How To Sell a Car Online

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Thinking of selling your car on the internet? Make sure you don’t get taken for a ride.

Step 1: Take a picture
Get your car washed and then take a good picture of it with a pleasant background.

Tip
Shooting from the front bumper at an angle provides the best view.

Step 2: Research your car’s value
Look up your car’s value on "www.kelleybluebook.com":kelleybluebook.com and price it accordingly. That’s what many potential buyers will use to determine if your advertised price is fair.

Step 3: Write an ad
Write an ad that includes the make, model, year, engine type, mileage, and price. If the car is in excellent condition and/or gets great gas mileage, say so. But don’t lie to potential buyers; it will just waste your time and theirs.

Tip
Buzz phrases that indicate a well-cared-for car include 'one owner' and 'maintenance records available.'

Step 4: Place the ad
Decide where to place the ad. Choose high-traffic car-selling sites like "edmunds.com":edmunds.com, "carsdirect.com":carsdirect.com, and eBay’s car section.

Step 5: Take precautions
Take an extra precautionary step and weed out con artists whose addresses and phone numbers can't be verified. Check the phonebook and online directories.

Warning
Red flags include the claim that they are representing someone overseas, a lack of interest in seeing your car, and/or odd-sounding pay proposals.

Step 6: Go on test drives
Meet potential buyers at a public place for test drives. Always go with them, and never get out of the car unless you have the keys in your hand.

Step 7: Talk up the car
Seal the deal by pointing out any and all pluses.

Step 8: Get paid first
Wait until you’re paid in full to transfer title of your car. If you receive a check, call the buyer’s bank and ask whether there are enough funds to cover it. Then wait for it to clear. Remember, just because you've deposited a check into your account does not mean that the funds have been transferred.

Did You Know?
Cars advertised with photos sell three times faster than those that aren’t.