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Thinking of selling your vehicle privately? We've put together a comprehensive guide to help you every step of the way – from preparatory work to final sale. All this practical information will make the process easier and give you the best chance of selling your vehicle.
Preparing your vehicle for sale
Before you advertise your vehicle for sale, thoroughly clean it inside and out and remove any garbage or personal items. An inviting interior and shiny body will attract more potential buyers and help you get the best price.
It's also a good idea to have your vehicle rigorously inspected for any mechanical problems on your car. Be sure to list any such problems in your ad so that potential buyers are fully informed about its condition.
Have all the relevant paperwork on hand
Gather all the documents needed to sell your car, such as registration certificate, maintenance history, owner’s manual, repair invoices or documentation relating to an “as is” sale if you're selling your car without warranty. Potential buyers will feel more confident knowing that you’re being transparent and that all the required documents are available and in order.
Decide on the selling price.
Set the selling price of your used vehicle by assessing its market value. A few searches on online sales platforms will give you the asking price for similar vehicles. The relative availability of your vehicle or the popularity of its make and model should also be considered when determining its value.
Be prepared to haggle the price of your vehicle with potential buyers because they are likely to offer you a lower price. That’s why you should list a slightly higher sale price. Be confident, courteous, and open-minded when bargaining because being pleasant will increase your chances of closing the sale under the best possible conditions.
Create and post an attractive ad
Increase your chances by creating a visually attractive ad. For instance, use high-quality photos of your vehicle parked in a quiet spot on a sunny day.
A clear, detailed and honest description of your vehicle is also essential. List its mileage, year, make, model, and equipment, and indicate any pending or recent repairs as well as any accidents.
Post your ad on a suitable online sales platform such as Kijiji Autos, LesPAC, Auto Hebdo or Facebook Marketplace.
Finalizing the sale
You're almost there! It’s highly recommended to finalize the sale by signing a sales contract. Although this is not obligatory, it does provide a written record of the agreement between buyer and seller. To avoid unpleasant surprises, you should also take a few other steps, such as asking for a down payment before finalizing the transaction or requiring payment in cash or a direct transfer into your bank account.
Once the sale is completed, don't forget to notify your insurance broker to update your auto insurance. If you're buying a new vehicle, it’s also an ideal time to choose personalized insurance to cover the new purchase and whatever complementary protection you need.
