Recommendations for Selling a Used Car

[genxlib]

Any thoughts on selling a used car?

We have a surplus car now that my daughter is away at college and it is time to pare down. 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid with very low mileage so it should be an easy sale these days.

I am looking for a good middle ground wholesaler. I don't want to get ripped off by the dealerships but neither do I want to deal with a private sale with the issues surrounding time, security and payment. I just want a moderately fair price and to have someone take it off my hands.

There seem to be lots of options like Carmax, Vroom, Carvana, etc. Ultimately, I will likely try several and take the best offer.

Just wondering if anyone has any experience or recommendations.

[jmbar2]

1. I did a little research on that awhile ago

The car buying services offered so little that it wasn't worth it. Not anywhere near what the local ads showed.

I looked into a local car auction - I'd take my chance there to get a better price. But have never done it before, so interested in other thoughts.

Mine's a Ford Econoline van that would appeal to those looking for a camper. Unfortunately, since doing the research, the transmission sprung a huge leak, so it's garaged for the time being.

[genxlib]

5. My past experience would seem to align with yours

But I am hoping that the scramble for used cars will level the playing field and make it a sellers market. Especially with it being a hybrid in a time of high gas prices.

The good thing is that they will mostly make offers on line so it is a low-level of commitment to see if I need to try something more difficult.

thanks for the input.

[TreasonousBastard]

2. I don't know about selling the car, but how's your tax situation-- have you thought about...

donating it? Local charities, nonprofits, etc are set up to resell it.

(No, not to the Kars for Kids jingle. Never that.)

[MerryHolidays]

4. Perhaps the most irritating jingle ever? nt

[genxlib]

9. That is something I will consider

Especially if the whole process does not net as much as I thought it should be worth.

Typically, I like to spread out my charitable giving but that would be putting basically all of my 2022 charitable eggs in one basket. Not horrible but not my typical goal.

[MerryHolidays]

3. Carmax was giving GREAT deals on buying low mileage used cars just a few months ago

I would use the ones you listed, as I looked at all of them. But Carmax seemed to be the easiest.

[genxlib]

8. Out of curiousity

Do you know if they were making any offers based on completely online info? Or do they still have the 'drive-it-in-we-have-to-see-it' model.

[MerryHolidays]

11. If you have your cars mileage and VIN

they will give you an online quote (after answering a few questions). You then make an appointment and drive it in. They are pretty quick about it too.

[Hoyt]

6. Would definitely get a quote from Carmax. It's been 10 years, but I got more than I expected.

[sdfernando]

7. My friend just sold his car

He tried Carmax & Carvana but they were pretty low. He had 16K in mind. Tried Autotrader but that was all a few calls from used car sales. Craigslist was no better. He cleaned up really well, put a sign on it and parked it on a fairly busy intersection. Sold it in 3 days for $15,750.00. So that is what I would recommend.

[genxlib]

10. I'm just not sure I want to deal with the general public

Especially when it comes to insuring payment. Do you know if he did it by cashiers check?

[MerryHolidays]

12. Not dealing with the general public and timewasters

especially during a pandemic is a real concern.

You will probably be greatly surprised at how much a low-mileage car can get right now.

[sdfernando]

14. I think you will not get what you think from a dealer/reseller

Yes, they are selling cars for a premium right now, but they aren't paying a premium to get inventory.

[MerryHolidays]

15. Right now, there is so much premium on low-mileage used cars

I am very happy to sell in a few minutes and not deal all the issues. There's a value to that.

Great if you have the time to deal with it, go on test drives with strangers, etc.

[sdfernando]

16. I understand you not wanting to deal with it.

My friends example took a total of 3 days, 5 phone calls, 1 bank trip...and he got 5K over what the dealers were offering.

[sdfernando]

13. yes, buyer got a cashier's check made out to him

went to the bank with him as well to deposit it.

[MissB]

17. Sold my car last year to Carmax

It was a 2015 with low miles. I bought it in 2018. I sold it last year to Carmax for almost what I paid for it.

(Mercedes tho)

[mitch96]

18. I've had very good experience with carmax and the best with carvana...

Lo milage 3 year old Prius on a lease. carvana gave me best price. About 2k over the turn value/buy out. Carvana can come pick up the car at your house or do to their "showroom". It's more like an office and a nice person did the paper work. ZERO pressure. Here's the car, here is the check thankyouverymuch... done...
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