Selling a car yourself can feel intimidating, but it’s not as tough as you might think. To avoid unnecessary stress, let us coach you on the best way to prepare the paperwork, price the car realistically, market it effectively, and accept payment without leaving yourself exposed.
What to know about paperwork and pricing
Before you take photos or post an ad, get organized. Paperwork delays thwart deals.
Make sure you have your title handy, for starters. If there’s a lien, contact the lender early to understand the payoff and the time it’ll take for them to clear things up on their end. You’ll also want to gather maintenance records, any transferable warranty documents, and basic vehicle details (the mileage, VIN, etc.).
Next, set a realistic price. Use “private-party” valuations from tools like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds, then compare those numbers to similar local listings. Your goal is to land near the market’s cluster, not be an outlier. Set a “walk-away” price, then list your vehicle slightly higher to allow for negotiation.
Why a clean car is a more profitable car
Presentation matters more than most sellers realize. A clean car signals care, even before the engine starts. That’s why you’ll want to wash and wax the exterior, clean the wheels and glass, vacuum thoroughly, wipe down the interior surfaces, and remove all personal items.
Additionally, it’s in your best interest to fix cheap, obvious issues, like burned-out bulbs and worn wipers. When buyers see these, they start to wonder what else you ignored. You might even get the car professionally detailed. If your car is valuable enough, basic detailing often pays for itself in terms of the selling price.
How to create a listing that sells
Most buyers decide whether to contact you based on photos alone. Take around 20 clear, well-lit photos of the front, rear, both sides, wheels, tires, interior, odometer, engine bay, trunk, and any flaws. Showing those imperfections up front builds trust and saves time.
When writing a description, keep things factual and complete. Include the year, make, model, trim, mileage, VIN, key features, maintenance highlights, known issues, your asking price, and whether it’s negotiable.
Tips for maximum visibility (and screening potential buyers)
Major national marketplaces tend to deliver the most visibility and attract more people ready to buy. Facebook Marketplace is now a top choice for private sellers thanks to its massive local reach and built-in messaging. Craigslist and eBay Motors still have audiences, but many sellers now rely on Facebook.
Treat initial buyer outreach like an interview. Be cautious with those who won’t speak on the phone, want to overpay sight unseen, or push odd payment or shipping arrangements. Those are classic red flags.
What to think about when offering test drives
Always meet in a public, well-lit place, one that isn’t your home. Some police stations even offer “safe exchange” zones. Ask to see the buyer’s driver’s license and take a photo of it with your smartphone. If you don’t feel safe riding along during the test drive, make sure you have an AirTag or GPS tracker stashed in the vehicle.
How to negotiate without emotion
Anchor your discussion in objective facts: condition, maintenance history, and comparable prices. Counter lowball offers once or twice, then be willing to bail. Your strongest leverage is being prepared to say no.
The safest approaches to accepting payment
Use secure, verifiable methods only. Cash (counted together at a bank), a cashier’s check issued in your presence at the buyer’s bank, or a verified wire transfer are standard. Avoid personal checks, payment plans, and apps like Zelle or CashApp. If escrow is involved, choose a reputable service yourself — never one suggested only by the buyer. Lastly, do not hand over keys or title until funds are confirmed.
Closing out everything, particularly with the DMV
Once payment is secure, finalize everything immediately. Sign and assign the title correctly, complete a bill of sale with VIN, price, date, and “as-is” language, and remove your plates if your state allows or requires it. Twenty states now transfer titles electronically, so check whether that’s available in your area.
Once you’ve completed the transaction, file your state’s seller’s notice right away so tickets, tolls, or taxes don’t come back to you. Because requirements vary, always confirm your exact steps on your state DMV’s “Buying or Selling a Vehicle” page.
Prepping for your next purchase
While you’re working on getting rid of your current vehicle, you can start laying the groundwork for your next one by taking a few minutes to get pre-qualified for auto financing through the Credit Acceptance website. Doing so will give you an idea of the monthly payment you may qualify for, which can help as you decide what to drive next.