Have sold every car in the past... never traded in. I have lots of experience and some woeful tales. But in the end, it ALWAYS netted alot more money than a trade in would ever get. I am not exaggerating when I say that we've almost always gotten retail or above. Now, the cars were in flawless condition, and could easily be mistaken for new cars. That I think was the key. Always remember... it is a NEW car to someone else!
Just a few:
1983 Chevette- Sold to a kid. I was a kid. Car was 3 years old... he was thrilled.
1986 Civic Sedan- Sold in a week, two people fought over it.
1988 Civic LX- Sold in 2 weeks, price was high, and he called back a month later to complain about a suspension clunk. I said it had it for a while, and his dealer told him the car had been in a wreck. WRONG! He wanted money back. Ha! Never heard back.
1988 Accord LXi Coupe- 2 days, Sold.
Others fairy uneventful, I suppose.
Last one was interesting. It was a 2000 Maxima SE. Older couple saw the car parked near the WalMart gas station (my daily parking spot to get attention since I already had the Accord). Called me, drove it, put a $500 deposit to hold it to be paid in full in 5 days. Called the next day and wanted the deposit back claiming the "check" they were expecting fell through (aka cold feet!). Informed them they had 4 days to get the money. It was all in writing. In the meantime, guy saw the Maxima and said he would pay full price if other deal fell through. It did, called him back, and he paid me $15,800 in cash that day. AND I kept the other deposit, so I made out like a bandit. First car sold in a while without a newspaper ad, too.
Moral of the story?
1. Sign on car works if car is parked where alot of peolpe can see it. Newspaper ads draw questionables. At least if someone has seen it before calling (parked somewhere busy), you have a much better shot at selling to them without hassles since they've already poured over the car alone.
2. Car must be as perfect as possible.
3. Expect no shows or douchebags that rip the car apart, and claim they can buy one thousands less somewhere else. I've always called their bluff and told 'em to buy it. Don't need that sh!t.
4. Cash is best. Have a marker that detects phony bills. Couple of bucks at WalMart. Don't be embarassed to use it.
5. Don't get discouraged... it WILL sell.
6. Make sure the people have a valid DL and copy it on your scanner. Go on the test drive. Haven't always followed my own advice about the test drive, but sometimes you have a feeling the people are decent.
7. Often overlooked: Be as accomodating as possible and as nice as possible. Like I said before, this is a new car for them, so show them the car and have a little fun. I always had the car washed and full of gas and all the stuff out of the car before showing. People are desperate to be treated right, many have been looking a while, getting discouraged and therefore are not very trusting. This can be overcome and makes the car seem worth more to avoid any further looking around.
8. Sale contract a MUST. AS IS ONLY. No warranties expressed or implied. Legally this is absolutely necessary. Each must have a copy. Deposits can hold a car, but receipt must state when balance must be paid and if not, deposit is forfeited. It's all business.
9. Go with them to tag office to transfer titile and license. You CANNOT let them drive the car without doing this. If you don't, you're on the hook if they kill someone or rob a bank.
It's not difficult, but it's some work. And in my case, I have always been rewarded.
Good Luck! :thmsup:
