by Andrew Rohrlich
Selling cars online has become easier than ever, thanks to sites like CarGurus, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist. Gone are the days when dealerships were the only option for selling your car. Now, you can quickly sell a car online without having to leave the comfort of your home.
CarGurus is one of the most popular online used car marketplaces, and for a good reason. It offers plenty of user-friendly features that make it easy to get cash for your car quickly and hassle-free. Follow this ultimate guide to selling a car on CarGurus and finalize your sale in no time.
An Overview of CarGurus
CarGurus is an online marketplace that connects car buyers and sellers. The site has a vast inventory of used cars, so no matter what kind of car you want to sell, chances are CarGurus will have a buyer for it.
CarGurus also has a pricing tool that helps sellers determine how much their car is worth, helping you decide the right price for your vehicle. The platform shows you an 'offer matrix' based on its algorithms. The matrix tracks the demand for your vehicle in real time from buyers all over the country.
How To Get Your Car Sold
There are two ways to sell a car on CarGurus: You can list it as you would on another online marketplace or opt to receive an offer from dealerships countrywide.
CarGurus used cars for sale option isn't just for cars you fully own. You can also sell a car you haven't paid off yet. In this instance, you'll need to provide the title information and a signed power of attorney document so the buyer can take over the remaining payments.
Many CarGurus used cars are sold this way. Start by finding out how much you owe. Then, you can either sell your car directly to a dealership or list it on the platform as you normally would.
Option #1: Getting an Instant Offer
CarGurus CarOffer is a tool you can use to get an instant offer on your car. All you need to do is enter some basic information about your car, like the make, model, and year. Then, CarGurus will generate an offer based on its algorithms.
The offer is based on the current market value of your car, so you can be sure you're getting a fair price.
CarGurus CarOffer purchases used vehicles from consumers in the District of Columbia and 36 states across the country. It includes a network of car dealerships that send instant price bids to interested sellers.
How the Offer Is Determined
After you enter your vehicle's information, CarGurus' algorithm will generate a price estimate based on the current market value of your car. The estimated offer is then sent to CarGurus-approved dealerships nationwide.
If you receive an offer from a dealership, you can choose to accept or reject it. If you accept it, you'll have to select a timeframe for CarGurus to pick up your car.
After the platform picks up your car, you will get the payment through a check or direct deposit. You'll have to provide your personal information, such as your photo ID, to complete the transaction.
If You Don't Receive an Offer
If you do not receive an offer, CarGurus will provide you with other options. You can list your vehicle for sale on the platform or use its pricing tool to determine the right price for your car.
Option #2: Listing Your Vehicle
If you do not receive an offer from a dealer, you can list your vehicle for sale on CarGurus. The process is straightforward, and you can list your car in a few simple steps.
Before you do that, make sure you have the necessary documents. Here's the paperwork CarGurus recommends gathering:
- Bill of Sale: The bill of sale documents the sale of the vehicle and includes information such as the seller's name, buyer's name, date of purchase, sales price, and any relevant sales tax information.
- Proof of Ownership: You'll need to provide proof that you own the vehicle or have permission from the owner to sell it.
- Maintenance Records: If your vehicle has maintenance records, provide them to the potential buyer. It will demonstrate that you have taken good care of your car.
- Release of Liability: Send a notice to the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state to say that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle. It protects you from any legal or traffic violations the car owner might commit after the sale.
- Odometer Disclosure Statement: It's a form that states the car's odometer reading and includes information such as the name and address of the buyer, seller, vehicle make, model, and year.
Crafting a Compelling Listing
Now, you're all set to list your car. Start by providing accurate information about the vehicle, such as its make, model, year, and mileage. Next, add high-quality photos and make sure they're clear and well-lit.
Write a compelling description that will draw buyers in. If you have any additional features or options, remember to mention them. Use keywords that relate closely to your car and will most likely be used by someone who searches for your car's model and make.
Lastly, set a competitive price that will attract potential buyers. The CarGurus Pricing Tool can help you determine the right price for your car.
Waiting for Prospective Buyers To Reach Out
If you've set a realistic price, you'll soon receive inquiries from prospective buyers. You can then decide which offer is the best for you and negotiate accordingly.
When someone expresses interest in purchasing your car, it's essential to be patient. Take your time with the process. Make sure you're comfortable with all the terms before signing any documents. Once you reach an agreement with the buyer, you can complete the sale.
Tips for Selling a Car on CarGurus
Ideally, you'd want to get an offer from a dealer so you can go through with the vehicle sale quickly. But if that doesn't happen, you can list your car and sell it privately. Here are a few tips to help.
Upload Clear, High-Quality Images
Many car owners make the mistake of not providing proper photos when posting their cars for sale online. Unfortunately, it can be incredibly detrimental to your sales efforts, as potential buyers want to see what the car looks like.
Take plenty of photos, including close-ups, to showcase the condition of your car's body, tires, and interior. Here's what to capture:
- If your car has any dents, scratches, or rust spots, take a photo of them. The same goes for tires, so take shots of the treads and sidewalls.
- Take pictures of the interior, including any seats, door panels, accessories, or other features that make it unique.
- Make sure that each image is clear and free of any obstructions. It will help buyers get the most accurate idea of what they're looking at.
Include Honest, Detailed Descriptions
If you want to sell a car on CarGurus without waiting too long, you can facilitate the process by providing a detailed description of the car. For example, include information about the make, model, and year of your vehicle.
You can also mention the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), engine size, odometer reading, and other important facts that buyers need to know. Again, be honest when describing the condition of the vehicle, as it will help attract serious buyers and avoid any potential fraud.
If you're wondering “how much does it cost to sell a car on CarGurus,” you'll be happy to know that there are no fees to list the vehicle on the platform. However, you'll have to pay $99 in processing fees if you choose the AutoPay feature. It allows you to receive payment for the sale through the platform.
Your listing will expire in 30 days. CarGurus will send you emails to remind you when the listing is about to expire. You can decide whether you want to repost the listing or try another private service to sell your car.
Making Car Sales Safer for Both Buyer and Seller
If you plan to sell your car on CarGurus but don't want to bear the hassle of the checkout process, Caramel is the ultimate solution for you. How many times have you heard horror stories about people getting scammed or cheated when selling their cars?
Caramel takes the risk out of car sales by providing a secure checkout platform for you to sell your vehicles privately. As a seller, you get a link from Caramel that you can include in your CarGurus sell car listing.
Once you've negotiated with the buyer, they can click on this link to see your asking price and checkout securely. They can then do everything from identity verification to financing and delivery. Caramel removes the hurdles of auctions, paperwork, and other traditional car sales processes. If you're looking for a simpler way to sell your car on CarGurus by streamlining the checkout process, give Caramel a try today.
This article was written by Andrew Rohrlich. As a brand and product marketing expert, Andrew Rohrlich has crafted products, experiences and communications for household names like Gap and for multiple automotive technology businesses. For nearly a decade Andrew has studied automotive retail in depth from a customer point of view and aggregated the industry’s best research, thought leadership and know how to provide credible and important information to auto shoppers and sellers.
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