How To Sell A Car Online

On December 11, 2023
No Comments
Author - Steve Momot

Selling a car online can seem complicated, and to a certain extent, it is, but it doesn’t have to be!

As a former used car dealer, I probably spent more time online creating ads than doing anything else on the lot.

In this guide, I’ll walk you step-by-step through the process from my experience doing it to earn a living.

Relevant Articles To Read:

Key Steps to Selling Cars Online Successfully

To sell your car online, you’ll need to choose a reputable platform, accurately value your vehicle, create an appealing listing, and safely handle transactions with potential buyers.

Step 1: Preparing Your Car for Sale

Before listing your car online, it’s important to get it ready for potential buyers. This preparation can help you sell your car faster and potentially for a higher price.

Clean and Detail Your Car

A clean, well-maintained car is more appealing to buyers and can command a higher price. Here’s how to get your car looking its best:

Wash and wax the exterior
Clean the wheels and tires
Vacuum and shampoo the interior
Clean the windows inside and out
Remove personal items and clutter
Consider professional detailing for the best results

Make Minor Repairs

Addressing small issues can make a big difference in how buyers look at your car, but don’t go overboard because there is a point where you get diminishing returns on your investment:

Fix any warning lights on the dashboard
Replace worn windshield wipers
Top off fluids
Replace burnt-out bulbs
Fix minor dents or scratches

Gather Important Documents

Having all the necessary paperwork ready will make the process of selling your car much faster:

Vehicle title
Maintenance records (Not always necessary but they help)
Owner’s manual
Bill of sale template
Vehicle history report

Valuing Your Car

Accurately pricing a car can make can be the difference in a quick sale or the phone never even ringing. Here’s how to determine a fair price:

Use online valuation tools like Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guides (And Autohitch)
Check local listings for similar makes and models
Consider your car’s condition, mileage, and any unique features (And be fair in your evaluation)
Factor in your local market conditions (Do you Iive in a big city or Rural area)

Pro tip: Price your car slightly higher than your desired selling price to leave room for negotiation.

Choosing the Right Platform to Sell Your Car Online

There are plenty platforms available for selling cars online. Here are some of the best options:

Site	Price	Offer Duration	Pickup	Offer Flexibility	Paperwork Help
Facebook Marketplace	Highest possible	None, private sales	No	Total flexibility to negotiate	No, all yourself
Carvana	Solid offers	7 days	Yes, included	No negotiation	Yes, handled for you
CarMax	Great value quotes	7 days	At store locations	Little flexibility	Yes, handled for you
Vroom	Lower offers typically	7 days, 250 miles	Yes, included	No negotiation	Yes, handled for you
Craigslist	You set asking price	Until sold	No	Total flexibility to negotiate	No, all yourself

Free Platforms

Facebook Marketplace

Pros: Large user base, free listings
Cons: Potential for scams, less serious buyers

Craigslist

Pros: Free listings, local focus
Cons: Higher risk of scams, less user-friendly interface

OfferUp

Pros: User-friendly app, free listings
Cons: Limited reach in some areas

Paid Platforms

Cars.com

Pros: Large audience, detailed listings
Cons: Fees for listing

AutoTrader

Pros: Established reputation, wide reach
Cons: Higher listing fees

CarGurus

Pros: Price analysis tools, large user base
Cons: Fees for listing

Instant Cash Offer Sites

Carvana

Pros: Quick offers, free pickup
Cons: Potentially lower offers than private sales

CarMax

Pros: No-haggle pricing, quick process
Cons: Offers may be lower than private sales

Vroom

Pros: Online process, free pickup
Cons: May not be available in all areas

When choosing a website, consider factors like your local market, the type of car you’re selling, and how quickly you need to sell.

Creating an Effective Listing

A well-crafted listing can significantly increase your chances of selling your car quickly and for a good price.

