Sell my car online

Selling your car privately has the potential to yield the most profit, but it can also be the most complicated. To help you out, we've put together an in-depth How to Sell Your Car guide that's full of tips to assist you in getting the most money for your car.

What you'll find here is a condensed version of the story that boils the advice down to five easy-to-follow steps. It covers everything from deciding the initial asking price, to how and where to meet interested parties, to sealing the deal and handing over keys and title.

1. Research and price your vehicle

It is important to choose the right asking price for your car. This sets the tone for the entire process and can make things go smoothly or lead to lots of bumps in the road ahead. When it comes to finding the best asking price, be sure to take your time and do your homework.

Begin by appraising your vehicle on Edmunds. Once you get the results page, scroll down and keep an eye out for two figures: the trade-in value and private party price. The trade-in value is what you might expect to sell the car for at a dealership. The private party value is what someone selling the car on their own might list it for.

Focus on the private party price. Consider this the target price for your used car. If you want to double-check this price, pretend you're a car buyer by going to the used car website of your choice (or here on Edmunds) and seeing what prices your particular make and model is currently commanding. Key factors to make an apples-to-apples comparison include mileage, features and options, color and trim, overall condition, and even the specific region where a vehicle is being sold. For example, a fuel-sipping car in a part of the country where gas is more expensive will likely command a higher asking price. The inverse is true if you'd be putting a thirstier vehicle on sale in an area where fuel is cheaper.

Once you've compiled some car-selling data, you'll have a better idea if the number you had in mind is within the ballpark of your car's true value. With this knowledge, you can also use the same techniques used at dealerships to price a vehicle competitively. For example, if the lowest you'll take for your car is $20,000, give yourself some wiggle room for negotiation and list the car at $22,990. Many car shoppers tend to negotiate in larger amounts — something along the lines of $500 to $1,000, if not more. Less common is haggling over a small difference of $100 to $200, unless it's related to a specific issue (such as something that's not too serious or difficult to remedy, such as minor scuffs on a bumper).

2. Advertise your vehicle

Now that you've established a fair asking price, it's time to get the word out. Know that listings on automotive sites like CarGurus or Autotrader can prove effective, but they also charge a fee to list your vehicle. You can save a few bucks by advertising for free on sites such as Edmunds, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or eBay Motors.

Old tried-and-true methods are also still worth using. Posting a "For Sale" sign in the car's window is quick and easy. This traditional route can yield fast results. Just make sure any written information is easily legible, and don't overshare if you're wary about having your phone number listed for all the world to see. It could be smart to mention you're selling your vehicle to family and friends on social media — that is, so long as you don't mind mixing financial dealings with either of the two.

A good rule of thumb when posting your car online is that there's no such thing as too many photos. Take as many photos of the vehicle from all angles, including the engine bay, trunk, and underneath the car if you're able. Follow the steps in this Edmunds article if you need advice on taking photos. And at the risk of sounding naggy, remember to be absolutely honest. What might not bother you about your vehicle — such as, say, an inoperative stereo speaker — could be a serious problem to someone else.

As you write the description, make sure to mention if the vehicle has any scratches, dents or mechanical issues. You can also use key phrases to communicate how eager you are to sell the car. For example, "OBO" ("or best offer") indicates you are willing to consider offers below the stated price. Using "asking price" also helps convey the message that you're willing to negotiate. On the other hand, mentioning the price is "firm" is less common, but it indicates you aren't in a rush to sell the car. It shows potential buyers that you're interested in getting your asking price with no room for haggling.

You can also upload a video of the car to YouTube so potential buyers can do a virtual walk-around of the car. Include a link in your Craigslist or eBay listing if you choose to do this.

3. Show your car

Now is the time when you should receive a number of calls, texts or emails inquiring about your vehicle. Bear in mind that when you sell your car, people will not only be evaluating the car but also the person who owns it. This isn't meant as a fashion show or popularity contest, of course. It simply relates to being candid, clear, and taking a little time to make your vehicle presentable.

