Why can't I sell my vehicle for the same amount a dealer would sell the same car?

Question

Why is it that Kelly Blue Book gives a different value to any vehicle depending on who's selling the car Private Seller / Dealer? I want to sell my vehicle but I want to sell it for the dealer price, am I wrong for wanting more money? If I sell it at the dealer price I can make an additional $1000 - $2000 on the deal.

Answer 1

KBB assumes the dealer preps the car. That would include having it detailed, changing fluids (oil, trans, etc), repairing any required items like broken lights or a cracked windshield, etc. They do charge a mark up on those items, so they are making extra money. If you're willing to put the extra money into it, you might find you can sell it for extra profit (though it also might not be worth the hassle).

Answer 2

Actually u can sell it for the same price if a buyer is willing to buy it. Kelly blue book is suggested values by what the market in your area will bear. Car dealers also pay less then if u sold it privately. Not all dealers give warrantees or do repairs & most do not have financing unless they are a major dealer. Detailing can be done by yourself. it just depends on how much time u want to put into selling it.

Answer 3

You can ask any price you want, but the reality is the dealer is selling convenience and support after the sale along with that used car. He's offering a chance to finance the car, and a place to maintain it, along with a warranty and some sort of expectation that the car will be in good condition. A private seller is usually not in a position to offer all this, so his price would be less.

On the up side... A private seller's expenses are also lower, so he can afford to sell the same car at a lower price and still make a profit.

Answer 4

If I have said it once...... Kelly Blue Book is a guide, its guess work of many people, I say forget it. Trust me. Don't put a price on it, put a reserve on it, and take offers or seals bids. If they don't reach your reserve, as long as they know in advance, you have the right to refuse all offers. You'll eventually get your price, or at least one you can live with. You may even come out better than if you were to ask a certain price. Most used cars are sold AS-IS. There is no warranty. Someone didn't do their homework. Sure they'll con you into a warranty for a few hundred dollars. Maybe more. If you think it is worth pursuing, write up your own warranty, but I would advise against it. AS-IS would be the better way to go.

Answer 5

I think people have been trained not to support one another. For example I know a guy who had a Cadillac I wanted, it was nothing special but I new from being around it it was well taken care of. I stated on many occasions that when he goes to trade it in I would like to purchase it at that price ore slightly above. I was never taken seriously and one day he traded it in and simply ignored my request.

Most people don't realize that a Private party sale can get financing for a private purchase just from contacting lenders on their own.

Once upon a time the car dealer was there to sell cars and fill a void in the market system,now days there are several private car sales websites that have much better deals for consumers. The consumer sale price has been on the rise since the websites have been becoming more popular. Even finance institutions are advertising on these websites to make private sale financing more available. I just purchased a convertible mustang for my wife and paid full retail price for it on one of these websites. I looked up the history of the car on the Internet using the vin #. Spent part of a day checking it over and have been real pleased with the results.

If I were you I would try one of these sell your car on-line websites, most are around 25.00 to list. You may be happy with the results.

Good luck,

Answer 6

The reason is simply that the dealer has to make a profit. He had to buy the car or take it in trade and he has to recoup that cost as well as the cost of prepping the car for resale as well as lots of overhead. You, as a private seller, have none of those costs and can sell the car for less than the dealer can. This is why alot of people will buy used cars from private parties...the lower price.

Answer 7

people who buy privately want (look) for bargins. if they see the same price at a dealer they are more likely to go to the dealer because they have a public "face" its someone they can complain to when something is wrong with the car.

Answer 8

MANY TIMES THE DEALER OFFERS WARRANTY AND OF COURSE THE DEALER IS ALWAYS GIVING YOU A HIGHER NUMBER BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO MAKE PROFIT. IT'S LIKE PUTTING RIMS,SOUNDS,ENGINE ENHANCERS ON YOUR CAR AND U TRY TO SELL FOR WHAT U PUT INTO IT IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN THAT'S THE WAY IT WORKS

Answer 9

You can ask for any price you want.. It doesnt mean youll get it.. start your asking price for what you thjink you want now, advertise it and then gradually lower your price until you get a buyer..

Answer 10

do you offer a warrantee like the dealers do?