
Why should I sell my car on Autotrader?
Reach millions of shoppers every week looking for cars for sale near you. Get more for your used car or truck when you sell it yourself.
- List your car for only $49 per listing
- Get a vehicle history report at no additional cost
- Add up to 30 photos of your car
- Renew for free as many times as you like every 30 days
- Use Kelley Blue Book’s trusted vehicle pricing guidance to help you set the right price
- Get double the exposure on two powerful sites–Autotrader and KBB
Why should I get a Kelley Blue Book® Instant Cash Offer?
Selling your car on your own can be a hassle. Save time and get a Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer in minutes. You have the option to get cash or a trade-in credit. It’s free and there’s no purchase required.
Questions about selling your car privately online? We have answers.
How to sell a car in four steps
The best way to sell your car quickly and easily so you’ll get the most cash is to sell it online using Autotrader.
- Organize your paperwork, thoroughly clean the vehicle and then determine your car’s value in order to price it accordingly.
- Write a detailed description of your car and take many good photos, both inside and outside of the car.
- When buyers start contacting you, you’ll need to be prepared to deal with questions about your car and requests for test drives.
- Once you have a qualified buyer lined up, come to an agreement on price, finalize the transaction while protecting yourself financially and legally and then transfer the title and ownership. Read more about how to make the best used car online ad.
What paperwork do I need to sell my car?
Regardless if your car is an exotic, an everyday driver or a junker, there are seven documents you’ll need to sell your used car privately:
- Vehicle History Report
- Maintenance records
- Transferrable warranty (if applicable)
- As-Is documentation
- Odometer disclosure
- Vehicle title
- Bill of Sale
Read more about what paperwork you need to sell your car.
How do I transfer a car title and ownership after selling a car?
What are the most common scams you may encounter when selling your car yourself?
These are the most common scams fraudsters may try to use:
- Fake, forged or counterfeit cashier’s check, certified check, money order or wire
- Offers to pay by personal check
- Offering to buy the car sight-unseen
- The fake shipping scam: A potential buyer who insist on shipping a seller’s car internationally or across the country
- Distant buyers either overseas or on a “business trip”
- Offers to pay “asap” via Pay Pal, gift card, Cash.Me, Venmo or other online payment service
- Overpayment scam, which may sometimes include a third-party website or entity
- Payment plan
- Anyone who asks you to purchase a service (such as a VIN history report)
Read more about how to protect yourself from scams and frauds when selling a car.
What is the best way to create a compelling ad to sell your car?
To sell your car in the fastest way and to get the most money, you’ll want to make sure you write the best possible online ad using the following key points:
- Explain why you are selling the car
- Define the forms of payment you are willing to accept
- Disclose what vehicle paperwork or maintenance records you have
- Disclose any issues which need to be fixed
- List the car’s key and unique features
- Mention any added or custom modifications
- Take lots of clear high-quality photos, both close and wide shots
- Use proper punctuation and grammar
- Price your vehicle accurately using Autotrader’s car values tool.
Read more about how to make the best used car ad.
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Resources to help you sell your car privately
- How to Sell a Car on Autotrader in Four Steps
- Document Checklist
- Sell My Car Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)