Car dealerships across the U.S. collectively sell more than 38,000 cars each day. That’s pretty impressive and results in approximately 14 million vehicles being sold each year.

The issue may arise if you are trying to sell your older vehicle. Older models of vehicles aren’t always as appealing as the newer, shinier options at dealerships. While this is true, it doesn’t mean there’s no hope for you to sell your old car.

If you want to know how to sell an old car fast, then you are in the right place. Use the tips and information to easily and quickly unload your vehicle – regardless of year, condition, or mileage.

Get Your Paperwork Together

It doesn’t matter how old your car is, you are going to need certain paperwork on hand to sell it. This is something you need to do before you try to sell your vehicle.

Take a minute to gather the paperwork listed here:

A Vehicle History Report

As a seller, it’s always a good idea to be proactive. As a result, order your vehicle history report to show any potential buyer.

This also helps you answer any possible questions a buyer may have. For example, the report is going to let you know if the vehicle has been in any accidents and how many owners it has had.

The Car’s Title

Commonly referred to as a “pink slip” (think back to “Grease” as a reference), this is what gives you the legal right to sell your car. Make sure you have it on hand.

Visit the DMV

It’s a good idea to visit your state’s department of motor vehicles to find out what paperwork is needed to transfer the ownership of your vehicle. There are some forms you can download and print online. Also, find out if the license plates will go with the car after you sell it.

Do Some Research

You know about depreciation, right? How the value of a vehicle drops significantly once it is driven off the lot? Depreciation continues with each year that passes.

If you want to sell your old car fast, then you need to do research as soon as possible to find out how much it is worth. Some of the factors that are going to play a role in the vehicle’s worth include age, mileage, condition, repairs, etc.

It may be a good idea to get an online quote before trying to sell it. This is a great way to determine what your car is currently worth.

Improve Your Car’s “Curb Appeal”

When someone comes to see your vehicle, you want them to see it and say (or think), “it looks great!” That’s what’s meant by curb appeal.

While it’s not necessary to fix every single scratch and dent in the vehicle, it is a good idea to vacuum and wash the car and take out all the junk you have collected through the years. Getting a professional detail is even smarter if you have the time and money to do so.

Be sure to pay attention to the details a potential buyer is going to see as they approach the vehicle and get inside. You want to ensure the positive impact continues, even as they take it for a test drive. Make sure the buyer can picture the car being their own.

Take Quality Pictures

If you plan to sell your car online, this step can’t be skipped. Make sure you take quality pictures to generate interest in the vehicle you are trying to sell.

It’s a good idea to take the car out of the garage and park it somewhere bright. This is going to help you capture better pictures.

There are several parts of the car you need to show in the pictures. Some of the most important include:

  • The front, sides, and rear
  • A full image of the car
  • Close-ups of any scratches or dents
  • The interior (floor, seats, dashboard, etc.)

Take some time when capturing these pictures. Also, only take them after your car is cleaned up.

Create a Good Ad

Creating a good advertisement to help sell your vehicle is a pretty simple process. While this is true, it’s still extremely important. After all, this is what’s going to let a buyer know if they are interested in the vehicle you have for sale.

Some of the things you need to include in your ad are:

  • Make and model
  • The photos you took
  • If you bought it new or used
  • Mileage
  • If it is running or for parts
  • Repair history and repairs it needs now
  • Asking price

You should also let potential buyers know if you are firm on your price, or if you are willing to consider offers. Either is fine, but it’s a good idea to let buyers know this as they are looking at the ad.

How to Sell an Old Car: Now You Know

If you are wondering how to sell an old car, the tips here should give you a good idea of how to get started. Take some time to get the car ready and ensure that you put your best foot forward when presenting it to the world.

When you take the time to do this, you are going to find that attracting buyers is much easier than you imagined. It’s also going to make it easier for you to get the original asking price you posted for the vehicle.

Believe it or not, selling an old car doesn’t have to be a long or drawn out process. By using the steps here, you will find it’s easy to sell any car, regardless of make, model, age, or condition.