Selling your car privately?

In the past I have always traded in my vehicles but with looking at how the dealer wants to ass rape me on a trade I thought I'd give Private Party a try. Any horror stories out there? Anything I need to look out for? Would you suggest listing on Craigslist, Cars.com, or autotrader?

 

Ive sold two cars on craigslist. Both were easy to sell. Just make sure you get paid in cash.

 

Also be careful on local laws. I was told in my state that if I sold a vehicle in a private sale and it did not meet emissions that the new owner could come back at me for the cost of repairs. However if it was traded to a dealer then that did not apply. Like mentioned above cash, paid in full before they take delivery and fill out the form on the registration to release the title.

 

Private sale is easy.... Just make damn sure that you get paid!!

Whether in cash, check, or whatever - DO NOT let them have the truck and/or the title until all funds have cleared and you have the money. PERIOD.

Always go to a Auto Service place (Brimmers, AAA, etc) to transfer paperwork/Title, etc. NEVER just sign the papers. Always do it officially.

 

If you are going to buy something else from a dealer, work out the sale with the private individual first and then run it through the dealer as a trade in on your new purchase. That way you don't have to pay all of the taxes on the new one. You might have to give up a few hundred dollars for the dealerships troubles of dealing with the paperwork, but you will save more than that.

 

The tax laws differ in each state.
In VT, I have up to 3 months after the sale to apply for a tax credit
The paperwork is all online & not that hard. I've done a few times without any issues.
So check your particular state tax laws.
I've used both craigslist & the guaranteed ad on cars.com. No problems, put As Is on the title & as others said, cash or local check where I can go to the bank before letting ownership go.

 

I've sold my last three trucks myself. To me, it's worth the time and hassle to sell it myself and get an extra $2000-$3000 out of the vehicle vs trading it in. Just make sure you're paid with a certified bank check and you should be could. I'd call your local DMV and ask what must be done to complete this type of transaction however.