How to Set a Price when Selling Your Car

Seeking to optimize your car selling experience? Discover the key strategies to effectively price your vehicle for a private sale. Uncover the secrets to setting a market-driven value that not only attracts potential buyers but also ensures a swift sale. Dive into our comprehensive guide to learn how to maximize your used car's value and secure top dollar!

Unlock the true value of your vehicle. Wondering about your car's retail worth?

The majority of cars are fetching between 90% to 105% of their market value, contingent on various factors such as condition, features, and regional supply versus demand dynamics. Your old vehicle could command a premium from a buyer whose preferences, needs, and budget align precisely with your car's price, conditions, and features. At any given time, a car's retail value is the price at which it would be sold by a willing seller, usually a franchised dealer, to a willing and financially capable prospective buyer.

Price your car like a seasoned pro! What determines my car's market value?

It's almost like asking, "What drives a car's price?" The market value hinges on factors like seasonality, location, demand, supply, maintenance records, cosmetic and mechanical condition, available car loan deals, year, make, model, trim level, mileage, CARFAX history, features, and installed options. It's also essential to factor in the competitive landscape with similar cars on the market.

The market value of a pre-owned car sees an uptick if:

• It's being sold in the right season. For instance, in the Palos Hills market, sports cars are hot commodities during the spring-fall season, while winter is prime time for 4WD trucks or AWD SUVs equipped with a 3rd row, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel.
• It's the right car for the right region. Regional preferences significantly influence a car's value. While a FWD truck may sell well in Florida, it might struggle to find buyers in Indiana due to winter weather conditions.
• High demand and low supply. Think about demand and supply dynamics, such as during tax season in Indiana, when car prices soar as more Hoosiers are flush with tax refunds and ready to buy. Conversely, pre-Christmas, demand dips as consumers prioritize holiday spending over big-ticket purchases like cars.
• A spotless maintenance record, documented through vehicle history reports or service receipts, can significantly elevate your car's retail market value. A well-maintained car with regular oil changes, recent brake jobs, and fresh tires commands a higher price, given the assurance of reliability and longevity. After all, buyers prefer vehicles with a well-kept engine, recent brake maintenance, and new tires over those lacking maintenance records, which could potentially add significant costs in the future.
• The cosmetic and mechanical condition of your car can drive up its retail market value. Prospective buyers are drawn to vehicles free from curb rash on rims, rock chips on the front bumper, or rust on the undercarriage, especially in regions like Palos Hills, Illinois, where corrosive road salt is used during winter. Similarly, Chicago-based buyers appreciate cars without door dings or damaged bumpers due to parking space constraints. Disclose any wear and tear in your car listing, as undisclosed damage could lead to price negotiations.
• Financing options play a pivotal role in buyers' car purchasing decisions. Buyers must budget not just for monthly payments but also for ancillary expenses like registration fees, sales tax, car insurance, and license plate fees. Vehicles over 10 years old or with over 100,000 miles may command lower prices due to limited loan availability or higher interest rates and shorter loan terms. Selling a low-mileage vehicle at the end of its lease, such as a 3-year-old car with under 36,000 miles, offers a prime opportunity, as banks offer lower rates and longer loan terms for well-maintained pre-owned vehicles.
• The perfect blend of year, make, model, and trim level can significantly impact your car's desirability and overall deal. Numerous consumer review-driven platforms unveil technical flaws linked to specific makes and models. Often, issues like engine, transmission, or electrical malfunctions are rectified by the manufacturer under Lemon Law or via recall within the year. Interior concerns, such as the peeling finish on audio control buttons in 2004-2012 Audi or GM products, also influence buyer decisions.
• Trim levels intertwine with available features. For instance, Honda's LX model usually lacks a leather interior, unlike the EX-L and Touring variants, which typically include leather seats and possibly a sunroof. Beware of premium trim options missing expected features like leather seats, a sunroof, remote start, or an entertainment system. From our experience at Guaranteed Motor Cars in Palos Hills, Illinois, selling a Chrysler 300 Touring without a sunroof can be challenging due to the feature's expectation.
• Features and options complement each other, elevating your vehicle's value. While features vary based on year, make, and model, in-demand options contribute significantly. Check your car's original window sticker or obtain one from our dealership; we're more than happy to assist. Guaranteed Motor Cars is dedicated to running a CARFAX and providing a copy of the window sticker upon request.

What vehicle conditions affect true market value pricing?

Vehicle conditions such as fair, average, good, and excellent are crucial for determining true market value. Dealers employ similar grading systems like rough, average, clean, and spotless. Remarkably, less than 3% of used cars on the market are in excellent or extra-clean condition.

How does market value differ from retail value?

Market conditions dictate the variance between market and retail values. Retail values, set by manufacturers, contrast with market values, determined by supply and demand economics, leading to cars being sold above or below retail values.

What's the distinction between retail price and market price?

Fair market value, or car market price, plays a pivotal role in establishing the retail value of a used vehicle. While retail value is the price suggested by the manufacturer (MSRP), market conditions allow dealers to price cars above or below this suggested value, reflecting the fair market value.

How much is your car worth?

Your car's value hinges on what a willing and able private buyer or nearby dealership is willing to pay. Typically, your car may fetch more on a dealer's lot than in your driveway. Therefore, price your car accordingly to entice prospective buyers.

What constitutes the base value of a car?

