How Long Does It Take to Sell My Car Privately?

There comes a time when everyone needs to sell their car. Maybe you’re selling yours because you need an upgrade, are moving out of state, or want fast cash. Whatever your reason, your top concerns are probably “how to sell my car privately”, “how fast can I sell” and “where can I sell my car?” Read on as this article guides you through private car sales.

Average Time to Sell a Car

Selling a car is a lot like selling a home. You may sell your vehicle within a few hours, weeks, or months. So, as is with selling a house, you can’t bank on a specific amount of time.

Read Also: 10 Important Things About Automatic Cars

But, some experts argue that it takes an average of 34.6 days to complete a used car sale. Whether the sale takes longer or shorter depends on some factors. These include:

• The age of your car
• Your car’s mileage
• Your car’s model
• The quoted price
• Your chosen method of selling

How Can You Sell Your Car Fast?

You can’t alter your car’s age, mileage, or model to improve your chances of selling fast. But, this doesn’t mean that you’re out of options. Discussed below are some tips that could work for you.

Improve the Car’s Curb Appeal

When selling your vehicle, you want potential buyers to have one look and say, “Wow! Your car looks amazing!” Curb appeal improves your chances of getting an instant buyer.

You can start by removing all the junk from your glove box and trunk. You should also clean your car’s interior and exterior before meeting up with potential buyers.

Also, remove all personal items beforehand to make it easier for the buyers to picture themselves in the car. This way, you won’t have to do a lot of convincing. The vehicle will practically sell itself.

Find Appropriate Times to Sell

Car selling has seasons. There are fewer willing buyers in the winter than during the summer and spring. It’s best to wait for these seasons if you’re not desperate for cash.

And, don’t assume that holidays are the best time to sell. Most people focus on getting some quality family time during short holidays. So, you may not get as huge a market as you expect.

Instead of focusing on holidays, focus on seasons and your car model. For instance, SUVs sell faster than convertibles during spring as people prepare for winter. But, convertibles sell faster during the summer.

Set a Friendly Price

It’s normal to want the highest possible value for your car. But, you need to be realistic when setting the price, particularly if you’re selling to private buyers.

Do some research on your car’s current market price and factor in mileage and age when determining the price. You won’t have your vehicle in the garage for too long if you do this.

Spread the Word

Communication is a vital part of selling cars, regardless of your chosen selling method. Let people know that you’re selling your car, and advise them on how to reach you.

If you’re looking for individual buyers, visit high-traffic areas with a “for sale” sign, including your contact information. If you’re selling to a company, contact them, and provide your car’s details.

Where Can I Sell My Car?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions. Here are some of the most popular options:

Car Listing Websites

There are many car-selling websites you could use. Research the most popular in your area, and list your car to attract buyers.

You’ll need to sell your car at a discounted price if you choose this option. That’s because you’ll be contending with other sellers on these websites. You want your vehicle to stand out, and the best way to achieve this is through a competitive price.

Dealerships

Some dealerships buy and resell used cars. So, you can always take this route if necessary. Choose a dealership that sells your specific car brand to better your chances of selling fast.

You may not always get top-dollar with this option as dealers determine the price. So, it may not be the best alternative if you’re looking for the highest possible payout.

Car Buying Services

This is your best option if you’d like to avoid the shortcomings of other alternatives. Car buying services buy used cars as they are. This means that you don’t need to do much to make your car presentable.

They also value cars at prices near their fair market values and offer instant cash. Some will even arrange to pick up your vehicle, so you don’t have to drive it to their locations. They’re your best option if you want to sell your car hassle-free and need quick cash.

Selling a Car Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

As you’ve seen, selling a car isn’t as complicated as people make it out to be. You can sell your car within a few hours or days with the right tactic.

The main concern for most sellers is “Where can I sell my car?” While there are various options, car buying services are by far the best choice.