How to Sell Your Car in Albany, GA

Everyone loves buying a new car, but you need to get rid of your old one first. Selling your current car is a great way to offset the cost of your next one. One of the easiest ways is to sell or trade your car to a dealership. This guide will answer questions like “How can I sell my car to a dealer?” and “How do I sell my car for the maximum value?”

How Do I Sell My Car to a Dealership?

Listing your car on Craigslist or social media can be a pain. You need to make an ad, talk to potential buyers, and set up appointments to show it. It’s time-consuming and frustrating, and in the end, you probably won’t get the price you want. Dealers offer a one-stop shop, allowing you to sell your old car and buy a new one in the same place. Here are the steps:

Find Out What Your Car Is Worth

Selling your car to a dealer is a negotiation. You need an objective assessment of your car’s real market value to get the best offer, factoring in things like make, model, depreciation, and condition. Industry guides are the best place to start. Consult all three of these resources and use the highest as your jumping-off point:

• Kelley Blue Book: This is the most trusted guide for pricing used autos and is likely the one that dealers will consult  
• Edmunds: This is a website where you can find data on local car prices for reference and a great way to research what cars like yours are selling for in your market
• JD Power: This is a reliable industry website for estimating the value of most cars but does not factor in a car’s condition, unlike the Kelley Blue Book

Research What the Car Sales for in Your Area

Another way to research the market value is to search websites like Craigslist and OfferUp to see what people in your area are asking for your make and model. With market research, you’ll be in a great position to negotiate for the best bargain with the dealership when you’re ready to buy.

Determine What You Owe on Your Auto Loan

While you don’t need to have your car note fully paid off to trade it to a dealer, you should know how much you’ve paid relative to what the car’s worth. If the car is worth more than what you owe, then you have positive equity that can be put toward your new car when you sell. If you have negative equity, you may be able to roll your outstanding balance into financing for your next car. 

Get Your Paperwork In Order

After you’ve done your research and you’re ready to sell with confidence, you should get together all the necessary documents before going to the dealership, including:

• Title 
• Registration
• Loan documents if your car isn’t paid off
• Maintenance records to show that your car is well cared for

How Can I Sell My Car Fast? Talk to a Dealership

If you live in Albany, GA, Tifton, Leesburg, or the surrounding areas, and you’re looking to trade up to a new car, stop by Hutchinson Toyota’s showroom or contact us about the terms we can offer on a trade-in.