Get ready to sell your car with help from Five Star Auto Center

Top steps to follow to sell your car this spring

As the weather warms, and tax returns begin to burn a hole in many people’s pockets, buyers begin searching for a reliable used car. You can get ahead of the curve by following Five Star’s steps to easily and professionally sell your car. Now is the perfect time to get your ride ready for sale, especially if you’re planning on upgrading to your own newer vehicle this Spring.

 

Gather Paperwork

Start off by gathering everything you’ll need to finalize the transaction once you’ve decided to sell your car or truck privately. You can find details here for each of these documents, but the basics are below. Be prepared with:

  • The title
  • Maintenance records
  • Bill of sale
  • Release of Liability
  • Warranty documents, if any
  • As-is documentation

Do Your Research on Pricing

Check out Kelly Blue Book or other relevant sites to determine a fair market value for your vehicle. Be sure to consider what your needs are the sale, and what factors for your vehicle that may raise or lower the car’s value. Such factors that could lower a vehicle’s value might be previous accident damage, a large number of aftermarket parts, or a higher-than-average mileage. However, if you’ve made significant improvements to the vehicle, these could increase the value, to a certain extent. Improvements could include a stereo system that will stay with the car or custom seat covers.  

Inspections

Your car will need to have a current SMOG Inspection on record with the CA DMV. Five Star offers these inspections at great rates.

A basic, 29 Point Inspection is an easy way to show that you’re proactive in your car’s health and maintenance. It gives a great overview of the basic systems of the vehicle and the life of the car. We offer a 29-Point Inspection with every Oil Change!

Want to look like a pro when those buyers come calling? Check out our special Pre-Sale Package to combine a SMOG Inspection, Interior Detail, and 29-Point Inspection for one great rate! Schedule your appointment today.

 

Full, pre-purchase inspections are typically requested by a car’s buyer. (We highly recommend one, if you’re the buyer purchasing!) This can be something the buyer pays for, or both parties can come to an agreement on a fair split. This inspection includes everything from the 29 Point Inspection, as well as an extensive review of the vehicle’s body and any indication of previous damage. We review the vehicle for any aftermarket parts, check engine light history, ensure all systems are functioning properly and efficiently, and more.  

Detail Cleaning

First impressions matter! Anyone looking for a quality used vehicle is looking for one that is clean. There’s nothing worse than looking at a potential family car and seeing someone else’s coffee stains and dirty seats and wondering what those mystery spots are! When you go to sell your car, be sure to get a full detail to ensure every inch gets sparkling clean. Relatively speaking, the cost of an interior and even full interior-exterior detail will come back to you in the car’s sale price exponentially. It’s an investment in the car’s value and will help you sell your car that much quicker and easier! Check out what each detail package includes at Five Star.

Create Your Ad

Decide where you’ll be advertising your car for sale; whether online, in-person at local events like the Sierra Auto Fair, or between your circle of friends. Take great photos of the newly cleaned and pristine vehicle, inside and out, and include the important details that buyers will need in your ad or profile.

  • Asking price
  • Mileage
  • Condition of the vehicle
  • Any history of accidents or damage
  • Modifications or upgrades that have been made
  • Recent repairs
  • VIN number (can be shared once someone has expressed interest)
  • Number of owners

Once a sale has been agreed upon with a buyer you trust, you’ll need to finalize all the paperwork. If you accept a cashier’s check, go with the buyer to his or her bank to get your money. When payment has been completed, you’ll want to complete the bill of sale and sign over the title, and finish all of the documentation the DMV requires.

Of course, Five Star’s got your back each step of the way. If you missed it above, we have a Pre-Sale Package you can snag for your car for a SMOG Inspection, Interior Detail and 29-Point Inspection for just $219.99. Contact us today at 916-315-0555 or schedule an appointment right online. Thank for reading, and good luck selling your car this Spring!