how much should I ask for a used car? Where is the best marketplace to sell?

Question

I have a 1997 toyota corolla dx (121K) to sell. I checked the blue book value and it said a good condition one worth $3800. I also checked some listings on the newspaper and websites. However, I found the price range is very wide. I am so confused and don't know how much is a reasonable price I should ask for. I took to dealer and they said it is a 10 year car and basically they don't buy car that old. It's a very nice car and in very good shape. I really hate to sell at "cash for car" place.
Anyone can give me some suggestion?

Is posting on newspaper effective? I checked craigslist but there are tons of car posted there everyday. The ad got swamped in a second. If I plan to pay some listing fee, which website you would suggest?

I am not in a rush for cash but the insurance is about to expire and if I keep the car for long I will just have to keep paying insurance bill. If you were me, what would you do? being patient and waiting for buyers or just sell to "cash for car"?

Answer 1

Take the car to an independent used car dealer (a new car dealer will not be interested in a car that old) or to Carmax. They will give you a purchase offer based on the condition of the vehicle. This will be wholesale price. Without seeing the car to be sure, I would say that it should be in the $2000-$2500 range.

If that is what it is worth wholesale, add $1000- $1400 to that and get an asking price that is reasonable!!

This will give a basis for pricing your car if you decide to sell it yourself (retail). To get the most money for a vehicle, have any repairs, and state inspections done. You may want to consider having the vehicle professionally detailed.

I would put a picture ad in the Autotrader magazine, and on Autotrader.com. to get the best results.

Answer 2

Town Newspapers are best..You will have to have a price that is atleast better than others for the car..I would mention the low miles and great economy ..

A major street where alot of traffic goes by is also good..A big sign in the window


Most cars I see selling are below blue book ..

i've seen some setting there for months with people thinking their gold plated oldsmobuick is worth it's weight in gold ,,still sitting there..

The last car I sold was 35% or 40%below blue book.. I got tired of screwing around..about 10 days

The price of ads in a major city are pretty high and if you have run ads multiple times it ends costing more ..Kind of a no duh..

Based on what you said I'd probably start at 3200 best offer.. Most people will interpet that as you'll take 3000

Answer 3

I would think you should probably list it at a price close to blue book, unless its in really good condition and you feel its worth more, and if its not in good condition then maybe a little under the blue book price. Newspaper listings are effectice my dad sold his Jeep that way within two weeks.

Answer 4

Personally, I've located so much of the ones internet websites that provide auto values are method incorrect. They do not look to grasp what is going on available in the market. NADA is approximately the nearest, personally.

Answer 5

network with your friends and family... there is someone who would want to get a good used car assuming it is that....

for sites, try this one:

http://www.carsdirect.com/home