10 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a Used Car

There’s no perfect way to sell a car. No guaranteed blueprint for a quick and easy sale exists, but some things may deter buyers and make the process harder overall. Here’s a quick list of 10 wrong turns to avoid while selling a used car.

Unrealistic Expectations: If you enter the process thinking your car will sell overnight, you may end up disappointed. If you’ve priced your car in the average to high range, it may take longer to sell. So, set realistic expectations, recognizing the average used vehicle spends several weeks listed online before the right buyer comes along.

Incomplete Description: Take full advantage of the Vehicle Description area on your ad by telling the story of your car. Why are you selling? How many owners has your car had? Be upfront and honest about these details.

Low-Quality Photos, or Not Enough Photos: Buyers like to see detailed pictures of the car from multiple angles, as well as interior images.

Slow or Unfriendly Response to Inquiries: Tye Frazier, Autotrader.com Customer Adviser, recommends channeling your inner salesman. “Always sell the car to every caller… you could be talking to the one person who wants to buy the car.”

Inflexibility: Buyers could turn away from you and your car if they detect an inflexibility about price or even meeting for a test drive. Ultimately, your asking price is entirely up to you, but most buyers will expect you to work with them on the process.

Dishonesty about Price or Vehicle Condition: If you quote a different price or your potential buyers see something inaccurately depicted in the ad, they will be immediately suspicious. This is a turn-off for buyers.

Lack of Knowledge About Your Car: Be an expert about your car. Anticipate questions and be ready with quick, knowledgeable answers.

Dirt and Grime: Your car’s appearance makes a big difference. Buyers will be impressed if you get your vehicle looking its best, but beyond that, a dirty car might make a buyer think that it has been improperly maintained in other ways.

Incomplete Paperwork: A buyer will be reassured that you have all your paperwork in order, especially if your car has had any major repairs. Again, even if you’re not actively trying to be deceptive, a buyer may think you are if you can’t fill in all the blanks of your car’s history.

Fraud: Perhaps the worst pitfall is dealing with a dishonest buyer. There are many schemes, and awareness is the best defense against them. Find out what you need to know to avoid internet fraud.

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