What Is the Safest Way to Sell a Car?

You could meet them at THEIR bank and make them get the cashier's check made out directly to you. I did this and it was $6.

I went to a local dealership and asked them for help selling a vehicle fast. I explained our situation, that we could NOT afford to buy a car at this time, and that I was willing to pay a consignment fee. My husband had just bought a wheelchair and special van, so that was a factor. They put our truck on an online auction site and in 20 minutes we got an offer and they were giving us a cashier's check from the dealer to us. They told me no charge becasuse they like to help people out sometimes. It took about 2 hours total with the paperwork, but I got the cash fast. Of course, I did not get what I wanted, but it was totally safe. We had been told our axle was broken or bent, but I didn't believe it. Of course the mechanic found it and that lowered the price at least 2200. Really, I have found, dealer trade-ins when buying a car are really quite fair. We always did the same plus had to put up with a lot of stress when selling a vehicle ourselves.

We sold a car to CarMax. Worked beautifully and we got a decent price. I've never sold a car privately, so I'm not sure how that works.

Hello!

You have several options out there.

1. ebay - you can set a reserve (so you can be assured the car doesn't sell for less than you want for it). Ebay guarantees the money...you would have to read the fine print. But there are people out there looking for cars and there are shipping services available - at the BUYERS expense.

2. CarMax - I personally haven't sold to them - but I have purchased. From what I understand about those who have sold to CarMax - it was done that day.

3. Craigslist. Meet in a public place. If they decide to purchase the car - you can go to their bank with them and make the transfer there.

I question why a dealership would give you a low price - is there damage to the exterior or interior that would cause them to lower the price? If you have looked at the Kelley Blue Book and found $15K is its worth - are you sure you were looking at your car through a buyer's eyes instead of your own? I know that's hard to do. Like when you are going to sell a home - you remove personal stuff so it's not "yours" anymore.....

Good luck!!

we've sold several cars by using craigslist. just go with them to their bank (or yours if they bring cash - yes, we had a guy bring $14K in cash, your bank will count it etc). it's no biggie.... good luck!

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Hi, did the dealer see major unrepaired damage? Wonder why he offered you so little. I guess the dealer would definitely be the safest way to go, but you'll get less money... Can you shop around a couple of more dealers, and ask why this guy offered you half the value you saw on Kelly Blue Book?

I think Kay B has the best idea! My daughter sold her car and collected cash, but it was only $3K.