Things to Consider when Getting Rid of Your Old Car

When you're getting ready to buy a new or used car, there will be a lot of things on your mind: how you're going to afford your next vehicle, the make and model of your next car, finding a car with a decent safety rating, etc. You'll be spending a lot of time looking for the best deal and the right model. Spending all of this time thinking about a new car may make you forget that you still need to do something with the old one. Whether you're considering donating it or selling it to someone who needs it, here are some things to consider before making a decision:

Evaluate Your Car's Condition

In order to successfully sell your car, you'll need to evaluate its condition beforehand to set a reasonable price. Kelley Blue Book has been a trusted resource for buyers and sellers for decades, and can give you a realistic estimate of the worth of your car. The Blue Book price is a good starting point, but you'll have to use your best judgment to see if there are any issues with or extra features of the vehicle that could raise or lower its price. 

Get ready for repair work

If there are any repairs that you know could improve the condition of your car, make them before you donate or sell it. Of course, you can always donate or sell a car "as-is," but you won't get nearly as much money. If you have a friend that's familiar with cars, you could have them give it quick check before taking it to the mechanic. That way, you'll know exactly what needs to be fixed, and avoid paying for repairs you don't need. Look for a service center in your area that only caters to people who drive your car brand. 

Get some expert advice

A Craigslist ad and a few Facebook statuses may be able to find you a few buyers but, if you want to get a good price, you should consider selling it to a dealership as a trade-in. You also might be able to find a mechanic who sells cars on the side. They could sell your car for a percentage of the sale and, because they already have regular customers, they may be able to find a buyer faster than you could. However, take care: some of these sellers can be notoriously shady, so you would need to vet your options well. A dealership trade-in would be far more secure.

Get rid of your "personal touches"

The bumper sticker with your favorite catchphrase may be perfect for your car, but it's pretty unlikely that NJ car dealers will like it as much as you do. Get rid any bumper stickers, spoilers, rims, and other special add-on items you've used to personalize your car. Don't wait until you find a buyer to remove them – do it before you start advertising your car to make it look more appealing!