Selling a Used Car on Cars.com: How-To

Summary

• Preparing your car for sale

• Creating an account on Cars.com

• Listing your car with all the necessary details

• Engaging with potential buyers effectively

• Closing the deal and transferring ownership

• FAQs about selling on Cars.com

Introduction: Why Choose Cars.com for Selling Your Used Car?

Selling a used car can be a daunting task, but using the right platform can make all the difference. Cars.com is one of the leading websites for car sales, offering an extensive audience of potential buyers. With millions of users, it’s a trusted platform where you can sell your car without the hassle of dealing with lowball offers or unreliable buyers.

But selling a car isn’t just about creating a listing and waiting for the magic to happen. To get the best price and sell your vehicle quickly, you need to follow the right steps. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about selling your car on Cars.com—from preparation to finalizing the deal.

Step 1: Preparing Your Car for Sale

The first and most crucial step is ensuring your car is in the best possible condition to attract buyers. Here’s what you need to do before listing your car on Cars.com.

Clean and Maintain Your Car

Presentation matters. Buyers are more likely to engage with a car that looks clean and well-maintained. Here are a few tips to make your vehicle stand out:

• Exterior Cleaning: Wash the car thoroughly, and consider waxing to give it a shiny, new look.

• Interior Cleaning: Vacuum the carpets, clean the seats, and wipe down all surfaces. A professional detailing service can be worth the investment if the car has seen a lot of use.

• Basic Maintenance: Change the oil, check the tire pressure, and make sure the lights, wipers, and other basic functions are in working order.

Gather the Necessary Paperwork

Having the right documents ready is essential to speed up the selling process. Potential buyers often want to see proof that the car has been well cared for. Here’s what you should have on hand:

• Vehicle Title: This is proof that you own the car, and you’ll need it to transfer ownership.

• Maintenance Records: If you’ve kept records of oil changes, repairs, and any major services, have these ready. Buyers are often reassured by seeing how well a vehicle has been maintained.

• Vehicle History Report: Consider providing a report from services like Carfax or AutoCheck. Buyers appreciate transparency and will feel more confident if they can see that the car has no accident history.

Take High-Quality Photos

A picture is worth a thousand words, and on a car listing, it can be worth thousands of dollars. Clear, well-lit photos can make a huge difference in attracting buyers. Here are some tips for taking great car photos:

• Exterior Shots: Capture the front, back, both sides, and a ¾ angle shot.

• Interior Shots: Include pictures of the dashboard, seats, and any unique features like a sunroof or infotainment system.

• Detail Shots: Highlight important aspects like the tires, engine, and any recent upgrades.

Step 2: Creating an Account on Cars.com

Before you can list your car, you need to create an account on Cars.com. This process is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to get started:

Step-by-Step Guide to Signing Up:

1. Go to Cars.com: Visit the website and click on the Sign Up option in the top-right corner.

2. Fill in Your Details: Provide your name, email, and password to create an account.

3. Verify Your Email: You’ll receive a confirmation email. Click the link to verify your account.

4. Complete Your Profile: Add your phone number and other contact information to make it easier for potential buyers to reach you.

By having a complete and accurate profile, you build trust with buyers, as they’ll feel more comfortable knowing they’re dealing with a verified seller.

Step 3: Listing Your Car on Cars.com

Now that your car is clean, photographed, and ready to go, it’s time to list it on Cars.com. Creating a compelling listing will help ensure that it catches the eye of potential buyers.

Providing Accurate Vehicle Information

Accuracy is key when listing your car. Make sure you provide all the essential details:

• Make, Model, and Year: Be specific about your car’s brand, model, and the year it was manufactured.

• Mileage: Buyers want to know how much the car has been used, so make sure you include the accurate mileage from the odometer.

• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): Providing the VIN adds transparency and allows buyers to run their own vehicle history reports.

• Condition: Be honest about the car’s condition. If there are minor issues (like small scratches or worn tires), mention them. Transparency can prevent issues later and help you build trust with buyers.

Writing a Compelling Description

The description is where you can set your car apart from others. Here are a few things to include:

• Features: Highlight unique features like a premium sound system, navigation, or recent upgrades (e.g., new tires, brakes).

• Reason for Selling: A brief reason (such as needing a bigger vehicle or moving) can add a personal touch and reassure buyers that there’s no hidden reason for the sale.

• Honesty: If the car has any flaws, mention them upfront. Honesty helps avoid awkward negotiations or cancellations later on.

Setting a Competitive Price

Pricing your car correctly can be the difference between a quick sale and having your listing sit for months. Here’s how to price competitively:

• Use the Cars.com Price Calculator: Cars.com offers a pricing tool that helps you set a fair price based on your car’s make, model, year, and condition.

