Do’s and Don’ts When Selling a Car
Do’s and Don’ts When Selling Your Car in Eugene, OR
Navigating the sale or trade-in of a car may feel overwhelming, as the search for the right buyer is often riddled with obstacles. Here at Volkswagen Eugene, we want to share a few do’s and don’ts when selling or trading in your car. With a little preparation, you can enjoy a seamless transaction and secure an excellent price for your vehicle. Keep reading for more information!
DO: Find out Your Vehicle’s Value
Before you sell your car, ensure you understand its fair market value. Without a good idea of what your vehicle is worth, you may end up pricing your ride inaccurately, and as a result, underestimate the final payout you’ll receive. Reputable third-party sites such as Kelley Blue Book® or Edmunds are great resources — just enter in your vehicle’s year, make and model to receive an online appraisal.
After you’ve received your first offer, compare it with the online appraisal you were quoted. In some instances, the offer could be lower than what your vehicle is actually worth. If this is the case, counter with a price that aligns with its market value and see if the buyer accepts. If the buyer refuses to proceed, don’t let him or her talk you into a deal that’s not in your favor. Always remember — you can walk away at any time!
Looking to trade in instead? Get multiple trade appraisals from various dealers to ensure you find the best price for your car. At Volkswagen Eugene, discover the value of your trade on our website in a few minutes.
DO: Put Your Vehicle in the Spotlight
This is your car’s opportunity to shine! Help your vehicle put its best foot forward in a few easy steps. Wash and detail your car, thoroughly vacuum its interior and remove any customizations (like stickers and decals) before showcasing it. Don’t forget to include a clear and detailed description if you decide to share it online. First impressions count — you want your vehicle to stand out to potential buyers in the best way possible.
DON’T: Overdo the Repairs
What repairs should you make before selling your car? All the standard routine maintenance — get your oil changed, ensure your tires are in good working condition and check to see if your battery is charged. Taking care of small issues like these will help your car command a higher price. For major repairs like an engine or transmission replacement, we recommend selling your vehicle as is. You don’t want to be left with an eye-watering repair bill just to have your car sell for only slightly more than it would have without the repairs.
DON’T: Conceal Information From Potential Buyers
Disclose any and all important information about your vehicle when selling. You may assume that omitting details will help your car appeal to potential buyers, but honesty is the best policy. Include details such as the condition of your car and what repairs are needed in any online or in-person descriptions — make sure your pricing reflects this as well. In addition, don’t use verbiage such as “limited-time availability” if this is not true. If the truth comes out, you’ll appear desperate, and even if a buyer agrees to proceed with the deal, it might negatively affect your interactions.
DO: Provide Records
Having service records on hand will help reassure potential buyers of your vehicle’s condition, especially if extensive repairs have been made. To get a full picture of your car’s history, simply pull its CARFAX® report.
DO: Complete all the Paperwork
Once you’ve found a buyer and are ready to finalize the deal, don’t overlook the essential paperwork. Forms differ from state to state, so check with your local DMV to find the documents that allow the transfer of title ownership and release from liability once the sale is complete. Both you and the buyer have to finish the necessary paperwork in order for the sale to be considered valid. If not, you could be held responsible for any future repairs if the buyer ends up in a collision. This can be prevented if both parties schedule a time to complete the necessary paperwork together. Bear in mind that selling or trading your car at a dealership removes this inconvenience for you — bring your car to our dealership and we’ll take care of all the paperwork for you!
If you have any questions about what you need to do before selling or trading in a car, please feel free to contact us or stop by Volkswagen Eugene at 89320 N. Game Farm Rd., Eugene, OR 97408. We look forward to serving our customers from Springfield, Salem, Roseburg and Albany.