Selling your used car might seem a bit daunting, but it’s actually quite manageable with the right steps. Whether you’re upgrading to a new vehicle or just want to sell one you don’t need anymore, following these tips can make the process easy and straightforward. Here’s a friendly guide to help you sell your used car in India smoothly.
Get your car ready
Before you begin to advertise your car, take some time to look after it. A clean and properly maintained car can attract better deals. Begin with washing and cleaning the inside of the car by vacuuming. To leave a robust impression, think about getting it cleaned by an expert. Tackle all small problems or scars; even tiny repairs can greatly impact the resale value of your car.
Find out how much your car is worth
Knowing your car’s value is really important. You can use online tools from classified websites and check other similar listings to get an idea of your car’s market value. Alternatively, you can visit a local car dealership for a more personal appraisal. This will help you set a fair price and avoid setting it too high or too low.
Pick the best place to sell your car
After understanding the resale value of your car, it is necessary to pick a place where you will list it. Each choice provides its benefits:
1. Word of mouth and to family or friends
Don’t overlook the power of word of mouth. Let your family, friends, and colleagues know that you’re selling your car. They might know someone who’s in the market for a used vehicle or might be interested themselves. Selling to someone you know can make the process smoother and more personal. It often means less hassle with negotiations and paperwork, and it can also help ensure your car goes to a good home where you feel comfortable about the sale. Plus, it’s always nice to help someone out in your circle who might be looking for a car.
2. Online marketplaces
General marketplace websites are well-liked for purchase and sale of many kinds of things, cars included. You have the option to make an elaborate listing with pictures, a write-up about your car, and the price you want for it. These platforms give you an avenue to converse directly with people who may be interested in buying your used car; this could simplify the bargaining process.
You can also choose specialized used car listing platforms which are specifically made for cars, drawing people who wish to purchase pre-owned vehicles. They provide features that assist you in listing your car swiftly and efficiently.
3. Social media
Many people are now using Facebook Marketplace to buy and sell cars. You can post your car in local buy-and-sell groups to reach people in your area.
4. Used Car dealerships
Local dealerships buy used cars directly. This can be a quick way to sell your car, though you might not get the best value as you would when you sell it privately. It’s a good option if you’re looking for convenience and speed.
Make your listing stand out
When you set your car up for sale, it is important to provide a clear and appealing description. Emphasize key facts such as how far the vehicle has traveled (mileage/odometer reading), its current state, and any new improvements made. Transparency about any problems will aid in establishing faith with those who might be interested in buying.
Quality pictures are crucial. Make sure to incorporate images of the exterior, interior and engine area of your vehicle. A listing that is well-organized with sharp photos can certainly draw attention and invite more potential purchasers.
Be ready to negotiate
When you start getting inquiries, be prepared to negotiate. Buyers often like to haggle over the price, so pre-determine the lowest amount you’re willing to accept. Be polite but firm during negotiations. If your price is fair, most buyers will understand and be willing to agree.
Get the paperwork sorted
Before you finalise the sale, make sure all the necessary paperwork is ready. This includes the original registration certificate, insurance papers, and a copy of your PAN card. If you still have an existing loan on the car, get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank. Handling these documents properly will help ensure a smooth transfer of ownership and build confidence with the buyer.
Complete the sale
After agreeing on a price and sorting the paperwork, you’ll need to transfer the car’s ownership through the RTO (Regional Transport Office). The new owner will need the signed transfer forms and the original documents to complete this process.
Decide on a payment method that works for both you and the buyer—whether it’s a bank transfer, cheque, or cash. Always confirm that the payment has been received before handing over the car keys.
Consider specialized car buying services
Platforms like CARS24 make it easy to sell your car. We take care of all document related work, provide immediate payment, and typically get you the best value for your used car. If you must sell your vehicle quickly, the CARS24 used car platform should definitely be considered.
By following these steps and approaching the sale with honesty and care, you can make the process smoother. Selling your used car doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation, you can turn it into a positive experience.
Selling your used car on CARS24
With its inception in 2015, and over 6 lakh transactions since, CARS24 has revolutionised the used car market, making way for a streamlined experience for used car sellers. By analysing data from all these transactions, and feedback from our beloved customers, we have refined our processes to ensure that selling your used car to CARS24 is as easy and hassle-free as possible. Our car valuation experts, in conjunction with our smart AI pricing engine, ensure that you always get a fair value for your used vehicle. Selling your used car to CARS24 can be done in three simple steps:
- Use the CARS24 website or app to get a baseline estimate for your used car. However, this is not the final price of your car, which will be determined after a full inspection.
- Head over to your nearest CARS24 hub, or book a doorstep inspection. One of our car experts will evaluate your car, post which you will be offered the final value for your used car.
- If you like the offer, simply accept the offer, and the payment for your used car will be initiated. The payment is directly transferred to your bank account, post which you can hand over your keys to us.
When you sell your used car to CARS24, you get a great price for your car, instant payments, hassle-free documentation services, all from the convenience of your doorstep. Additionally, if you plan on trading in your used car for another car from the CARS24 lot, we also offer great exchange bonuses, giving you great deals on your next car.