Selling your used car
Do you highlight its features or its reliability?
Many of us, at one time or another, need to sell a car.
Some time ago, I had a Mazda Protege5. Yes, some of you may snicker. But it was actually fun to drive. It had a five-speed manual, got great gas mileage, a sunroof and you could cart a lawn mower around in the back with the seats folded down. Very utilitarian.
When it came time for me to sell the Mazda, all of the features I just listed were important to me but not necessarily to a potential buyer. Nonetheless, I listed all to show the car off, demonstrating it's usefulness as well as it's fun-factor.
I sold the car in less than a week. At the time I sold it, gas prices were on the way up. I had several calls about the car, with most people interested in it for it's good gas mileage, it's wagon-esque carrying ability and a perceived Mazda reliability.
Reliability is a factor
Most used car buyers will list reliability as one of their most important requirements. Fancy features you use occasionally don't make up for a car sitting in your mechanics garage.
Here's a list from Consumer Reports of the cars they have found to be the most reliable. A great reference for buyers, but not so great to sellers whose car may not be on the list.
Now, it's easy to argue that used car buyers would list reliability as a big issue for them when they shop. There's many reasons, but for most they can't buy a new car or they're trying to save a few bucks. Either way, they want their hard-earned money to go as far as possible. Which means, even though they're buying used, they want the car to last, with as few repairs as possible.
Your advantage as a seller is offering a car that buyers are looking for and doing it at a better price. A buyer can't beat your price at a dealer. In addition, by using an online service such as Mota, you have the option of taking advantage of their vehicle inspection service and show potential buyers that your car will provide trouble-free driving for many miles. Just an added bonus to a potential buyer and builds your credibility as a seller.
Be honest and up front with a likely buyer and offer proof of your cars value and reliability. With traits like these as a seller, you should have no problem finding a buyer.
Andy Mrozinski
Stumble It!
Many of us, at one time or another, need to sell a car.
Some time ago, I had a Mazda Protege5. Yes, some of you may snicker. But it was actually fun to drive. It had a five-speed manual, got great gas mileage, a sunroof and you could cart a lawn mower around in the back with the seats folded down. Very utilitarian.
When it came time for me to sell the Mazda, all of the features I just listed were important to me but not necessarily to a potential buyer. Nonetheless, I listed all to show the car off, demonstrating it's usefulness as well as it's fun-factor.
I sold the car in less than a week. At the time I sold it, gas prices were on the way up. I had several calls about the car, with most people interested in it for it's good gas mileage, it's wagon-esque carrying ability and a perceived Mazda reliability.
Reliability is a factor
Most used car buyers will list reliability as one of their most important requirements. Fancy features you use occasionally don't make up for a car sitting in your mechanics garage.
Here's a list from Consumer Reports of the cars they have found to be the most reliable. A great reference for buyers, but not so great to sellers whose car may not be on the list.
Now, it's easy to argue that used car buyers would list reliability as a big issue for them when they shop. There's many reasons, but for most they can't buy a new car or they're trying to save a few bucks. Either way, they want their hard-earned money to go as far as possible. Which means, even though they're buying used, they want the car to last, with as few repairs as possible.
Your advantage as a seller is offering a car that buyers are looking for and doing it at a better price. A buyer can't beat your price at a dealer. In addition, by using an online service such as Mota, you have the option of taking advantage of their vehicle inspection service and show potential buyers that your car will provide trouble-free driving for many miles. Just an added bonus to a potential buyer and builds your credibility as a seller.
Be honest and up front with a likely buyer and offer proof of your cars value and reliability. With traits like these as a seller, you should have no problem finding a buyer.
Andy Mrozinski
Stumble It!
posted by Miss Mota Mouth@ 3:19 PM 1 Comments
1 Comments:
What did you buy to replace the Protege5? I still have mine, for the reasons you describe. Well, except for fuel economy, which is just okay for a small car.
On the reliability front, TrueDelta.com provides the most up-to-date information, and actual repair rates. So you can get a sense of how many repairs a car will require.
Latest results here:
Vehicle Reliability Survey results
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