Putting your car up for sale can be stressful and tiring. Unless you’re selling a highly sought-after car model and in top condition, you may find it challenging to get your vehicle off the market. Apart from the saturated second-hand market, when auto buyers run to second-hand shops, they often look for better vehicle options. So imagine how you’d fare when offering a vehicle in poor condition.
But the good news is you can still sell your vehicle, no matter its condition. Whether suffering from a blown engine or a faulty transmission, you can always find someone who’d be interested in paying for it, if you know where to look.
1. Look For Serious Buyers
There are a few ways to offer your car on the market. You can list it on online platforms, have it traded in some establishments, or offer it to vehicle shops.
On some platforms, it can be easy to get scammed by swindlers, who are always out to get your money and property. The key is to find top platforms with the most serious buyers or those that guarantee an efficient conflict service in case things go wrong.
Just like home buying firms, there are vehicle shops, such as m3commercials and similar companies, that buy, sell, and trade cars. Offering your vehicle this way can help take the burden off your shoulders. Some vehicle mechanics or enthusiasts may need specific car parts or have the passion to restore your vehicle.
2. Describe The Car Honestly
Be honest in citing the problems your car has, especially when selling the unit in an ‘as-is’ condition. This is true in all vehicle selling transactions, but more so when offering a car in poor condition and dealing with online car buyers.
In your description post, identify the main selling points and the issues later, and don’t just focus on its flaws and deficiencies. Buyers understand it’s a used car and it’s not going to be perfect. Inform potential buyers of the minor and major problems or the reasons it’s not operational, if such is the case.
3. Clean Your Car Thoroughly
Despite its poor physical conditions, you may draw in buyers who want the vehicle for something else, particularly those who are only after its engine. As a matter of fact, some high mileage cars can be sold for good prices.
But whatever the purpose of the buyer is, it shouldn’t keep you from thoroughly washing your car or cleaning its exterior. A few small touches can go a long way, such as shining the wheels and applying wax on the exterior. Remember, a clean vehicle means a vehicle that’s well taken care of.
4. Determine A Good Price
Due diligence is needed in coming up with an ideal price for your vehicle. First, you’d have to find out how much it sells in the second-hand market if it were in good condition. Next, call repair shops to see how much they charge for replacement or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) versions of the faulty parts, including the labor costs. Whatever’s left will be the final price for your vehicle.
5. Advertise Your Used Car Properly
Get your vehicle to sell faster by posting it online. You can use your social media accounts and other online platforms to reach a high number of potential buyers. If you want to take the traditional route, you can have flyers printed about your used car sale.
When listing online, include a detailed description of the car. Most buyers are curious to find out about the make and model, release year, and some modifications that may be of interest to vehicle enthusiasts. Again, don’t forget to mention the flaws of the car but don’t focus on them. Also, state if your vehicle and some of the parts are still covered by warranty. You may also want to attach clear, high-resolution, and close-up photos.
For privacy purposes and to deter potential criminals from taking interest in your property, it’s best not to give your complete address nor show the license plate. You may, however, state the car inspection hours and schedule.
6. Offer Your Car To A Used Car Part Shop
If your vehicle is really in bad shape but you need to dispose of it as soon as possible, consider getting in contact with vehicle garage shops. These stores buy and sell used car parts, and they may be interested in purchasing your vehicle and the spare parts inside. But only do this if your vehicle is beyond repair or isn’t meant for driving. Once the car is in their possession, these shops will take them apart and just keep the important items.
7. Consider Checking Out Junkyards
A trip to the junkyard or a car removal company can also provide you an opportunity to sell your junk vehicle. Unlike a car part garage, these firms would earn income from selling your car’s metal parts. Before having your car compressed, they can likewise keep the workable parts in your vehicle. For this reason, they might offer you a more decent price as compared to used vehicle part shops.
8. Check Your State’s Lemon Laws
Generally speaking, lemon laws refer to laws that offer protection to consumers who inadvertently purchase goods, particularly vehicles, that are not at par with the quality and standards expected of such commodities.
These laws are different from state to state, so check what your local laws say. Typically, sellers will have to disclose any information about the existing and potential issues a vehicle or any similar products may have. In some states, a buyer is guaranteed a full refund or a replacement vehicle for units purchased in brand new condition. Used cars are also normally covered, but they’re not under the same terms as with new units.
9. Don’t Allow Negotiations Unless The Buyer Has Seen The Car
When dealing with online or out-of-town buyers, it can be tempting to talk to them about the price online. This may not be a good idea as you may be dealing with either a low baller or scammer. Persons overly concerned about the price may also be car buyers and sellers who want to get the lowest price to have maximum profit. When contacted by a potential buyer for the price, tell them you’re flexible but can only entertain negotiations after the inspection.
The Wrap-Up
You can sell a vehicle with major issues if you know where to look and how to offer it to potential buyers. However, prepare yourself for an exhausting journey as it would take a lot of work in completing your advertisement, filtering inquiries and responding to them, as well as negotiating with interested buyers. If you want to get rid of these tiring activities, transact with nontraditional buyers, as discussed in this article.
Selling your vehicle is poor condition can be tricky. However, one thing that can boost your chance of sale is getting a valid roadworthy certificate. Not only is this required but also shows that your car is safe for the roads. Don’t worry about failing your roadworthy inspection, they’re easy to pass and if you do fail you’ll get 14 days to fix any issues before getting a free inspection. To find out more about this, click here.
