OT: So a decision's been made, now: Best way to sell a car?

[Nooch]

Alright, so I've determined that selling off my Jetta is going to be my best move. I've thought about CarMax, but then found out that what they pay is wholesale, and they're also about a two hour drive each way to the closest location, so I'm second guessing even bothering with them.

How have you found success selling cars, if you have? I'll take the roof rack off and give it a thorough washing and waxing and interior detailing, and would have done that before a trip to carmax as well.. Do you like Autotrader? Craigslist? Forums? An all angles assault?

[slidey]

Craigslist?

[christian]

Autotrader, Craigslist, VWortex. Most of my buyers have actually come from Craigs.

[gasman]

Craigslist 2012
In the old days the classifieds

[Nooch]

also, though, it's still on the table -- does anyone have any experience with selling a car to carmax?

[carpediemracing]

I have a car listed on CL right now. A couple bites (ad went up yesterday?).

I went to CarMax when I traded in my "good" car. They offered me $1000 less than the dealer's trade in offer, and the dealer also sold me my new car at invoice (so it wasn't like I was paying MSRP and got a "killer trade-in").

To give you an idea CarMax offered me $7k, dealer $8k, street price was probably $10k, dealer had my car on their site for about 3-4 months at $13k.

One thing about CarMax is that it's a fall back. They offer you something, a bit low, and the offer is there for a week or whatever. I went to CarMax then went to the dealer. I figured, based on the $7k offer from CarMax, that I'd take anything over $7k. I needed to trade in my summer car in late August - for me to sell it would have been a pain, and I decided that $2-3k was worth not stressing.

My wife sold her car (7? year old Civic) for a good price just by pure luck. We put a "for sale" sign in the window, her mom borrowed it, someone saw it (2 hours away from where we live) and bought it.

Good luck with the sale.

[Bob Ross]

Craigslist?
Craigslist 2012

I asked this very same question about six weeks ago, and a lot of people responded with "Craigslist". So we put an ad on Craigslist.

What an absolute fcuking nightmare. Never again.

I'll admit, we eventually did sell the car through that ad. But the number of sheer morons who wasted vast amounts of my time over the course of the ~4 weeks our ad ran was overwhelming. Not only should one never underestimate the stupidity of the public, I think it's important that one presume a substantial percentage of those stupids have nothing better to do than surf Craigslist.

[Nooch]

I have a car listed on CL right now. A couple bites (ad went up yesterday?).

I went to CarMax when I traded in my "good" car. They offered me $1000 less than the dealer's trade in offer, and the dealer also sold me my new car at invoice (so it wasn't like I was paying MSRP and got a "killer trade-in").

To give you an idea CarMax offered me $7k, dealer $8k, street price was probably $10k, dealer had my car on their site for about 3-4 months at $13k.

One thing about CarMax is that it's a fall back. They offer you something, a bit low, and the offer is there for a week or whatever. I went to CarMax then went to the dealer. I figured, based on the $7k offer from CarMax, that I'd take anything over $7k. I needed to trade in my summer car in late August - for me to sell it would have been a pain, and I decided that $2-3k was worth not stressing.

My wife sold her car (7? year old Civic) for a good price just by pure luck. We put a "for sale" sign in the window, her mom borrowed it, someone saw it (2 hours away from where we live) and bought it.

Good luck with the sale.

Yeah, it's a long trek from NNJ to East Haven to go to CarMax, but figure it might be a good idea to see what they say.. I figure mine's probably in the same range as yours, maybe a little less.. Just trying to figure out if it's worth the gas and time investment..

[carpediemracing]

also, though, it's still on the table -- does anyone have any experience with selling a car to carmax?

Here's what I recall of my experience.

Go in, some sales person that has no clue about cars asks if I need help. Mention trading in car. Sit at a booth, ask all sorts of stuff (do you have title, model/year, etc). A "mechanic" comes and takes your keys and does a test drive. Comes back, gives your keys back. Your car pops up on the salesperson's screen and there's a surprisingly low dollar number.

They tell you the quote is good for x days, this is my card, see ya later.

I don't know how they pay you.

It reminded me of a more polished, specializes-in-cars pawn shop. Lowball and trade money-in-hand value vs "I can sell it for more".

[carpediemracing]

btw I went in Aug 2011 and the car I had was an 03 350Z, about 75k mi, garaged 4-6 mos per year, Touring model (aka loaded). I'd taken off the factory rims (and aftermarket tires on it), replaced the factory head unit, installed a cold air intake, big brakes, some other stuff. The dealer wanted the car reverted to stock. They actually did all the work, I just brought them the parts and picked up the aftermarket ones. Well I put the stock rims on and put the original intake back on. I sold all but the big brakes afterward. Reminds me, I should list those again.

[William]

We sold or Volvo wagon on CL. It sold in only a couple of days.





William

[christian]

I think Craigslist works fine if you:
- write a good ad
- take good pictures
- ask a good price

I've sold all manner of cars there in under a week with minimal hassles -- including some odd stuff (W110 Mercedes, W124 E500 Mercedes, 340hp Volvo 240).

