Online classified ads are a great way to sell your car, if you know how to avoid the pitfalls. Here are some simple steps that will lead to the quickest, safest and most profitable selling experience online.

1. The Car

First impressions all start with your car’s outside appearance. These minor tactics can add dollars on to the selling price:

• To make your car as presentable as possible, consider a full-service car wash including a good wax or detail service.
• Fix obvious damage such as slight dings and scratches.
• Clean the windows inside and out as well as the mirrors.
• Make sure all of your personal items are removed from inside the car.
• Clean out the ashtrays.
• Have the service and repair records available.

2. The Ad

The wording of your ad is crucial. The ad has to depict your car as appealing without sacrificing your personal privacy. There are a few simple steps to do this:

• Use proper ad lingo such as OBO (or best offer), As-is, and Asking price.
• Include year, make, model, color and general condition. Any extra options that make your vehicle more appealing should also be included.
• Use an email address instead of your home phone number, so you can correspond with only the people you desire.
• In your ad, it’s a good idea to use only your first initial and last name.

3. The Deal

It is now time to show your car to potential buyers. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:

• Never have potential buyers come to your home to view the car. Meet in an agreed upon public area and try to take someone with you. Safety in numbers.

• Be honest with potential buyers about any serious problems or repairs.
• If your buyer wants to take a test drive, make sure he/she has a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
• Dress respectably. If you don’t appear to take good care of yourself, your buyer may feel that is how you treated your car as well.
• Have a lemon check or Vehicle History Report done on your car and have the print out ready. This will put the buyer’s mind at ease.

4. The Sale

You’ve found the buyer and it’s time to get down to the paper work. Some important things to remember:

• Write a receipt for you and your buyer with signatures on both copies.
• Include a statement that the car is being bought "As Is".
• Include all pertinent info on the receipt so the terms of the deal cannot be misinterpreted.
• Keep the receipt for your records. It will establish the date of sale and help protect you from any future liability.
• Accept only certified check or money order and then sign the title over to the buyer.
• Check with your state’s DMV to ensure you’ve complied with all the laws.

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