Buyers will feel more comfortable if they know you took good care of the car and answer their questions openly. We're going to risk sounding motherly again, but make sure the car has been washed and that you've removed your belongings from the inside. You might not mind a back seat full of coffee cups or candy wrappers, yet any reasonable car buyer certainly will.

It is also vital to have your maintenance records ready to show interested parties. Missing paperwork is a major red flag and raises questions about a range of potential issues.

Make sure your schedule is flexible because potential buyers will want to test-drive the car. A smart and safe idea is to meet in a public place rather than at your home or office. Follow the safety tips from Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace to avoid common scams. These safety tips are also good advice for making a sale from any online classified site.

Make certain you ride along with the buyer so you can answer questions — and to ensure they're not doing anything inappropriate like speeding or running lights. Some buyers will want to take the car to a mechanic for inspection. If you have a report from your dealership or mechanic, this could put their doubts to rest. If they still want to take the car to their mechanic, this is a reasonable request, so long as they ask in advance.

This allows you to research the mechanic and set aside any time needed for an inspection. Be wary if you know your car is in tip-top shape but the seller's mechanic suddenly uncovers a litany of problems. Chances are good they're doing a "favor" to the buyer and working to knock the price down. If you get this impression, then run, don't walk, away from the deal as fast as possible.

4. Negotiate your best price

It's not uncommon for people to ask for your "best price" or try to negotiate before they've seen the car in person. If you give out a number first, they may try to lower the price even further once they've seen the car. Try to avoid these situations by letting shoppers know you would rather negotiate after they've seen the car.

When a person test-drives your car and likes it, you can expect them to make an offer. If the offer is far below your asking price, you will want to either hold firm or make a reasonable counteroffer. A good counteroffer would be either meeting the would-be buyer halfway from what they offered you or go slightly above what they offered you. For example, if the asking price of the car is $20,000 and the buyer offers you $17,000, a counteroffer could be $18,500. Give the negotiation process some thought ahead of time so you won't be caught unprepared. This preparation will let you feel more proactive and assertive during the negotiation process.

In some cases, the buyer might want an agreement contingent on your performing the repair work. This can lead to misunderstandings down the line, so it's best to avoid such deals if possible. The best option is to discount the car so the buyer can handle the repairs without your involvement. This way, the buyer knows the work is done to their standards and, should the issue resurface, it will no longer be the seller's concern.

5. Finalize the payment and paperwork

The laws governing the sale of motor vehicles vary from state to state. Thankfully, most, if not all, pertinent car-buying and selling information is now available online. For example, when selling your car, it's important to limit your liability. If the buyer gets a ticket or is in an accident, you may be held responsible. Most states have a release of liability form that you can fill out when the sale is completed to prevent such a situation. This article on closing a used car sale has more detailed information and a useful checklist.

Once you have the money from the sale, it's common to request a cashier's check or cash and then sign the title over to the buyer or provide the person with a bill of sale. Don't forget to immediately contact your insurance agent to cancel your policy on the vehicle you've just sold.

If you've opted to sell your car privately on Edmunds, we use a third-party service to handle the paperwork and payment.

Bonus tip: Trust your instincts

Unfortunately, unexpected bumps can arise even in the most carefully planned and seemingly seamless sale process. You can handle these easily if you're dealing with a reasonable buyer. As interested parties contact you, use your intuition to evaluate them. If they seem difficult, pushy, or even shady, wait for someone else. Potential warning signs could entail them wanting to meet to see the car immediately — irrespective of your schedule — or offering an outlandishly low price. With the right person, selling a used car should be simple and stress-free.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to list your car at a fair price point. Keep in mind, this can be on the higher end to allow for negotiation. This strategy gives you some wiggle room to barter while still landing a good deal and putting money in your wallet. Set a price, but decide where you're truly willing to close the deal. If the price you have in mind is set in granite, with no room for negotiation, we suggest keeping an open mind or lowering your daily caffeine intake.

Let's crunch some numbers. Say you want to sell your car for $10,000. Using this starting point, you should list it at about $11,500. With a pricier used car sale, you'll want to leave even more room. If you'd be happy with $20,000, list the vehicle at or around $22,000 to $24,000.