Priced right, you'll get the serious buyers quickly.

[gasman]

I think Craigslist works fine if you:
- write a good ad
- take good pictures
- ask a good price

I've sold all manner of cars there in under a week with minimal hassles -- including some odd stuff (W110 Mercedes, W124 E500 Mercedes, 340hp Volvo 240).

Priced right, you'll get the serious buyers quickly.


I've also had good experience with CL. I ignore the obvious knuckleheads.

[jmikeq]

I sold my 08 MazdaSpeed3 to a Mazda dealer... Car had 16k mi on it, barely used it for 2 yrs, kbb value was 18-19k, but everyone knows it's nearly impossible to get that amount...

I sold it to a dealer for $15k, I just didnt want to deal with random people wanting to test drive the car, answering to all these negotiation e-mails etc...

You should checkout dealerships nearby to see how much they are willing to buy your car for.

[norcalbiker]

Just sold my truck in Craigslist.

So far Craigslist it's been good to me selling my vehicle. I also sold my other car and my motocycle within a year.

[cmg]

I think Craigslist works fine if you:
- write a good ad
- take good pictures
- ask a good price

good advice. I'd add take at least 4 well focused photos. Do some research to see what cars similar to yours are selling for on craigslist, compare to bluebook. sell to the 1st person that shows up with cash. let all buyers know that. Mine was set up to an answer machine so i could screen. flakes didn't get a call back.

[eddief]

coming to your house????, driving YOUR car, knowing where you live, seeing your stuff, don't be a female either.

[MadRocketSci]

watch out for flippers on CL...if there is competition for you car (ie, your price is low) they will use a sob story like "i need it to get to the hospital to visit my sick kids"...

then for me while the ownership title is at the DMV being transferred (took a few days), the car was illegally parked in San Francisco and racked up a nice few hundo in tix before it got resold....

i tried to fight the DMV but technically the car was still mine so I was on the hook. eventually the state of CA just garnished my state tax return.

lesson learned!!!

[AngryScientist]

it's too bad fastcashforcars is closed. used to be in hackensack NJ. it was a great establishment, i sold a few cars to them. always quite a bit above dealer trade in value, very fair and straightforward guy who ran the place.

[Ken Robb]

The buyers at Carmax are specialists and that is all they do. Their bid is based on what they perceive as demand for your car in their area, their supply of similar cars and the cost to get it into shape to sell from there store.

They have two basic categories of cars to sell: Ones with their money-back guarantee and others not nice enough for that guarantee.

I have never heard of any other dealer where you get a written bid good for a week. I would get a bid from them and then try some other local dealers to see if you can get a better bid. Then you know the least you can get. Take a look at listings for similar cars on CL and Auto Trader.

Decide if the trouble of selling it yourself is likely to net you enough extra $$ to make it worthwhile.

[coylifut]

if it's a really good Jetta that you'd be comfortable selling to a friend, let your network know it's available. There's a lot of people looking for private party sales so they get their teenage kids in good, but not overly expensive starter cars.

[LJohnny]

Sold my car online as well a few years back, not exactly craigslist only, but maybe they saw it there also. I put an ad on the local paper (wash post) online. I actually never asked the person where they saw the ad. It sold in 2 days.

I also took it to Carmax, very close story to carpediem above: Offered $7K by Carmax, I sold it at 9.5K to a private party. Same model year, more or less same mileage was on the market at Carmax for $12.5K

[Nooch]

craigslist, facebook, vwvortex.. got a hit from craigslist today, a cop the next town over for his daughter.. fingers crossed!

[carpediemracing]

craigslist, facebook, vwvortex.. got a hit from craigslist today, a cop the next town over for his daughter.. fingers crossed!

I think you sold your car, based on another thread. I hope your plan works out.

I just sold my car too. CL only, a few serious bites, one serious buyer.

[Nooch]

I think you sold your car, based on another thread. I hope your plan works out.

I just sold my car too. CL only, a few serious bites, one serious buyer.

yeah, no, not yet... officer dude hasn't called back (i drove out to meet him while he was on a shift with a pse&g truck), and that was remarkably the only bite i've gotten so far..

nobody on vwvortex wants a stock, automatic jetta... everyone's eying the bagged gti's over there... and the price is probably too high for craigs, but I figured I'd start a little high and work my way down.. guess it's time to start at the down position and stay firm..

[jh_on_the_cape]

I am shopping for a used car.
CL is soooooo bad as a buyer.
About 70% of my inquiries are never returned.
I finally found a car, drove to see it and drive it. Made a deal, then the guy flaked and backed out. Arg! He could not get financing on the new car. IDIOT!

Just put up a good ad. Lots of pics. Include mileage and lots of details.
Demand a phone number in the email inquiries. Make the price fair but firm. I sold a car a while ago. I would have people drive 2 hours to see it, spend 2 hours inspecting it, then offer half the fair asking price! GO AWAY! I eventually did sell it for the asking price.

We did buy a car through CL that was a great experience, though. Just be patient and prepared to deal with idiots. You are saving $$ by doing this.

