How To Sell a Car on Craigslist: A Comprehensive Guide
Last updated on July 19th, 2024 at 01:59 am
Craigslist is a one-stop for selling and buying items in virtually every category, including furniture, cars, and apparel. Selling a car on Craigslist can be an easy way to quickly turn it into cash, especially if you’re looking to sell it without involving a dealership.
However, Craigslist is also known for its scams, and private party sales don’t come with the same protections as buying from a dealership. So, you must be familiar with the proper process for selling your vehicle on the platform.
Looking to learn how to sell a car on Craigslist? Most importantly, how to do it safely? Read on to find out.
Why Craigslist Is a Great Place To Sell Your Car Privately
There are many reasons you might decide to sell your car on Craigslist. First, you only have to pay a minimal fee associated with the listing, and you will be able to find a buyer in your area quickly.
In addition, you have complete control of the sale process. For example, you can decide how much you want to sell your car for, when to show it and set up a meeting, and how to negotiate the sale price.
Finally, if you’re selling an older model car, you will likely get more money on Craigslist than from a dealership since dealerships typically offer less for a trade-in than what you would receive if you sell privately.
10 Steps To Selling Your Car on Craigslist
Now that you know why Craigslist is a good option for a private sale, let’s discuss how to sell a car on Craigslist — from posting a listing to delivering the vehicle to its new owner.
Create a Craigslist Account
First off, you’ll need to make a Craigslist account. To do this, you have to provide an email address and create a password. Then, verify your email address. Creating an account is free.
Prepare Your Car For Listing on Craigslist
When selling your car, you want to make it as appealing as possible to a potential buyer. A few last-minute adjustments can be made to add value to your vehicle.
- Tire replacement: If the tires are in bad shape, you might want to invest in some new ones. It will make the car look even better and add a few hundred dollars to its value.
- Clean and detail it: Wash the car inside-out, vacuum it, clean all the windows, and make sure the exterior looks shiny and spotless. You might want to invest in a professional detailing job. A detailer can make your car look brand new and increase its resale value significantly.
- Clean up the interior: Get rid of all your personal items, such as clothes, books, or documents. Also, clean the upholstery and carpets.
- Make mechanical repairs: If the car needs to pass inspection, make sure you address all mechanical issues.
Determine the Value of Your Car
When determining the selling price, you need to factor in the condition and mileage of the car. Also, consider the market demand for your model.
You can search for similar models on Craigslist or other platforms and use the prices of those listings as a reference. You can also use online pricing tools to get an estimated market value of your car.
The key is to set a price slightly higher than the estimated market value so you have room for negotiation. But don’t set the price too high, or buyers will pass over it.
Take Clear and Extensive Photos of the Car
Well-taken photos are essential for a successful vehicle sale. When someone is searching for a car on Craigslist, the photos will be the first thing they notice. They will only open your listing or get in touch with you if the photos attract their attention.
Make sure you take pictures from different angles inside and outside the car. Also, include shots of the dashboard and any other important features, such as the odometer to show exact mileage to the seller. If the car has a dent or a scratch, include a photo of that too.
You don’t necessarily need an expensive DSLR or an advanced camera to take good photos. Your smartphone will work just fine as long as you know how to use it properly.
Take pictures in natural light rather than in your garage. Park the car in an uncluttered area and take multiple shots, preferably with your phone held in landscape position.
Create an Ideal Craigslist Ad For Your Car
A great ad with all the necessary information can make or break your listing. You have to ensure potential buyers understand what they are getting and why they should choose your listing over others. Do note that Craigslist charges $5 per 30 days for by-owner car ads.
Provide Clear Details About Vehicle Make, Model, and More
Start with a title that accurately describes the car and its main features, such as model, year, and mileage. Then, provide a detailed description of the car, its features, and any repairs or maintenance you have done.
Highlight the car’s advantages and why it stands out from similar models. If you include a warranty, mention that in the ad as well.
Answer any question the prospective buyer might have. For instance, does the car have a clean title? Does it come with a spare tire? Is there an extra set of keys? Does everything function as intended?
You can also include the VIN (vehicle identification number). It is a 17-digit code that uniquely identifies each car and can help buyers verify the information. It can most commonly be found at the base of the windshield or in the driver door jamb. Finally, include your contact information and mention that you are open to negotiation.
