Alternatives to a Private Sale
So, a private sale isn't for you...In that case, here are a few options for you to part with your car:
- Trade it
- Trade it in towards your next car. You'll get significantly less money, but there will be far fewer hassles.
- Donate it
- Donate it to support your local NPR station via the Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program. You'll get a tax deduction, and your local NPR station will get the proceeds from the sale of the car.
- Carmax
- Now in 35 states, Carmax is a relatively hassle-free way to get the trade-in value of your car, without having to buy a car from the same folks.
- Brokers
- Try a broker, who will sell the car for you for a commission. You still own the car, of course, but they handle everything about the sale for you, from advertising through negotiating the sale. You'll pay an average of 6% of the sale price, and your car needs to be registered and insured for road tests. You're removed from the selling process, but, legally speaking, you're still the seller. Using a broker won't remove you from any legal liability as a seller.
- Independent mechanics
- In some cases, your local independent mechanic might even advertise it for you, or sell your car for a commission.
- Friends
- If you're really lucky, you might be able to find a trustworthy friend who will handle some or all of these steps for you.
Read more about this topic in the Car Talk Community!