Therefore, it may be worth selling individual components to buyers as opposed to attempting to sell the entire vehicle.
Alternatively, you can factor in the value of the engine, clutch, or body when pricing your car or truck.
Selling an older car can be more challenging, since it may not come with advanced safety or technology features that newer ones possess.
However, it may be possible to find someone who is looking for a less expensive car or who is looking for original parts that may be difficult to find.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan
Category: Car Purchase
