When selling a car or truck doesn’t have to be complicated. You can either go to a dealership- they’ll take care of everything, or you can do it yourself. With a little research and organization, you can easily avail the most profit from a sale.

Here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you along the way.

Step 1: determine the car’s worth

You need to find out exactly how much your car is worth. The decision to sell a vehicle comes down to the amount. If the value is low, maybe due the time of year, you could wait a while before trying to sell again.

Sometimes the car isn’t worth as much as you thought. Whether you sell privately or through a car dealer, the price isn’t all that much different. In such a case, it’s not worth the hassle to sell it on your own. Consider trading it in at a used dealership instead.

Step 2: organize the paperwork

Though many think that this step comes towards the end, the best approach is to gather the necessary documents in a file early on. If any of them are missing or need to be revalidated, you could find yourself scrambling at the last moment. Each state has its own list of requirements when you sell any car, but as a general guide, have the following ready:

• The title- You’ll need to sign this and hand it over to the buyer.
• Maintenance records- Keeping up with regular maintenance will increase the value and reliability of your automobile. Have a history of the major works that you have recently done. But if you don’t have one, you can get another from the dealership or mechanic who handled the services.
• Bill of sale- This is used to document the terms and conditions of a transaction. Since the time and date are noted, it can release you of certain liabilities in the event of a dispute.
• The release of Liability- This document keeps you from being held liable for any damages incurred after the car is sold. This is particularly important in case there is an accident or any other misfortune before the vehicle is registered under the new owner.
• Warranty documents- You need to provide the buyer with relevant, valid warranty papers that are still under the manufacturer’s warranty or extended warranty.
• As-is documentation- However, if there are no warranties, clearly state that the new owner is responsible for repairs and damages once the car is sold.

Step 3: prepare the car

A clean vehicle is always more attractive than a dirty one. It gives the impression that the automobile has been properly taken care of. Some basic points to look into are:

• Wash and wax the exterior of the car.
• Clean the rims and tires.
• Wash the floor mats.
• Vacuum the floor, seats, and trunk.
• Empty the ashtrays.
• Wipe the windows, inside and out.
• Remove personal items from the glove compartment and other storage areas.

Step 4: advertise

You’ll need to take plenty of pictures. Take multiple shots from different angles and choose the best ones. Don’t forget to take photos of the interior and engine as well. You’ll be able to attract potential buyers by portraying a clear image of the condition of your automobile. Advertise using various platforms, such as newspapers, online ads, social media, ads in local supermarkets, etc. Whatever method you choose, remember to include the following information:

• Asking price
• Brand
• Mileage
• VIN number
• The condition of the vehicle
• Colour
• Any history of accidents or damage
• Modifications or upgrades that you have made
• Recent repairs
• Number of owners

Step 5: dealing with potential buyers

After posting an ad online, get ready to respond to incoming inquiries. Set up test drives with serious buyers, but never leave them alone with your car at any time. Beware of fraud, so check their driver’s license. Clarify the mode of payment before the deal is finalized.

Step 6: collect the payment

After you’ve shown the vehicle, don’t be afraid to negotiate a deal. That’s why you should leave a little wiggle room when selecting the price for your automobile. Hard cash is the easiest way to collect payment. It’s common for buyers to request a receipt for the money. If you provide a bill of sale, this serves as a receipt. If a car is sold for over £ 2,000, a cashier’s check is recommended. Ordinary checks and money orders are risky options. If you accept any, make sure the funds are in your account before you sign over the title. Never agree to monthly installments. There’s no way for you to collect the remainder if the buyer decides to stop payment.

Step 7: finalize the sale

Once the sale has been finalized, you will need to complete all the paperwork. Remember, if you have accepted a cashier’s check, you will need to go with the buyer to his or her bank to get your payment. When the transaction is complete, you’ll need to hand over the file that you were organizing in step 2. When you provide copies of maintenance records, make sure to black out personal information to avoid identity theft. Remember to complete the bill of sale, sign over the title, and record the odometer reading. This is just a precautionary method to limit your liability. In case the person who just bought the car gets into an accident, you’ll have proof that you were no longer the legal owner of the vehicle at the time.

I guess now there’s nothing else to do but to hand over the keys and say goodbye to your used car. If you have any spare keys, might as well give them away too.

Step 8: cancel insurance

Don’t forget to remove your automobile from your insurance policy. Either cancel the insurance or have the coverage transferred over to your new car.

Managing complications

What if the buyer calls the following day and wants to give back the car? Or what if the person claims that you didn’t reveal a particular issue about the vehicle? Or that a mechanical problem has just been discovered?

This is where the “As Is” form comes in handy. Both buyer and seller need to be aware of the fact that a used car is being sold “as is.” That means there are no guarantees or promises after the sale is concluded. You as a seller need to encourage a potential buyer to have the vehicle thoroughly inspected before signing the papers. That’s an easy way to ward off trouble later on.