Montreal, a vibrant and culturally rich city in Quebec, Canada, is not only known for its stunning landscapes and historic sites, but also for its bustling automotive market. If you're considering selling your car in Montreal, you've come to the right place!
Whether you decide to sell it privately using online marketplaces, or sell directly to a dealership, you should go into the process with a clear idea of what you need to do for a successful sale with maximum profit. Let’s start by comparing selling privately or selling to a dealership.
Selling Your Car to a Dealership
If you need to sell your car in a hurry, going to a dealership is an easy way to accomplish your goal. In fact, you may be able to walk out with your cash in hand the same day! However, that cash won’t be as much as if you were selling your car privately. After all, the dealership will have to make a profit when they put your car out on their lot, so you won’t get top dollar.
Still, selling to a dealership eliminates a lot of the work in selling a car in Montreal. You won’t need to take photos and post a listing on various sites, or deal with meeting buyers and finishing up the paperwork required for transferring ownership. As well, if you are planning to buy another car, you can often get a good deal on your new purchase if you have a vehicle to trade in.
Selling Your Car Online
Currently, most people looking for a used car turn first to online listings to see what’s available, so using platforms such as Kijiji, AutoTrader, or Facebook Marketplace is an easy way to bring your car to their attention. This gives you the advantage of possible multiple interested buyers, which can help you sell your car for a better price.
You do have more tasks to take care of when selling your car privately, but Autozen will walk you through the process so that you can make this a success.
Getting Ready to Sell
Prepare Your Vehicle
A clean, well-maintained car not only looks more attractive but also signals to buyers that you've taken good care of the vehicle. Addressing minor issues like scratches, dents, or mechanical problems can significantly increase your car's value and desirability.
Start by thoroughly vacuuming the interior, and shampooing the upholstery and carpets. Apply a protectant to the vinyl to restore its patina. While it won’t look as good as new, it will look and smell much better! On the exterior, consider paying to get small scratches and dents repaired, and then wash and polish to make your car look its best.
If your tires are worn and unsafe, or the windshield is cracked, spend the money to get them replaced. As well, it’s a good idea to deal with minor repairs such as replacing worn brakes. Otherwise, a potential buyer is going to expect a lower price because they’ll have to take care of those issues themselves.
By investing in these initial preparations, you can set the stage for a successful sale and potentially secure a higher selling price for your car in Montreal.
Gather Documentation
Gathering all the necessary documentation is crucial when selling a car. This includes your vehicle's title, maintenance records, and other relevant paperwork.
Having the right documents readily available not only streamlines the selling process but also builds trust with potential buyers. The title establishes your ownership, while maintenance records provide a history of the car's care and maintenance, showing that it's been well looked after. Additionally, any warranty information can be reassuring to buyers.
While it’s not required in Quebec, paying for a mechanical inspection is another way to give the buyer confidence that they are making a wise purchase. As well, a Carfax report will give a detailed history of your vehicle.
Set the Right Price
Research the market to determine a competitive price for your car. Start by searching online listings for similar vehicles to see what other private sellers are asking. Many sites such as Autozen also have calculators which will give you an idea of what your make, model and year is worth.
When setting your price, don’t make it too high, as that will discourage potential buyers from considering your car. However, don’t make it too low, either. While you will probably get a lot more interest, it’s hard to turn around and raise your price, while you can always reduce the price when negotiating.
Advertise Your Car
Create a compelling and detailed listing for your car. Provide comprehensive information about your vehicle, including its make, model, year, mileage, features, and more. Highlight your car's maintenance and service history to demonstrate that it's been well taken care of. Upload high-quality photos that highlight your car's best angles and features, giving potential buyers a clear view of what you're offering.
Don’t limit yourself to only one online platform for your listing, as you want as many people as possible to find it. You can even put up an ad at the grocery store to appeal to local buyers!
Work with Buyers
Once you start to hear back from people expressing an interest in your car, respond promptly so that they won’t move on to other sellers. Answer their questions, and when they’re ready for a test drive, choose a well-lit, public place to ensure your safety. Avoid inviting strangers to your home. Accompany potential buyers on test drives to ensure the safety of your car and to answer any questions they may have.
Be prepared for negotiations. Set a minimum price you're willing to accept and be willing to haggle, but don't sell yourself short. Once you and the buyer agree on a price, complete the transaction.
While you do not have to fill out a bill of sale in Quebec, it’s strongly recommended that you do so. The seller and buyer (or an appointed proxy) must both go to a Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) service outlet or meet with an agent, to transfer ownership and registration.
For your security, it's often best to accept payment in cash or via a secure payment method like a bank transfer. Before handing over the keys, double-check that you've removed all your personal belongings from the car. Contact your insurance company to cancel coverage on the sold vehicle.
When selling a car in Montreal, use these tips from Autozen to ensure that you get maximum profit with minimum hassles!