• Consider Similar Listings: Check listings for similar cars in your area to gauge market trends.

• Be Ready to Negotiate: Start with a price slightly higher than your bottom line to leave room for negotiation.

Adding Photos and Videos

Buyers are drawn to listings with plenty of visuals. In addition to photos, consider adding a short video of the car’s interior and exterior. A video can give buyers a real-time feel of the car and make your listing more engaging.

Step 4: Engaging with Potential Buyers

Once your car is listed, you should start receiving inquiries. Responding promptly and professionally will help you maintain buyer interest and avoid losing potential sales.

Responding to Inquiries Promptly

The faster you respond, the more likely you are to close a sale. Buyers often move quickly, so make sure you monitor your email or Cars.com account regularly for new messages. Respond with all the necessary information and offer to answer any questions they might have.

Scheduling Safe Test Drives

Test drives are a crucial part of the car-selling process, but safety should always come first. Here’s how to schedule and manage test drives safely:

• Choose a Public Location: Arrange to meet in a well-lit, public area like a parking lot or a mall.

• Bring a Friend: If possible, have a friend accompany you during the test drive for added safety.

• Check Driver’s License: Always ask the buyer to show their driver’s license before allowing them behind the wheel.

Negotiating the Sale

Buyers will often try to negotiate, so be prepared. Here are a few tips:

• Know Your Bottom Line: Set a minimum price in your mind and don’t go below it.

• Stay Calm: Negotiations can get tense, but staying calm and friendly will help maintain a good relationship with the buyer.

• Be Open to Reasonable Offers: If the buyer’s offer is reasonable, consider accepting it, especially if your car has been on the market for a while.

Step 5: Closing the Deal

Once you’ve agreed on a price, it’s time to close the sale. This step requires attention to detail to ensure everything is done correctly.

Verifying Payment

Accepting payment is a sensitive part of the transaction. Here are the safest ways to get paid:

• Certified Check: This is one of the most secure methods of payment. Be sure to verify the check with the issuing bank before handing over the car.

• Online Payment: Services like PayPal or a bank transfer can work, but be cautious and verify funds before transferring ownership.

• Cash: While cash is straightforward, be sure to count it and ensure it's genuine if you go this route.

Transferring Ownership

To officially transfer ownership, follow these steps:

• Sign Over the Title: Ensure that both you and the buyer sign the car’s title to transfer ownership legally.

• Complete a Bill of Sale: Some states require a bill of sale, which serves as a receipt for both parties.

• Remove License Plates: In many states, you’ll need to remove the car’s license plates before the new owner takes possession.

• Cancel Insurance: Once the car is sold, don’t forget to cancel your insurance policy to avoid paying premiums on a car you no longer own.

FAQs About Selling a Car on Cars.com

1. How long does it typically take to sell a car on Cars.com?

The time it takes to sell can vary based on factors like price, demand, and the condition of the vehicle. On average, it could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

2. Is there a fee for listing my car on Cars.com?

Yes, Cars.com offers several listing packages, including both free and paid options. The free listing allows you to post your vehicle with basic details, but premium packages give you access to additional features such as longer listing durations, more photos, and increased visibility to potential buyers.

3. What are the safest payment methods?

The safest payment methods are certified checks, cashier's checks, or direct bank transfers. Avoid accepting personal checks unless you can verify them with the issuing bank. Online payment platforms like PayPal are also viable, but be cautious of potential fraud. Always ensure that funds have cleared before handing over the car.

4. Can I list my car on multiple platforms simultaneously?

Yes, you can list your car on multiple platforms such as Cars.com, Autotrader, and Craigslist simultaneously to increase your chances of finding a buyer. However, be sure to manage your listings and promptly remove them once the car is sold to avoid confusion with potential buyers.

5. How should I handle lowball offers?

It’s common to receive offers below your asking price, but you don’t have to accept them. Politely decline offers that are too low and counter with a fair price. Having a clear minimum price in mind helps make negotiations smoother.

Conclusion: Make Your Sale Smooth with the Right Steps

Selling your car on Cars.com can be a rewarding experience if you take the proper steps to prepare, list, and engage with buyers. By cleaning your car, providing accurate information, setting a competitive price, and responding promptly, you’ll improve your chances of a quick and successful sale. Transparency is key—buyers are more likely to trust and engage with sellers who are upfront about their vehicle’s condition.

Once you’ve found the right buyer, finalize the sale with secure payment and transfer the ownership following all legal requirements. If your buyer needs to transport the car long distances, you might suggest using a trusted car shipping service like AmeriFreight to ensure safe and timely delivery.

Ready to sell your car? Follow this guide, and you’ll be handing over the keys in no time!

If you need help transporting the car after your sale, get an instant quote from AmeriFreight here.