Inform Prospective Buyers of Vehicle History and Maintenance
A vehicle history report is a great way to show that you are an honest seller and that the car is in good condition. Make sure you include all the information from the report in the listing, such as when it was last serviced and any recent repairs.
Also, if you have maintenance records or receipts of any recent repairs, include those in the listing and point out any improvements you have made.
Be honest and transparent
Has your motor vehicle been in an accident? Was it involved in any recalls? Do you have any aftermarket parts or accessories that could add to its value?
Be honest and provide all the details. You don’t want to be caught off guard when buyers ask questions or bring up issues you haven’t addressed in the listing.
Ensure Proper Grammar and Tone
Just like you want to know how to sell a car on Craigslist without getting scammed, the prospective buyer also wants to steer clear of fraudulent sellers. In most cases, people consider poor grammar and tone as signs of a scam.
Read through the listing and ensure there are no typos or spelling errors. It’s also a good idea to have someone else proofread your listing before you post it.
Use a polite and professional tone in the ad. Let the buyers know that you are willing to answer any questions they might have. You can also mention that you’re willing to provide proof of insurance to interested buyers.
Set a Sell Price for Your Car Based On the Determined Value
Now, it’s time to list the sale price. Since Craigslist has little to no moderation, you can set any price you want. But it’s essential to keep in mind the market value of your car.
The best way to price your car is to check online marketplaces and compare the prices of similar models. You can also look up your car’s Edmunds value to determine the average sale price. Once you have that information, set a reasonable price for your car.
Verify Prospective Buyers and Prepare for Negotiations
Verifying prospective buyers is your responsibility since Craigslist does not provide any protection for sellers.
Before the meeting, decide how much you are willing to negotiate and ensure that your price is flexible. Ultimately, your goal is to get the best deal while making a profit.
It’s also best to ask the buyer to meet at a public location, such as a parking lot. You can also bring a friend or family member to the meeting for extra protection.
Negotiate and Decide on Payment
When negotiating with buyers, listen to their offers and don’t accept them immediately. If you have the upper hand, use your bargaining power to get the best deal.
Once you have agreed on a price, discuss payment methods. Most buyers will usually pay in cash, but if it’s a large sum, you can also accept a cashier’s check or money order. Avoid accepting payment through online services such as PayPal and Venmo since these transactions are not protected.
Don’t Forget About Important Paperwork and Title Transfer
While many people generally know how to sell a car on Craigslist, they overlook the importance of paperwork. Have all the necessary documents on hand, such as the title and registration. Also, check with your local DMV regarding title transfer and other paperwork needed for sale.
Before you hand over the documents, get a signed receipt from the buyer that states the date and amount of the sale. It will protect you from any possible legal issues down the road.
Deliver the Vehicle Safely, and You’ve Done It!
The final step is to deliver the car safely to its new owner. You can either drive it to their location or arrange for transportation.
Once you have handed over the keys, paperwork, and receipt, your job is done. Congratulations! You’ve just successfully sold your car on Craigslist.
Quick Tips on Closing the Sale
Now you know how to sell a car on Craigslist. But then again, you don’t do it every day. So, here are a few tips to avoid any potential issues:
- Prepare all documents in advance: Before you start negotiating, ensure you have all the necessary paperwork and documents ready. These include the title, registration, and insurance documents.
- Consider a few offers: Don’t settle for the first offer you get. Consider at least a few offers to get the best deal for your car.
- Keep negotiations transparent: Be honest and transparent with buyers throughout the process, especially when it comes to discussing the condition of the car. If they find out the car is not as described after the purchase, it can lead to legal issues.
Turn to a Complete Private Party Car Checkout Solution
Vehicle purchase and sale are both complex processes that involve a lot of paperwork. Even if you know how to sell a car on Craigslist, there are still scam risks. Plus, the checkout process can get tricky if you don’t know what to look for.
To simplify the process, you can rely on a complete private-party car checkout solution, such as Caramel. You can hop on to Caramel to get a link to include in your Craigslist listing. Buyers can use this link to make offers and finish the checkout process smoothly, managing everything from vehicle protection, insurance, delivery, vehicle reports, and DMV work to secure payment easily. Or if you already found your buyer, you can invite them directly to purchase through Caramel.
When the buyer clicks on this link, they will be taken to a page where they can see your asking price and follow through with the checkout process. Try Caramel for free today.