The base value of a car represents its retail value with no additional options, typically in the base trim level with basic engine, transmission, and drivetrain options. Trucks usually come with FWD drivetrains instead of AWD, and sedans are often RWD instead of AWD.

What's a reasonable price for a used car?

A good price for a used car depends on several factors such as make, model, year, mileage, condition, and local demand. Researching values through tools like Kelley Blue Book or National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Guides and comparing prices on platforms like Autotrader or CarGurus can help determine a fair price. Typically, a good price falls below 100% of the car's market value, ensuring both buyer and seller benefit.

What's the optimal way to sell a car?

The best method for selling a car depends on your objectives, whether it's selling quickly or maximizing profit. Consider whether to sell it independently or through a dealer. Trading in is the quickest method, while selling privately maximizes returns.

How do you sell a car online?

Once you've determined your vehicle's fair market value, advertise it on platforms like Autotrader, CarGurus, or Facebook Marketplace. Respond to inquiries promptly, schedule meetings with interested buyers, and complete necessary paperwork for a smooth transaction. Utilize forms provided by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) or Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to facilitate a legally sound process.

How do you trade in a car with an outstanding loan?

When trading in a car with an outstanding loan, provide your driver's license and a statement from the bank. The dealer contacts the bank for the 10-day payoff amount. Depending on whether you owe more or less than the trade-in value, the process varies, requiring documentation and authorization to finalize the sale.

How much negotiation room is there for a used car?

During negotiations for pre-owned vehicles, potential discounts may equal the cost of undisclosed repairs discovered during inspections, plus any additional premiums on top of fair market value.

What factors influence car prices?

Car valuations vary by location due to differences in demand and supply. For example, Indiana car shoppers prioritize 4WD SUVs over RWD models.

Can car valuations change based on location?

In addition to year, make, model, trim level, and mileage, exterior, interior, and mechanical condition also significantly impact car valuations. While features matter, condition plays a larger role.

Is it wise to pay more than the Blue Book value for a car?

While Kelley Blue Book serves as a guide, it's not the sole determinant of a car's worth. Research prices on platforms like Edmunds, TrueCar, and CARFAX for fair market value.

Where's the best place to sell a used car?

Apart from listing on platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or NextDoor, consider CarGurus for broader exposure. Choose the platform that values your vehicle highest based on market research.

What's the best online platform for selling a car?

The best platform depends on your priorities. CarGurus offers quick sales, while others may value your car higher. For free listings, opt for NextDoor, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist.

What's the top car buying site?

The best car buying site boasts extensive listings, robust filtering options, and mobile accessibility. Popular choices include CarGurus, cars.com, Autotrader, CARFAX, and eBay Motors.

What is the book value of a vehicle?

Dealers commonly rely on sources like Black Book, Blue Book, and JD Powers (formerly NADA value) to gauge a vehicle's worth. These values provide benchmarks for dealers and banks to determine loan amounts against the vehicle, aiding in establishing the loan-to-value ratio. While valuable to dealers, it's prudent for consumers to conduct their own research to ascertain the vehicle's fair market value.

Why are cars priced above MSRP?

Cars often command prices above MSRP when demand surpasses supply, allowing sellers to capitalize on buyers willing to pay a premium. This practice was particularly prevalent during the chip shortage of 2021-2022, where scarcity drove prices higher.

What should you not say during the sale?

During a sale, it's advisable to avoid disclosing time constraints, as doing so can weaken negotiating leverage and lead to less favorable terms for the seller.

What are the used cars with the highest rising resale value?

Vehicles that are cherished and well-maintained by their owners tend to experience the highest rising resale values due to their lower supply and high demand in the market.

What brand of car has the highest resale value?

The Jeep Wrangler, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Corolla consistently rank among the brands with the highest resale value, owing to their reputation for reliability and durability.

Do leather seats add value to a car?

Yes, leather seats often enhance a car's value as they are preferred by many buyers for their easy maintenance and aesthetic appeal, especially as the vehicle ages.

How does a trade-in value work?

Trade-in value is typically determined by deducting the cost of reconditioning, dealer overhead costs, and profit goals from the market value of the vehicle. Consigning the vehicle may fetch a higher price as it eliminates the risk factor for the dealer.

What is the value of a salvage title vehicle?

The value of a salvage title vehicle is generally 30%-40% lower than that of clean title counterparts due to the extent of damage and the subsequent issuance of a rebuilt title.

Why are Facebook Marketplace cars so cheap?

Facebook Marketplace listings may appear cheap due to various factors, including rebuilt vehicles, fraudulent sales, or sellers attempting to offload vehicles quickly.

What is the most accurate car valuation?

The most accurate car valuation is typically based on comparing prices across multiple platforms to determine the current market value objectively.

Is Kelly Blue Book's Instant Cash Offer legit?

Yes, Kelley Blue Book's Instant Cash Offer is legitimate, backed by the organization's commitment to reimburse participating dealers for the offered trade-in value upon verification of the vehicle's options and conditions.

Do banks use NADA or Kelley Blue Book?

Banks may use NADA, Kelley Blue Book, or both for valuation purposes, depending on their policies and preferences.

What is Black Book car pricing?

Black Book provides a weekly wholesale value for cars based on auction and sales data, offering insights into the vehicle's wholesale, trade-in, and retail values across different conditions.

What will your car be worth in 2 years?

Estimating a car's worth in two years involves comparing it to a comparable vehicle two years older with additional mileage, while ensuring consistency in body styles and accounting for any changes between model years.