What You Need to Know About Selling Your Used Car

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Used Cars for Sale

Do you have a used car to sell, but don't know where to start?  We'll, you've come to the right place! This lens will provide valuable information and useful websites to assist you in selling your used car.  I will also include some fun car facts, videos, photos and other cool stuff.

Yahoo! Autos

Used Cars on Wikipedia 

A used car, also known as a pre-owned vehicle and second hand car, is a vehicle that has previously had one or more owners. Used cars are sold through franchise and independent dealers, rental car companies, leasing companies, auctions and private party sales.

Advertising Your Car For Sale in the Local Newspaper 

Even with the growth of online classifieds, advertising your car for sale in the local newspaper is still the most effective selling platform. Having your advertisment viewed by hundreds to thousands of local buyers is the key to selling your vehicle. And, car dealers agree! The newspaper is still the number one advertising medium for auto dealers.

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Source: Automotive Executive (NADA Data)-National Auto Dealers Association.

You can now include free online photos with your print listing! Our service is fast and simple to use. No registration or password required - photos are online in minutes. Combine the strength of a local market with an online presence and sell your car faster!

Click here for more information on how to obtain your own free newspaper photo link.

Car Care Products 

Mr. Clean AutoDry ProSeries Car Wash Kit Bonus Pack

Terrific product, had my doubts about the spot free rinse and no drying but this product works!
-A Satisfied Customer

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

Makita 9227CX3 7-Inch Electronic Sander-Polisher with Polishing Kit

Great polisher, easy to use, plenty of power. I would highly recomend the polisher to anyone.
-An Amazon Review

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $194.10 (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

Shop-Vac 971-02-00 1-1/2-Gallon 2 HP Wet/Dry Vacuum

Small, light weight/very portable and powerful! This is a great little vacuum for multiple uses.
-A Product Review

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

Dent Out Cross Bar Ding Repair Kit

I got this dent repair kit today and can highly recommend it: it pulled the dent almost completely out so that now you have to look for the damage to see it.
-An Amazon Review

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $34.95 (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

Useful Links 

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AutoTrader
Features classified listings and other information on U.S. used cars, trucks, and vans including car care, warranties, loans, and more.
Cars.com
Features access to automotive classifieds and dealers, price info, news and reports, performance data, and more for new and used cars.
Kelley Blue Book
Kelley Blue Book provides retail, private party, and trade-in Blue Book values on new and used cars, trucks, and vans, including invoice and MSRP.
Cars Direct
Offers pricing reports and detailed listings to aid with buying or selling of used cars online.
Autobytel
Offers used car prices, descriptions, pictures, and specs.
Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports provides ratings of used cars, used car reviews and a used car buying guide.
NADA Guides
Get NADA used car prices, including trade-in and retail values.
CARFAX
Vehicle history reports
CarMax
More than 25,000 new and used cars to chose from.

Fun Car Accessories! 

Tools & Equipment 

Black & Decker VEC026BD Electromate 400 Jump-Starter with Built-In Air Compressor

This Electromate 400 saved me serveral times I will never be with out another one. Love it.
-A Satisfied Customer

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $119.99 (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

Q Industries MV50 SuperFlow Hi-Volume Air Compressor

Just yesterday I got out to my car to find a tire about 80% flat. Within 5 minutes the tire was fully inflated. Saved on having to deal with my spare. High highly recommend this item to everyone.
-A Recommendation

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $61.50 (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

Car Selling Tips 

  • Curb appeal is not just for home sales! Many times a potential buyer will make up their mind to purchase your vehicle or not within the first few minutes. Therefore, your car should be in tip top condition when you are ready to show it. This includes completely cleaning out the interior and giving it a good wash and wax. Consider throwing in a free car wash booklet from your local car center to sweeten the deal!


  • Make any low-cost repairs you can. If possible, have your local mechanic issue a report on it's condition. If your vehicle is due for an oil change, be sure to also take care of that before you put you car up for sale.


  • Gather the paperwork on your vehicle including the title and all maintenance records to show to prospective buyers. Order a CARFAX report to show to buyers to prove the title is clean and the odometer reading is accurate.


