Best Way to Sell Your Old Car

Once you’ve decided it’s time to sell your old car and upgrade to a newer one, you’ll want to take steps to make sure your car stands out from other ones for sale. Taking time to spruce up your car, getting documentation together, and valuing your trade-in will help you sell it quickly and efficiently. Once you’ve made the sale, you can then go shopping for a new-to-you pre-owned vehicle with modern features and technology.

Why Sell Your Old Car?

Sometimes saying goodbye to a car can be an emotional experience, especially if you’ve had the vehicle for several years. However, at some point, replacing your current vehicle just makes sense. Here are several reasons you may want to consider selling.

Rising Maintenance Costs

A newer vehicle tends to have lower maintenance and repair costs. However, as the years and miles build up on the vehicle, you often need more repairs and replacement parts. This can not only cost you more money but also valuable time having to schedule service appointments. When you weigh the difference between maintenance and repair costs and the cost of financing a newer car, you may be surprised at how cost-effective a newer car can be.

Wanting To Sell Before the Warranty Expires

If you purchased a new or L/Certified by Lexus pre-owned car, you’ll have had a warranty with it. If this warranty period is coming to an end, you can either buy an extended warranty, pay for maintenance and repairs out of pocket, or sell your older car before the warranty expires.

Needing a Vehicle With Modern Technology

Every year, automakers upgrade technology features. With newer cars, you’ll get features such as an updated infotainment system and advanced driver-assist technology. If new technology is important to you, it may be time to sell your old vehicle.

Looking To Upgrade to a More Fuel-Efficient Vehicle

Most automakers, including Lexus, continue to showcase more fuel-efficient vehicles including electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models. If you’d like to save money at the gas pump, consider replacing your car with a modern fuel-efficient one.

Changes in Family Size

If you have a growing family, you may need to sell your older sedan and buy a larger SUV to fit everyone. On the other hand, if your kids are growing up and going off to college or to start families of their own, you may want to downsize to a smaller vehicle that’s easier to maneuver.

How Much Is Your Car Worth?

Now that you’ve decided to sell, you’ll want to know how much your car is worth. If you decide you want to sell it yourself as a private seller, it’s essential to know how much to advertise it for. You can use third-party online sites, such as Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and Car and Driver, to get an estimate of your vehicle’s value.

When using these sites, be as honest as possible when stating the condition of the vehicle. This way you’ll get a good estimate of what it’s worth. If you want to ask for more money, the estimate can help you identify improvements you can make to increase the asking price.

If you decide to trade in your car for a newer one at our dealership, it’s easy to find out how much of the trade-in value you can use toward the purchase of a new or pre-owned vehicle. Simply fill out our online Value Your Trade form  and one of our representatives will get back to you with an estimate.

What’s the Best Way To Sell Your Used Car?

You want to make selling your old car as effortless and efficient as possible. Follow these tips to help you sell your car fast so you can find a new one to fit your lifestyle.

Gather Key Information

Any new buyer will want to know the history of the vehicle. Make sure you have all the information such as the original purchase price, where and when you bought it, where and how it was mostly driven, and other pertinent information about its history.

Order a Vehicle History Report

If you know the car was involved in an accident, disclose this information. If you bought the car from a private seller, you may know the car’s history or not. If you’re unsure if the vehicle has been in an accident, you can order a CARFAX report that will give you information on the car’s history, accident involvement, usage, and service.

Assemble Documentation of Maintenance and Repairs

As a responsible car owner, you’ve likely had regular maintenance on your car and kept records of all the servicing and repairs. Assemble the documents in chronological order so the new owner can see how well you’ve taken care of the vehicle you’re about to sell.

Clear the Title

Make sure your car has a clear title with no outstanding financial obligations including a car loan. If the car still has a loan that you’ll want to transfer to the new owner, have all that documentation ready.

Make Repairs

Making minor repairs can help you sell the car quickly. Have dents, dings, and scratches fixed, and make sure the vehicle is current on its regular maintenance.

Detail the Car

First impressions of your car can make or break a deal. If you’ve washed and waxed the exterior of the car, cleaned and vacuumed the interior, and put treatment on the wheels, you can impress potential buyers with its appearance. Having a detailed car along with clear documentation will help expedite the sale.

Find the Perfect Pre-Owned or L/Certified by Lexus Car Today

If you’re looking for a pre-owned or certified pre-owned car in the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, area, stop by Eskridge Lexus today. We carry a wide selection of pre-owned Lexus vehicles as well as those from other auto brands. Whether you want a pre-owned luxury Lexus sedan for trips to the city or a Jeep SUV to go off-roading, we can find the perfect vehicle to fit your lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more about our pre-owned vehicle specials, explore our finance options, or discover additional tips on how to sell your car.

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