Trading In or Selling Your Car

Before you put your car up for sale:

• Be sure to do some research first. Prospective buyers may try to give you less money for your car than it is actually worth.
• Know your car’s value, which is the standard market price you can expect it to be worth if you sold it privately. This is commonly called the blue book value. To find your car’s blue book value, you can buy a blue book for used vehicles at most bookstores or visit http://www.kbb.com.
• Have your car detailed and make sure any major mechanical problems have been repaired. Prospective buyers will be willing to pay more for cars that are in better condition.
• Have your records in order. This shows prospective buyers that you have taken care of your car and are prepared.
• Be ready to negotiate. Most buyers will start out with a low offer on principle. If they see that you have done your homework and are knowledgeable about your car, however, they may be willing to raise their offer.
  

Before you trade your car in for a newer vehicle:

• Be sure to do some research first. The dealership may try to give you less money for your car than it is actually worth.
• Know your car’s value, which is the standard market price you can expect it to be worth. This is commonly called the blue book value. To find your car’s blue book value, you can buy a blue book for used vehicles at most bookstores or visit http://www.kbb.com.
• Have your car detailed and make sure any major mechanical problems have been repaired. Dealers will be willing to offer more for cars that are in better condition.
• Have your records in order. This shows the dealer that you have taken care of your car and are prepared.
• Be ready to negotiate. Most dealers will start out with a low offer on principle. If they see that you have done your homework and are knowledgeable about your car, however, they may be willing to raise their offer.