  • Advertise your vehicle for sale by placing an ad in your local newspaper and putting up flyers on local bulletin boards. Display a for sale sign in your car. And, remember, neatness counts! Be sure to write your phone number big and clear to avoid someone incorrectly jotting the number down. This could lead to a lost sale. You may want to record a special message on your answering machine in case you miss a call from a potential buyer. If possible, leave an alternate number where you can be reached.


  • Write your classified ad. If you are eager to sell your car, it is recommended to input 'OBO' (or best offer) in your ad. This lets potential buyers know that you will entertain all offers. If you are not willing to negotiate, include the word 'Firm'. Be sure to include as many features as you can in your ad to entice buyers.


  • Price Your Vehicle. Check the Kelley Blue Book value for your vehicle as well as view other ads listed in the newspaper for similar vehicles. This will give you an idea of what a good asking price will be for your car. By doing this, you will increase your chances of selling your car for what it is worth and also remain competitive in the market.


  • Show your car. It is important to make a good impression. Buyers will be evaluating you as well as the vehicle. Also, if a person wants to test drive the car (and most will), be sure they have a valid driver's license. If you feel the person is shady or you feel uncomfortable with them, you can decline the offer or go along on the test drive with them. For safety reasons, it is important to always have someone with you when showing your car to potential buyers.


  • Negotiate the best price you can from your buyer. If their highest offer is lower than you would like to accept, take down their name and number and let them know you may call them if you do not receive any other offers.
  • Roadside Emergency Kits 

    Hey, when you drive a used car, it is good to have one of these on hand! ;)

    Justin Case 37-Piece Road Rescue Kit - Blue

    This is a great gift for a used car owner. Very handy.
    -An Amazon Recommendation

    Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

    Amazon Price: (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

    Vintage Car Sales Commercial 

    Old car sales

    Here's the multi-talented Jack O'Brien pitching cars for a famous dealership back in the day. A classic B&W TV ad selling old 60's used cars. Jumpin' Jack is alive and well in Tenn.

    Runtime: 1:00
    33583 views
    10 Comments:

    powered by YouTube

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    Recommended Books 

    Auto Upkeep: Basic Car Care

    I would recommend Auto Upkeep to any car owner out there.
    -A Customer Review

    Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

    Amazon Price: $16.29 (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

    Recipes for Car Care: Guide to Auto Health

    What a great idea! Car repair, even in small doses can be very intimidating. Recipes for Car Care takes the mystery out of the most simple procedures...things that will come up for all of us that own cars.
    -A Satisfied Buyer

    Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

    Amazon Price: $31.95 (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

    Auto Repair For Dummies

    This text offers great information on how to maintain and repair your car for beginners and intermediate level self-proclaimed mechanics.
    -A Book Review

    Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

    Amazon Price: (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

    Car Smarts: An Easy-to-Use Guide to Understanding Your Car and Communicating with Your Mechanic

    This book is great. It covers all the main points with money saving tips. This book has it all and it explains it in a very easy no fuss way with hundreds of diagrams.
    -An Amazon Review

    Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

    Amazon Price: (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

    Used Car Humor 

    Here is a guide to help you decode the real truth behind those classified car ads.
    "What the ad says" - "What it actually means."

    Must sell - Before it blows up.
    Same Owner For Last 20 Years - I'd never dream of selling it unless it was as bad as it is.
    Hurry, Won't Last - Neither will the car.
    Always Garaged - Embarrassed to leave it outside.
    Family Owned - Driven by 6 teenagers
    Frame-off Restoration - The body actually rusted right off the frame.
    Appraised at $29,000 - By me.
    Needs Nothing - Except a tow truck.
    Project Car - I can't figure out how to finish it, and I doubt you will either.

    Click here to view the complete list!

    ____________________________________________________

    Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
    Cheap car!

    ____________________________________________________

    CHEAP USED CAR FOR SALE
    '74 Ford Mustang II - $500

    This was a car I bought about a year ago, just to get around town with.
    That's about all it's good for, too: just to get around town with.

    It runs ok and the tires are pretty new, but that's about it. It has no
    radio, the acceleration is sluggish, the clutch is sticky, the back-hood
    door latch doesn't work (you must prop it up with a stick), and its gas
    mileage is probably no better than about 10-15 miles per gallon (it takes
    regular gas). In general, its an American car, made during the time when
    American cars were built VERY poorly (no comments about present-day
    conditions, please!).