Do that for some time, if it sells, great. If not, go to a dealership. They exist for a reason!

Anyone have a 2006-2007 V70 with the third row... send me a PM, I am going nuts looking for one.

[Nooch]

I am shopping for a used car.
CL is soooooo bad as a buyer.
About 70% of my inquiries are never returned.
I finally found a car, drove to see it and drive it. Made a deal, then the guy flaked and backed out. Arg! He could not get financing on the new car. IDIOT!

Just put up a good ad. Lots of pics. Include mileage and lots of details.
Demand a phone number in the email inquiries. Make the price fair but firm. I sold a car a while ago. I would have people drive 2 hours to see it, spend 2 hours inspecting it, then offer half the fair asking price! GO AWAY! I eventually did sell it for the asking price.

We did buy a car through CL that was a great experience, though. Just be patient and prepared to deal with idiots. You are saving $$ by doing this.

Do that for some time, if it sells, great. If not, go to a dealership. They exist for a reason!

Anyone have a 2006-2007 V70 with the third row... send me a PM, I am going nuts looking for one.

You can always try shooting a PM to Volvo1 -- He knows a bit about those cars ;)

heres my ad -- please, criticize, critique, and help me sell this thing! :)
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/3438412087.html

[54ny77]

Craigslist is a great resource, provided you take the time to filter out the usual riffraff and Nigerian scammers. We've bought our last 2 vehicles through craigslist, both were dealer-advertised used car listings.

[jh_on_the_cape]

You can always try shooting a PM to Volvo1 -- He knows a bit about those cars ;)

heres my ad -- please, criticize, critique, and help me sell this thing! :)
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/3438412087.html

Put a forsale sign in your window with your phone number, too! That works.
Your CL ad looks legit. Consider asking people to reply with a phone number. That filters out the people who have no intention of buying.

[christian]

Good ad, fair price. I think it'll sell quickly. I'm surprised how well Jettas hold their value (which is good for you).

[zap]

Two items about the ad.

This is minor but should have removed the roof rack for pictures.

Next, delete "...looking for..." from pricing. OBO too. Price negotiation is expected but the ad makes it appear that you are too willing to drop the price.

Otherwise it looks good. Best of luck and hope you and your family find financial comfort soon.

[Ken Robb]

years ago a few new car dealers in SD tried "one-price-for-all" selling. All cars had a discounted price next to the window sticker. A dealer I know thought that concept was stupid because "some people expect to pay full price and we want to let them". The other problem was that since no buyers had to pay full price the dealer couldn't discount any cars enough to sell a serious negotiator and still maintain overall profitability.

So-----I won't put "asking" or "OBO" in my ads. Some people may think my price is fair and happily pay it. Negotiators/grinders will still try that if they like what I have to sell. Oh yeah, "firm" is almost as big a negative. I want to give people an opportunity to fall in love with my vehicle even if they plan to low-ball me. I can always say "No thanks." but they can also end up paying more than they had planned for something really nice.

If a person sounds legit I'll meet with him. While he looks over my vehicle we will chat and I'll get a pretty good idea about his desire and ability to buy. If he asks for a test drive I say: "I know the car runs fine. When you find that it does are you prepared to buy it for my price?"

This has flushed out the flakes for me.

[carpediemracing]

Two items about the ad.

This is minor but should have removed the roof rack for pictures.

Next, delete "...looking for..." from pricing. OBO too. Price negotiation is expected but the ad makes it appear that you are too willing to drop the price.

Otherwise it looks good. Best of luck and hope you and your family find financial comfort soon.

+1 on the price wording.

Also a bit of tire stuff (not too shiny - I think the stuff I use describes itself as "natural finish") wouldn't hurt when take pictures without the rack. Tires and rims are to cars what handlebar tape and saddles are to bikes.

*edit* since you have the inserted image thing down pat you should add more images. Look at a dealer listing on CL for guidelines. They usually post the condition of the front seats, back seat, trunk, engine compartment, a close up on the mileage, ditto the VIN. Some will do tires to show condition of rims/tires.

To obscure plate you can tape something over it (plain white paper works, maybe you can get a "For Sale" sign and tape it on the plate for just the pictures).

CL now allows 8 images. I added them even though I inserted images, just in case my image hosting site wasn't up (for whatever reason).

[Nooch]

re-worded.. will take more pictures without the rack and replace them.. tomorrow's weather should be decent enough for that.

[Nooch]

thanks for all the help guys, this one was delivered to it's new owner last night. Got what I wanted to get for it, which I figure is just where the market stands -- I started off too high and didn't get any attention, eventually when the price got to where the market was ready to play with it I started getting e-mails.

Registered the new backup car yesterday as well, picked that up, got some snow tires thrown on it (stock ones were balder than I am, and my dad had some that fit from his old Outback that were the same size so a win-win all around), and drove it to work this morning. Not exactly the one car, ride to work everyday plan, but after spending the last two days driving I realized that working near a busy retail area means it's probably safer to drive the week leading up to Christmas...

[carpediemracing]

When I saw this bumped I hoped that it was because you sold the car. Congrats!