Write a Compelling Description

Your car’s description should be honest, detailed, and engaging:

Start with a catchy headline that includes the make, model, and year
Highlight key features and recent upgrades or maintenance
Be upfront about any issues or damage
Include the reason for selling
Use bullet points for easy readability

Take High-Quality Photos

Good photos can make your listing stand out:

Take photos in good lighting, preferably during the “golden hour” just before sunset
Capture exterior shots from multiple angles
Include interior photos, including the dashboard and cargo area
Photograph any unique features or recent upgrades
Don’t forget to snap a picture of the odometer

Unique Strategy: Create a Video Walk-Around

While not commonly done, creating a short video tour of your car can set your listing apart:

Start with an exterior walk-around
Show the interior, including special features
Demonstrate that the car starts and runs smoothly
Highlight any unique selling points

This video can give potential buyers a more comprehensive view of your car and help build trust.

Responding to Inquiries

Once your listing is live, you’ll likely start receiving inquiries. Here’s how to handle them effectively:

Respond promptly to all serious inquiries
Be prepared to answer common questions about the car’s history and condition
Offer additional photos or information if requested
Be honest about any issues with the car
Screen potential buyers by asking questions about their interest and ability to purchase

Safety Tips for Selling Your Car Online

Selling a car online can come with risks. Here are some tips to keep yourself and your property safe:

Meet potential buyers in a public place, preferably during daylight hours
Bring a friend or family member to meetings
Trust your instincts – if something feels off, don’t proceed with the sale
Don’t share personal information like your home address
Be cautious of buyers who are overly eager or pushy
For test drives, meet at a local police station and ask to see the buyer’s driver’s license and insurance

Handling Payment and Paperwork

The final steps of selling your car online involve completing the transaction safely and legally.

Payment Methods

Choose a secure payment method to avoid scams:

Cash (for local transactions)
Cashier’s check (verify with the issuing bank before accepting)
Electronic transfer through a secure service like Zelle or PayPal
Escrow services for high-value cars

Avoid personal checks or money orders, as these can be easily forged.

Completing the Sale

Once you’ve agreed on a price and received payment:

Sign over the title to the new owner
Provide a bill of sale (check your state’s requirements)
Remove your license plates (in most states)
Cancel your car insurance
Notify your local DMV of the sale

Unique Strategies for Selling Your Car Online Fast

While the above tips cover the basics, here are some unique strategies to help your car sell quickly:

Create a Car-Specific Social Media Account For Rare Cars

Set up an Instagram or TikTok account dedicated to your car:

Post regular updates and photos
Share interesting facts or stories about the car
Use relevant hashtags to increase visibility
Engage with car enthusiast communities

This approach can be particularly effective for unique or classic cars.

Offer an Incentive to Stand Out

Stand out from other sellers by offering an unusual perk with the car:

Include a full tank of gas
Throw in a set of custom floor mats
Offer a free car wash service for a year
Include a unique accessory related to the car’s brand or model

Host a Virtual Open House

Instead of individual showings, set up a live stream event:

Announce the date and time on your listing and social media
During the stream, give a thorough tour of the car
Answer questions in real-time from potential buyers
Offer a special “open house” price for attendees

This can create a sense of urgency and competition among buyers.

Leverage Local Car Clubs

If you’re selling a specific make or model, reach out to local car clubs:

Ask if you can post about your car on their forums or social media
Attend a club meeting or event to network with potential buyers
Offer club members a special discount

This targeted approach can help you find buyers who are specifically interested in your type of car.

Now let’s explore popular online sales platforms so you can decide what fits your needs and priorities best:

As you can see, marketplace sites like Facebook and Craigslist offer the highest potential sale prices but require more work.

My Final Thoughts On Selling Cars Online

I hope this guide gave you confidence in how to sell your car online smoothly and successfully! Let me know if any other questions come up during your sale process using the comment section below.

Sources and References:

Steve Momot - Author

Steve, a seasoned expert in the automotive industry, formerly held a car dealer license in Florida. With extensive experience spanning across car trading and mechanical work, he founded Autohitch. His mission? To guide both buyers and sellers through the intricate maze of car purchasing, ensuring a seamless and informed experience. Outside of the automotive world, Steve has a passion for fishing and capturing the beauty of nature through photography.