    The $500 price quoted above is just because all my friends tell me that a
    running car MUST be worth at least $500. (Note: none of these so-called
    friends has offered to buy the car!) I suppose I'll bargain with you to
    lower the price. If you can sing well, or if your sister is pretty and
    has a pleasant personality, this may be significant in reducing the price.

    Please call me (Dan) at either XXX-XXXX or else XXX-YYYY if you're
    interested.

    Courtesy of NetFunny.com

    Have a Used Car Selling Story to Share 

    Or just want to say 'Hi'?

    clickapost wrote...

    Sorry for submitting twice. There was a problem when submitting my comment.

    ReplyPosted February 11, 2009

    clickapost wrote...

    Very informative lens. 5 stars! I'd like to let you all know about another Online Classifieds site called www.Clickapost.com. It would be nice to see it added to your lens. One of the great things about this site is that they allow the users to use VIDEO to sell their items. Users can post items on Clickapost and even link to them on Craigslist. Users can also leave comments on posts and rate users which allows you to get some background and feedback on buyers and sellers. It's still in Beta and we have come a long way since going live in June. It's great for selling higher profile items where the seller would like to show more details about an item. It's great for selling properties, cars, advertising a service, or just watching some videos. Best part is that, IT's FREE!! To find out more, check out our lens at http://www.squidoo.com/clickapost or go to www.clickapost.com.

    Can't wait till the Video Personals start to get popular. :)

    ReplyPosted February 11, 2009

    clickapost wrote...

    Very informative lens. 5 stars! I'd like to let you all know about another Online Classifieds site called www.Clickapost.com. It would be nice to see it added to your lens. One of the great things about this site is that they allow the users to use VIDEO to sell their items. Users can post items on Clickapost and even link to them on Craigslist. Users can also leave comments on posts and rate users which allows you to get some background and feedback on buyers and sellers. It's still in Beta and we have come a long way since going live in June. It's great for selling higher profile items where the seller would like to show more details about an item. It's great for selling properties, cars, advertising a service, or just watching some videos. Best part is that, IT's FREE!! To find out more, check out our lens at http://www.squidoo.com/clickapost or go to www.clickapost.com.

    Can't wait till the Video Personals start to get popular. :)

    ReplyPosted February 11, 2009

    Lensmaster

    maryluaggo

    Sorry- Here's the actual free classified car ads website! http://stumblehere.com/search/subject-for sale/search_where-city/section-44/.

    ReplyPosted July 18, 2008

    Lensmaster

    maryluaggo

    free classified ads

    ReplyPosted July 18, 2008

    Lensmaster

    maryluaggo

    Informative lens, thanks! Here's a great free classified car ads website: free classified car ads

    ReplyPosted July 18, 2008

    BoosterMan wrote...

    Car Classifieds

    ReplyPosted July 14, 2008

    BoosterMan wrote...

    Used Cars for Sale - How to Sell Car

    ReplyPosted July 05, 2008

    BoosterMan wrote...

    Useful Tips , also you can find some usefull tips on this website http://www.sell-mycars.com

    ReplyPosted July 05, 2008

    wyang wrote...

    You should add EasyAutoSales.com to the list of classifieds. It's a free service that also allows unlimited pictures for selling your used car.

    ReplyPosted June 16, 2008

    Robert_Wisconsin_preowned wrote...

    "Needs Nothing - Except a tow truck."
    lol...
    good thing there are good lenses like yours to avoid this from happening. I have a site on preowned vehicles that you may find interesting.
    thanks!

    ReplyPosted June 03, 2008

    Cinetech wrote...

    Great advice, very useful info! Top rating!

    ReplyPosted June 02, 2008

    merriweather wrote...

    Very helpful lens, thanks!

    ReplyPosted April 15, 2008

    mrsjordanjr wrote...

    Great advice. Thanks!

    ReplyPosted November 26, 2007

    ShortSaleRealtor wrote...

    great lens 5 stars 4 u

    ReplyPosted November 13, 2007

    by Aldric_Chang

    Aldric Chang is a creative businessman who is active in music composing and production, internet marketing, casual games production, animation product... (more)

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