what do you need to do when you sell your car

What are your responsibilities when selling a car?

Selling your car on your own instead of to a dealership can be a good deal especially if your car has high value. State Farm has some tips to help you along the way. We value your privacy.

What should you never do when buying a car?

Apr 19, 2022 · If you're looking for a quick sellcar, you'll probably want to sell it to a dealership. But if you're looking for the highest possible price, you'll need to find a …

How to get the best deal when selling your car?

Jul 16, 2020 · Expect to provide the following information to fill out this form: The buyer’s name and address The odometer number at the time of sale The license plate info and VIN 4. Cancel your insurance When...

What is the quickest way to sell a car?

Jul 15, 2021 · Selling Your Car Once you're prepared with the paperwork to sell your car, then you're ready to move onto the logistics. Some things to consider include how to get payment, being prepared for any complications, and making sure to limit your liability. You should also make a checklist of what you need to do to complete the sale.

How to get a title when you pay off a lease?

Get the phone number from your lease statement and call to request the payoff amount. Once you pay off the lease, you’ll need to transfer the title from the lease holder to yourself, and then to the person who purchases your car. Speak to your lease holder to see what their procedure is for transferring the title to you.

What happens if you have a transferable warranty?

If you have a transferable warranty, it can justify an increase in your asking price for the car or help you stick to your guns if a buyer wants to bargain the price down. But your word alone won’t cut it. Have the warranty documentation in hand, including contact information for the warranty provider so that the buyer can readily get ...

Why is a bill of sale important?

These terms and conditions include, but are not limited to: In the event of a dispute after the fact, you will have a signed, notarized Bill of Sale that can help absolve you of liability.

How old does a car have to be to get mileage?

This applies to all motor vehicles less than 10 years old up to and including 12,000 lbs. In some states, it’s acceptable to provide the current mileage reading on the vehicle title. In others, you must obtain a separate form.

What to do if you are not the original owner of a car?

However, it’s also important for you to have a thorough knowledge of your vehicle’s history, especially if you are not the original owner. You should be able to discuss any major repairs or issues that have come up while you owned the car. Get a AutoCheck vehicle history report.

Do you have to provide warranties on a car?

Even though, as a private seller, you are not required to provide any warranties or disclaimers on your vehicle, it is well worth the effort to get the peace of mind this documentation provides. Once the car and the money change hands, buyer and seller go their separate ways and the matter is legally closed.

Do you have to give an implied warranty when selling a car?

Outside of transferring an existing warranty, you should make it clear in writing that there are no implied warranties when you sell your used car. This ensures that the buyer acknowledges and understands that he is accepting all future responsibility for the repair and maintenance of the vehicle.

Why won't a dealer offer the best price?

First, they’ll be taking care of all of the paperwork for the trade-in sale and title transfer, saving you considerable time and hassle. Second, they’ll be refurbishing and advertising the car for resale, and both cost them money to do.

What to do when selling a car?

When you’re selling a car, there are many things you can do to make sure you get as much money from the sale as possible. Getting the best sales price can help you pay off your old loan and make a large down payment on a new car. Your options range from simply trading it in to a car dealership to selling it yourself to a private-party buyer.

What happens when you trade in a car?

The last part of your car sale is getting paid. With a dealer trade-in, they’ll automatically apply your trade-in value to your new car (or new-to-you used car). When you’re getting an instant cash offer, they can either put it toward your new ride or cut you a check that you can take to the bank. If you still owe money on the car, most dealers can directly pay the lender and arrange transfer of the title.

What to do if you don't have a driver's license?

If you don’t, have them call your phone to ensure you’re okay.

What does it mean to advertise a used car?

In the past, advertising a used car meant taking out a newspaper ad and parking the vehicle in a grocery store parking lot. Today, newspaper classifieds are a waste of money and placing a “For Sale” sign in your window can earn you a parking ticket in some cities.

Do you need a smog certificate to sell a car?

In some states, you’ll have to have an up-to-date vehicle inspection or smog compliance certificate before you can sell. In others, you don’t have to provide the certificate, but you need to provide the buyer with a warranty that says it will pass the inspection or test.

Does trading in a car save you money?

Trading your car in at a dealership can save you some money in sales tax, however. In many states, you only have to pay the difference between the price of your new car and the trade-in value, rather than the entire purchase price of the car. If you have a high-value trade in, the amount of sales tax savings can be significant.

What to do when selling a car?

Here are some essential things you need to do before you go searching for your next car. 1. Do a final check and clear out the car.