There are many tools and resources to help you find the sweet spot for pricing your used car. Here's a step-by-step guide to this process:

1. Consider the market. Is your car in high demand? Can you ask for top dollar? Is this the right time to sell it? Here are a few general rules to help answer these questions.

• SUVs are hugely popular, so they will routinely command higher prices than sedans.

• On the other hand, family sedans — meaning compact or midsize models with room for five — will always be in demand among people looking for a no-nonsense, practical means of transportation.

• Check the forecast if you have a sporty car for sale. Jokes aside, it's true that getting a good price for a convertible or sports car is more dependent on the season in which you're selling it. Sunny and warm weather is more likely to bring out buyers. If you sell in the fall and winter — when the driving delights of your pride and joy might be lessened — the process could take longer, or result in lower offers.

• Trucks and vans, which people often use for work, sell quickly and command competitive prices. Don't underestimate their value just because they have a stronger utilitarian streak.

• Collector cars take longer to sell and require more legwork to accurately value. These cars can bring good sale prices — if you find the right buyer — but know that an added degree of patience is going to be needed.

Consider other market conditions that may affect your car. For example, if your car gets good fuel economy and gas prices are high, you'll be able to ask more for it than when gas is cheap. Similarly, selling a supersize SUV for top dollar is going to be tough if gas prices are sky-high.

2. Know the value of your vehicle. A smart first step is to use the Edmunds appraisal tool to determine the private-party value of your car. Edmunds' prices are adjusted for mileage, color and trim, options and features, overall condition and even region of the country where the vehicle is being sold. After all, a convertible sold in Florida could command a higher price than the same car put on the market in Maine. Keep in mind the Edmunds private-party value is not a firm asking price. It's simply where you want to wind up after any negotiations. Don't forget to check other pricing guides for comparison. Each one could be a little higher or lower, though generally well within the same price range.

3. Survey your competition. Review classified ads on websites where you plan to list your vehicle. These ads represent your competition, so to speak, and they will help you get a better idea on where to set your price. Remember that these are asking prices, not selling prices. Some might be wishful thinking on the seller's part. Compare the cars' condition, mileage, location, and asking prices to help you set the right price for your vehicle.

4. Price your vehicle competitively. As mentioned earlier, it's smart to leave wiggle room for negotiations. Ask for slightly more money than you expect. If you get your asking price, that's great. Yet, if you have to go lower, it won't be a huge loss.

Also consider the psychological aspects of car pricing by staying just below benchmark numbers, such as $10,000 (price it at $9,900) or $20,000 (price it at $19,900). Car dealers take this philosophy to an extreme by listing everything on their lots at prices that end in "999" ($12,999, for example; apparently, we shoppers are not supposed to notice that the car basically costs $13,000). Still, this tactic demonstrates the psychology of setting prices. A product that doesn't sell well at $20 might jump off the shelf at $19.95.

As a private-party seller, you don't necessarily want to come across as a car dealer — unless that's your day job, and then you can ignore this piece of advice. You might want to take a simplified approach and set your price at a round figure, such as $15,500 or $15,750. This makes the price appear fairer and less like a marketing tactic to the buyer.

5. Tap your intuition. Once you have the hard data, it's time to consult your intuition. Perhaps you have a hunch that your car is especially desirable — much like everyone thinks they're a great driver — or that the time is right to ask for a certain price. As you do this gut check, remember that it's a good idea to err on the side of a higher asking price. If necessary, you can lower the price until you get interest from car buyers. On the other hand, if you peg the price too low, you might sell quickly but won't get the car's true value.

What to do about hard-to-price cars

If you have a classic or highly uncommon vehicle, you might not find it in many pricing guides. All is not lost; you can check sites like Classics on Autotrader, Hemmings, and Bring a Trailer to get a ballpark price. You can also check printed classic car publications or reach out to collectors, car clubs or specialized mechanics.

Research equals reward

Whether you're selling a 2020 Toyota RAV4 or a 1965 Ford Mustang, take the time to research the market before setting the price for your used car. If you do your job correctly, the process should go smoothly and you'll get the money you hoped for when sealing the deal.