Though it’s tempting to simply head to the dealership and trade your car in for the sake of convenience, trading in could cost you. When cars are traded in at a dealership; the dealership only has two things it can do with them. For dealerships with used car lots, the newest and most in-demand models that have been traded in will go up for sale.
The rest of the cars will be sold for a minimal profit at an auction. Because dealerships know they won’t make much money for your car, they will always offer you below fair market value for your vehicle. Plus, you may have to pay for the cost of towing it to the dealership yourself!
Should you choose to find a private buyer for your car, you may find once again that the ease of doing so depends on your car’s condition. For starters, cars that don’t run or have been returned by your insurer with a salvage title after being totaled will require you to find a buyer licensed to purchase salvage titles.
No matter what your car’s condition, finding a private buyer, and negotiating your own sale can be a big responsibility. While you may have more control over the pricing set for your car than at a dealership, selling privately once again introduces the likelihood that you’ll be paying for towing and title fees yourself.
If this all sounds discouraging, don’t worry. There’s an easy and safe way to sell your car that doesn’t even involve leaving your own house! You can sell your car online as long as you have access to a smartphone or computer and an Internet connection.
Is Selling a Car Online Safe?
Though most of us have grown accustomed to online transactions in our day to day lives, many drivers still find themselves hesitant to buy or sell cars online. While the traditional environment of the dealership showroom may feel more familiar, the financial risk of taking an unnecessary loss on your car simply isn’t worth it.
Beyond the fact that online resources are better equipped to offer competitive pricing for your car, it’s one of the safest ways you can sell. There’s a lot of variation in what resources are available for drivers looking to sell their car online, but many are able to serve as intermediaries that guarantee buyers are safe and that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure a complete sale.
Getting Ready to Sell
Believe it or not, your online sale will move pretty fast. Your best bet is to prepare everything you need ahead of time to make sure you can sell your car as soon as you find a quote that makes you happy.
The first (and optional) step to take is to give yourself an understanding of how much your car is worth in the first place. If it’s still newer or running well, try a site like Kelley Blue Book. If your car is very old, no longer running, or totaled, KBB won’t help.
Instead, look at cars of your make and model on car auction websites to see how much they’re selling for. This will give you a closer estimate of your car’s value, though the specific nature of any damage to your car and local markets may impact this.
Next, you’ll need to make sure any and all personal belongings have been removed from the car. Don’t forget places like side compartments in your doors or your seatback pockets. Then, take some clear pictures of your car.
Get a variety of angles, include any damage, and try to have your photoshoot on a sunny day. Then, write down your car’s Vehicle Identification Number. This 17 digit number unique to your car will be necessary for you to get an accurate quote.
The last bit of preparation you’ll need to make is to make sure you’ve got your title on hand. A common misconception is that title transfer is only necessary if the car is going to stay on the road, but this isn’t true at all.
Not only does a title verify to your buyer that you have legal permission to sell your car, transferring your title ensures you won’t be legally or financially responsible for the car once it’s left your possession. If you can’t find your title, call the DMV nearest you about obtaining a copy.
Get An Offer With JunkCarMasters
Once your car is empty and you’ve got your title, visit JunkCarMasters.com to get your free quote. JunkCarMasters partners you with reputable car buyers in your area who are prepared to offer top dollar for your car, no matter what shape it’s in. Salvage buyers know better than anyone that your car is still worth money as scrap, even if it can’t drive anymore.
To get a quote with JunkCarMasters, simply upload the pictures you took earlier and your car’s VIN. You’ll get your free quote in just 90 seconds!
Your quote is always guaranteed and locked in for seven days. If you have any questions, our buyers can be contacted by email, phone, text, or our on-site instant messaging system.
Once you’re happy with your quote, hit accept and schedule your free pickup. Towing and title transfer are always included, guaranteeing you make the most money possible for your clunker.
Pickup is always on your schedule, just set a date and time that works best for you. Towing can be scheduled within 24-48 hours of accepting your quote! Sell your car with JunkCarMasters today.
It’s a Quick and Easy Process
Vehicle Details
Provide us with your vehicle’s details and a picture if asked.
Offer
Request your guaranteed offer from us online.
Accept
Accept the offer if you’re happy with it.
Get Paid
In 24-48 hrs, you will get paid and have your car towed for free!