How to clean a car for a buyer?

1. Do a final check and clear out the car. Do a sweep and make sure you got everything out of the vehicle. Not only do you want it to be clean for the buyer, but you may lose important things like paperwork or car chargers if you don’t do a thorough check.

How long after selling a car can you get a release of liability?

Get a DMV “release of liability”. You should take this crucial step immediately after you sell your car. In fact, most states require this within five to 10 days or you’ll be fined.

Can you cancel an EzPass?

Whether you use an E-ZPass or a toll collection service for a specific state, you should remember to cancel it or transfer it to your new vehicle.

What is the truth in mileage?

If your vehicle is less than 10 years old and weighs 12,000 pounds or less, then the Truth in Mileage Act applies to you. This federal law requires anyone selling a vehicle to disclose the odometer reading to the buyer at the time of sale. The execution of this law may vary by state. Some states allow you to write the current mileage on the title, while others require you to get a separate form.

What does it mean when a car is sold as is?

That means that you're not offering any warranties or buyback on the vehicle. By signing it, the buyer agrees that they are accepting all responsibility for the vehicle's condition and future repairs. After you receive payment, and the vehicle changes hands, then the matter is legally done.

What is a bill of sale?

A bill of sale isn't generally an absolute requirement, but it's a good idea to have for the release of liability. This document lists the comprehensive terms of the sale. You can add the vehicle description, the odometer reading, the price, delivery date, statement of as-is condition, and the signatures of the buyer and seller. You can also get it notarized if you wish. If there's any dispute after the sale, the signed-around bill of sale can protect you from any liability.

What is a VIN for a car?

A VIN allows prospective buyers to look up your vehicle's history. If you're the first owner of your vehicle, that may be all you need. However, if you're not, you may want to take a look at the vehicle history report yourself to prepare for questions that buyers might have.

What does it mean when a car is inspected after sale?

That means there are no guarantees of anything after the sale. It also means that it's up to the buyer to do their due diligence in inspecting the vehicle. As the seller, you may want to encourage them to check it out as well thoroughly. It is another area where the bill of sale comes into play.

What to consider when selling a car?

Some things to consider include how to get payment, being prepared for any complications, and making sure to limit your liability. You should also make a checklist of what you need to do to complete the sale.

What to say in a car ad?

Maintenance Records. It's easy to say in your ad that your car has been well-maintained, but it's even better to have actual proof of this. Whether you did your own maintenance or had it done at a dealership or repair shop, any kind of records are valuable to prospective buyers.

How long do you have to notify the DMV of a new car?

You do have five days to complete this step but the sooner the better. The new owner then has 10 days to notify the DMV that they’ve bought it, but that’s not your problem. It’s a pretty simple and easy thing to do, but it’s also easy to forget.

What to do after selling a car in California?

In order to avoid any serious trouble, make sure to to follow these steps after the sale. Completing a private car sale in California takes some effort. You’ve got to dress up your car, take photos and post it online.

Why do you need a release of liability?

It’s called a release of liability because it lets the DMV know you are no longer responsible for your car. It’s important to do this as quickly as possible as the new owner is fully capable of crashing the car on their way home. ...

What is CarGurus for?

CarGurus is ideal for sellers of low-range to midrange cars looking to cast a wide net. But realistically, you’re only likely to attract buyers in your immediate geographic area. No matter how or where you list, remember to specify your preferred mode of contact: email, call, text, or something else.

What is an online marketplace for used cars?

Online marketplaces, such as Autotrader (affiliated with Kelley Blue Book) and eBay Motors, are higher-end versions of online classified options. They’re ideal for used cars at any price point, save for super-specialized models.

How much does an auto detailing package cost?

Depending on options, the packages cost anywhere from about $115 to $215 in the U.S., according to Mobile Tech RX. 6.

What happens if you sell your car and you take it off your insurance?

Don’t forget to tell your insurance company you’ve sold your car. Taking the vehicle off your policy will immediately lower your premiums and add new flexibility to your monthly budget.

What to do if you don't change your oil?

Even if you don’t change the oil, top it off to the upper end of the normal range. Do the same with your windshield wiper fluid, coolant (antifreeze), and brake fluid.

Is Craigslist a free listing site?

Craigslist is a barebones classifieds site that’s perfect for the lower end of the used-car market.

Where can I place a classified ad?

Place a short classified ad with local newspapers and community magazines. Most local print publications also post classifieds online, so this option caters to more than just the people who read the paper while your ad’s running.