All cars face a similar fate: they’ll either be traded in, sold, or end up in scrapyards. It’s only just a matter of time before either of those things happens. However, if you have an old working vehicle, you have the option to make extra cash by selling it. Now, if you’re going to sell it, you might as well try to get the best price for it.
The market is active. Even if you have an old car that has just been sitting in your garage for years, you can still sell this in as-is condition and earn a decent amount from car cash buyers.
So, at the very least, you need to know what things to look out for when planning to sell your vehicle to get a fair price for it. Moreover, you should consider selling your car to dealers who pay cash for cars near you. If you’re living in New Zealand, for example, you can check out cashforcar.nz for more information.
That said, here are a few tips to consider when selling your old vehicle.
1. Find Reputable Dealers
Work with reputable cash buyers so you’ll be guaranteed excellent offers and services. Also, you can expect that they’ll ensure that the sale goes through as smoothly as possible. They know the ins and outs of the industry, so you can trust that they will handle their processes the right way. Therefore, working with such companies usually saves you valuable time and money.
To assess if a cash buyer is reputable, check for any customer feedback on their website or Google reviews. Google reviews are very informative. Nonetheless, try to just stay away from companies that do not have good ratings.
2. Compare Offers
Typically, when selling your old car, you need to look for as many offers as possible to find the best deal for you. You may have to call several cash car buyers to get comparative quotes from them. The more options you have, the better.
3. Prepare For Pickup
Once you’ve selected a cash buyer, prepare your vehicle for pickup. The buyer will usually arrange for the pickup of the vehicle too. Ideally, you should never have to pay towing fees. The company should come and collect the car from your location.
Furthermore, clear your driveway for the pickup. If there’s anything that’s blocking a path for the towing truck to enter, remove it. This is especially important for cars that are no longer moving. To make the job easier for the towing team, make sure that there’s a clear pathway for them to travel.
Also, consider the timing of pickup. Make sure that you arrange a time that’s convenient for both you and the buyer. Usually, reputable companies stick to their word when it comes to time. You certainly don’t want a deal to fall through simply because you couldn’t arrive home from work on time. Rather, schedule a date and time that’s most convenient.
In addition, you might want to check the weather forecast before scheduling a pickup. Professional buyers usually won’t tow your vehicle if the weather is undesirable. To save everyone’s time and money, just make sure that the weather is appropriate for pickup.
4. Gather Information About Your Vehicle
Cash buyers are not exactly particular about a car’s make, model, or current condition. They will buy any old, junk, or disposed car that you would like to sell them! However, the price they’ll offer will sometimes depend on such factors. This also includes service records, car manuals, titles, maintenance logbooks, and so forth. It’s best to have all this information handy so you can negotiate a fair price.
5. Remove Belongings
Before selling your vehicle, inspect your car for any personal items. Spend a good 30 minutes to check under the seats, storage compartments, and trunk to remove your items. Make sure to do all these before the buyer sends over a tow truck.
6. Finances
If you bought your car via hire purchase or through a loan, make sure that the car is fully paid for. The debt on the car has to be cleared completely, or you may have to seek permission from your dealer to go ahead with the sale. Different regions have different regulations. But the best you can do to avoid trouble is to sell a car that you own and that’s debt or contract-free.
7. Beware of Scammers
This especially applies to those who will post their vehicles online. Beware of people who offer unrealistic prices and are also asking for any type of fee upfront. Also, avoid negotiating over email and phone.
While making an initial call is alright, it’s better to meet up with the car cash buyer before sealing any deal. Most of all, be wary about hidden fees or transaction fees. Legitimate cash car buyers won’t charge you anything. They won’t even require you to fix your car.
8. Get Paid & Sign Sales Documents
As soon as your dealer collects your vehicle, they will pay you in cash. Reputable car cash buyers will give the cash as per agreement. Be wary of buyers who want to change terms at the last minute.
Also, you will be required to fill in some paperwork that would conclude and bind the sale. If everything is in order, you can sign the documents. Then make sure to have copies with you also for your records.
9. Notify The Transport Agency and Insurance Company
Once the vehicle has been sold, inform your local or regional transport agency, like the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the USA, and your insurance company. Nowadays, you can apply for or cancel your current insurance by simply going online or making a call.
Conclusion
When selling your old car for cash, you need to choose the right buyer for a fair and secure transaction. If you choose the wrong buyer, you risk getting scammed and you may not get the best price for your vehicle. So as much as is possible, do a bit of research to find reputable cash car buyers in your area first.
