How to Sell Car to Dealer: A Step-by-step Guide + 5 Actionable Tips

Selling your precious automobile can be a difficult task. You will most likely need the assistance of a professional car buyer to help you get the best price possible. You might be confused about the whole process of selling your car to a dealer, and be afraid of how your car will be treated by the new owner.

Most people who sell cars are either in the business themselves or have a family member who is. If you happen to be one of them, you likely have a lot of questions about how to go about selling your car to the dealer.

DollarBreak is backed by its readers and aims to be the definitive practical resource for making money online. If you sign up or make a purchase using the links in this post, we may be rewarded. Disclosure.

Top sites for selling used, damaged or unwanted cars across the country

Pedal

Get a free quote now – 1 minute (855) 925 4302

Choose a convenient date and time for your free pickup – the very next day.

You will be paid by cheque when you recover a vehicle (damaged, unwanted, defective)

Wheelzy

Using innovative artificial intelligence technology, Wheelzy can estimate the value and damage of any vehicle in a minimum of time, using only photos.

Each offer includes free lifting/towing

You will receive a check the same day your Wheelzy agent picks up your car.

CarBrain

Receive an offer within 2 minutes and sell your damaged vehicle within 24-48 hours of bid acceptance.

Free vehicle towing and no charge for removing the damaged vehicle.

The tow truck driver will come with your check…

Step-by-step instructions for selling a vehicle to a dealer

Selling your car to dealers is one of the best ways to get money for your old car. However, this may not be clear to many people.

1. Know the value of your car
2. Make sure all documents are in order
3. Find dealers in your area
4. Get your vehicle ready for the showroom
5. Arrival at the dealer
6. Close the deal

Let’s go through the step-by-step process to safely sell your car to a local dealer.

Step 1: Do you know the value of your vehicle

The very first thing you should do before visiting a dealership is find out what your car is worth. Just do a little market research by looking on online marketplaces like Craigslist, eBay Motors or local dealer websites and check the sale price of comparable cars.

The dealer will appraise your car before offering you a price, but if you know the value of the car in advance, you can negotiate a better deal.

Step 2: Ensure all documents are in order

Once you know the value of your vehicle, make sure you have all the necessary documents to sell it in your state.

Keep in mind that different states have slightly different laws and may require different documentation.

Nevertheless, here is a list of documents that you must provide in all cases:

• Car ownership
• Vehicle registration
• Car Insurance
• All other documents required by the car dealer

Step 3: Find a dealer in your area

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary paperwork, it’s time to start looking for car dealers in your area. Find at least 5-6 dealers to sell your car to.

Quote: Professional advice: For example, if you have a Toyota vehicle, call several Toyota dealers in your area. If you have a Ford vehicle, contact your Ford dealer. And so on…

You can also contact private dealers who accept vehicles of all brands.

Step 4: Get your vehicle ready for the showroom

You know the value of your car, you have all the paperwork in order and you have already picked some of the best dealers in your area. That’s it. Now it’s time to get the car ready, in other words, ready for the showroom.

This step is critical because the better your car looks, the more attractive it is to any buyer, including the dealer.

Here’s how to fix up your car to sell it:

1. Clear your car. Whether we realize it or not, we’re all adjusting our cars. Some people use the car as a second home and store their belongings in it, others like to add decorations and stickers to make the car more personal. But before you sell the car, you should remove everything you added to the car, including the air freshener. The more neutral the car, the more attractive it is to the buyer.
2. Correct dents or defects if you can.
3. Wash the outside of the unit and vacuum the inside. Depending on the condition of your vehicle, you may also benefit from a detailed diagnosis. Remember that your car should be clean and tidy.

Step 5: Arrival at car dealer

Once your car is ready to be displayed, you can visit the dealers you collected in step 3 of this guide.

Quote: If the dealer doesn’t offer you a free quote right away, ask if they will.

Once you arrive at the dealership, simply let the salesperson who greets you know that you are here to sell your vehicle. The seller will then refer you to a used car seller with whom you can negotiate a deal and sell your car.

Quote: Professional advice: If you’re selling your old car to buy a new one, chances are you can find a good deal at the same dealership or even trade in your old car for a new one.

While the manager gathers information about your car and handles the paperwork, the mechanics conduct the inspection.

Chances are, you can have an inspection done the same day you walk into the car dealership. But depending on how busy it is, you may have to come back the next day.

Once the dealer has looked at all your needs, it’s time to get your quote.

Step 6: Full transaction

If you are satisfied with the offer, you can accept it and proceed with the administrative procedures.

Once you have the title and other necessary documents in hand, you can get a check the same day.  However, at some retailers the delay is 24 to 48 hours, depending on availability.

5 tips to sell your car to a dealer

1. Be realistic

Most of us describe (or see) our company as the best. And cars are no exception. Regardless of the condition of your car, look beyond yourself and assess the condition from the perspective of potential buyers.

Ask yourself: Is everything working as it should? Otherwise, take the car to a professional who will fix anything that isn’t working properly.

A professional mechanical inspection is also recommended. Maybe there are corrections you don’t know about?

2. Find a suitable dealer

There are many dealers in the U.S., but not all of them are right for you. Some dealers only accept cars of certain brands, while others only buy new cars and not old ones.

Also, dealers want to buy cars that they can resell. For example, your 2012 BMW 5 Series may be the best product in your city, but if there is not a strong demand for it, the dealer may reject your offer.

In fact, it’s always a good idea to do some proper research in your area and make a list of dealers that might be right for your particular vehicle.

3. Viewing dealer inventory

When you are looking for dealers to contact, browse through their online catalogs.

This is an important tip, as a dealer who has a large number of vehicles of the type you are trying to sell may not offer you a good price compared to a dealer who has more demand for these vehicles.

4. Receive multiple quotations

Just as you should shop around to get the best deal on a property, you should get several quotes to have the chance to haggle.

Most dealers will hold the price for a few days so you can make a decision. So try to visit different dealers in different areas to have a chance of accepting the offer that gives you the highest amount for your old car.

5. Consider other options to sell your vehicle

Remember, there are many other ways to sell your car. So if you’re not satisfied with what a dealership can offer, consider selling your car online.

Sale of vehicle to dealer Alternatives

FAQ

Should I sell the car to a dealer or to a private individual?

In principle, it is easier to negotiate with a private individual than with a dealer. On the other hand, when you sell your car through a dealer, you can relax while they guide you through the process and even handle the paperwork. So whether you sell the car to a private individual or a dealer depends on your preference.

Can I sell my car to the dealer if I still owe money?

In general, you can always sell your car to the dealer if you still have debts. However, you will need to determine the amount of the repayment, as you will need to cover the loan before the property is transferred. Dealers may have different policies in this regard, so it is best to ask directly.

Will the dealer buy back my vehicle if it is damaged?

Yes. But not all dealers accept a damaged car, and you need to find one that does. It also depends on the severity of the damage to your vehicle.