If you want to sell a vehicle through a private sale, there are some things that are important to know before you place your ad. According to Kelley Blue Book, private sales net the highest profit.
One of the most important things is to research all the vehicle sales laws in your state and county. You do not want to make a mistake that can come back and bite you later.
Gather and prepare all the paperwork such as title, registration, insurance, and lien release also have bill of sale forms available.
Create a vehicle history report detailing when you purchased the vehicle, maintenance, repairs, and damage.
Research the value of the vehicle you are selling by checking other local vehicle prices, Kelley Blue Book, NADA Guide, and even Ebay or Craigslist.
Clean the vehicle completely, removing personal belongings, parking stickers, etc. Take photographs that show the vehicle to its best.
If you plan to sell your vehicle online, such as through craigslist, make sure you know what scams are out there, so you can reduce your risks. Placing an ad online at craigslist is free, once you sign up for an account, and reaches a larger potential audience than a local ad. You may choose to advertise in more than one location to increase your chances of finding a buyer. Be honest in your listing, with the positives first and problems second. Expect to negotiate, so do not put the lowest price you are willing to accept as your asking price, but have that price in mind. Do not let people bully or push you around with promises and sad stories – this is a business deal not a personal ad.