Used cars are a desirable commodity in this country. According to Autoweek, nearly 40 million used vehicles were sold in the U.S. last year alone. If you plan to sell your car, be sure to find out what steps you need to take so the process is entirely legal and the sale is recognized in your state.
If it’s your first time, there is a lot to learn. How to advertise, where to meet prospective buyers, and how much money to ask for are all questions that will come up along the way. Below is a review of some basic steps that will help you sell your vehicle successfully.
How to Make the Sale of a Vehicle Go Smoothly
The first thing you will want to do before selling a vehicle is to make sure all the relevant paperwork is in order. If anything is missing, it might take some time to track it down. Generally, the necessary documents will include:
- The vehicle title
- The bill of sale
- Proof of recent smog test (depending on the state or county)
Other documents, such as maintenance records or a “vehicle history report,” can boost the selling price as they let savvy shoppers know that the vehicle is in good condition. If the process is overwhelming or you’re short on time, a website like Carfax can handle the sale for you.
Research Your Car’s Fair Market Price & Other Sales Tips
Drivers can visit online resources to discover what the market value is of their vehicle and be sure they’re getting a fair price for it. Numerous other steps might help you get a better sales price, such as cleaning the vehicle inside and out, posting attractive photos of it online, making any necessary repairs, and answering questions that carshoppers have about the vehicle’s history.
Take These Steps When Selling a Used Vehicle in Illinois
To avoid unexpected issues after the fact, be sure to pay attention to detailed requirements in your local area. For example, in the state of Illinois, several specific steps should be followed carefully when selling a used vehicle:
- Remove the license plates from the car you’re selling before the buyer picks it up.
- Give the buyer the vehicle title at the time of delivery.
- Be sure to sign and date the title once the sale is final. CFSC Auto Services can help ensure that the title officially gets transferred to the new owner and is registered with the Secretary of State’s office.
- This process may involve completing and mailing a “Notice of Sale” form, which you can find either at the bottom of the title or at ilsos.gov.
- Don’t forget to get the buyer’s name and address to avoid any registration issues after the sale.
- Prepare a “bill of sale” for the buyer that reflects the date it was sold as well as the price that was paid for it.
- Make a copy of the “bill of sale” to keep on file.
- Last, thoroughly inspect the car one last time. You will want to remove your vehicle registration, insurance card, and any other personal property.
CFSC Auto Services Will Help Transfer Your License & Registration to New Owner
Once you’ve found a buyer, a couple key steps the seller takes are important. CFSC Auto Services can make sure you handle this stage of the sale properly so that all of the documentation is completed and submitted where it needs to go. Our team of pros helps people selling their car in a variety of ways:
- Used car registration
- Transferring license plates
- Other basic vehicle needs
For more information on buying or selling a car, go to CFSC Auto Services online today!