In a world that thrives on constant upgrades and technological advancements, the question of what to do with our old cars often lingers. Whether you're upgrading to a newer model or simply looking to declutter your space, selling your old car can make a lot of sense. In this Autozen guide, we will explore the various facets of selling old cars.
Reviving Memories: Exploring the Timeless Appeal of Old Cars
How old is your car? Depending on the model year, old cars fall into a few categories. A car that is at least 20 years old is considered a classic, while cars older than 45 years are antiques. Vintage cars are from 1930 or earlier. If your car is 20 years or less, it’s just old.
Classic and antique cars have a special appeal for automobile enthusiasts. Especially in warm weather, you will find their owners showing them off at cruise nights and classic car shows all across Canada. They’re willing to invest thousands of dollars in restoring and maintaining these beauties. Even classics and antiques in need of extensive restoration can sell in this niche market, so it’s worth the effort to find the right buyer for your old car.
Where to Sell Old Cars
If your car is just old, rather than classic or antique, you have a couple of reasonable options for selling it. You can take it to a local used car dealership and see what they have to offer. If you want to purchase another car to replace it, using your old car as a trade-in can save you some money, as well as the hassle of trying to sell it privately. You can also sell your old car through a consignment auction.
The digital era has revolutionized the way we buy and sell, and old cars are no exception. Selling privately using an online platform like AutoTrader, Kijiji, or Facebook Marketplace may result in a higher return, but you have to balance that against the time and effort involved in dealing with buyers and handling the paperwork of transferring ownership. If your car isn’t worth a lot, it might be best to get rid of it quickly.
And if your car is older than 20 years? Because the classic car market is a specialized one, you’re better off focusing your efforts on platforms where you’re more likely to find interested buyers. This is definitely not the time to head off to the local used car lot; you want instead to make your sales pitch to classic car lovers directly. There are specialty classic car sales sites where you can list your vehicle to sell privately, or consignment auctions for buyers from across the country or the world.
Selling Your Old Car: Tips and Tricks for a Quick, Profitable Sale
Determining an Old Car Selling Price
Determining the right selling price for your old car is a crucial aspect of the selling process. You can start by browsing online listings to see what similar cars are selling for, and use online value calculators to get a rough idea of how much your car is worth. You can even use ones for classics or antiques to get started, such as this one at Hagerty.
However, the condition of older cars can vary so widely that a simple online tool is unlikely to get you to the ideal price for your car. It doesn’t hurt to hire a professional appraiser to help you figure out the best asking price for your old car. That way, you won’t scare off buyers with a too high starting price, and it can give you the confidence to insist upon a reasonable final price when negotiating.
Gathering Paperwork
Get all your documentation lined up before listing your old car for sale. The absolute minimum required is your proof of ownership. If it’s lost or damaged, as can easily happen with an older car, just go into your provincial agency and get a replacement copy. If your car is roadworthy, pay for a safety certificate to prove it, and if you have a professional appraisal, add that as well.
Fixing up the Your Old Car to Sell
Old cars often need a considerable amount of work to get them into tip-top shape, and that can get very expensive, and take a long time to get done. An appraiser can help you decide how much it’s worth spending ahead of selling, as you can’t be guaranteed a return on that investment.
However, there are some things that you can do that are relatively quick and inexpensive. Start by cleaning your car thoroughly, inside and out. If your old car has been sitting around in the back yard or garage for a while, it’s going to take some effort to get it looking its best, but it’s worth the effort. Clear everything out (and check for mouse nests in the upholstery!). Then, vacuum, shampoo and polish all interior surfaces. Wash and wax the exterior.
Craft a Compelling Listing
Whether you’re selling privately online, or consigning to an auction, start by taking lots of pictures of your old car. Find a shooting location that will make an attractive backdrop, and take multiple pictures from every angle, including the odometer and the engine.
Write a listing that tells the story of your old car, but keep it completely honest in regards to its current condition. When posting online, upload as many pictures as you’re allowed.
Working with Buyers
Even if you’re selling your old car through an auction, you may end up fielding inquiries from potential buyers. If your car is still with you, rather than on the auction lot, they may ask to come and view your car. Of course, with a private sale, you will have to communicate with buyers and arrange for viewings and test drives as a matter of course.
If you’re auctioning your car, you don’t have to negotiate the sale, but instead just accept the winning bid, and then if necessary arrange for transportation of the car with the successful bidder. If you’re selling privately, you will have to negotiate a final price and complete all the paperwork to transfer ownership.
Selling an Old Car
When it comes time to say goodbye to an old car, take the time to research your options so that you can make the best profit with the minimum amount of fuss. Let this Autozen guide to selling an old car help you make the right decisions!
