Any tips/advice for selling a used car?

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barlowc

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I'm trying to sell my 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe. Its been up on Craigslist and AutoTrader for a couple of weeks now and I've only had one real inquiry. I think I've done a decent job with the listing and believe that I have it priced right. I've sold cars before and know that some patience is required. But I thought I'd see what tips and advice you guys all have considering that many of you have sold vehicles before.

You can see my Craigslist listing at http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/3727295954.html. The information and photos in the linked PhotoBucket album cover what I have on AutoTrader. I haven't included the AutoTrader links because visits will influence the listings data/metrics which I've been looking at periodically to see how many views and such it's getting. After two weeks it's been included in results 325 times, viewed only 12 times, and my phone number only requested once.

Any tips or advice to make it move? Other than dropping the price to below its worth? I don't have to sell it, but would like to so that I can order the new one I have in mind to replace it.
 
Take it by carmax and see what they'll give you for it. I unloaded one of mine there once and they gave me what I thought was a fair price...no hassles.

Either you have to get lucky and someone stumbles on the Ad who's looking for exactly that car and will be willing to pay your price or, the price looks attractive enough they'll be willing to drive that car.

I can get a 2009 like that at my local nissan dealer for the same advertised price...likely they'd come down a bit.
 
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that's just the kind of car that is going to need the right buyer to come along.

the CVT is a deal killer for a lot of people.
I personally, have no issue with them, but some folks won't buy a car with one.(i also don't have $15k to spend right now)

this is a car that is either gonna require patience, more targeted advertising (a Nissan forum perhaps ?),possibly lowering the price, or a combo of the above, and eventually the right person will come along.

ex: when my brother has "tried" to sell his 98 mustang before, he was asking right @ or just above book, since it only has 18-20k miles on it,& looks like it just rolled off the dealer's lot. 2,or 3 nibbles, but he wouldn't lower his price, so still it sits in his driveway, probably hasn't been driven in 3 years.(other than to shuffle cars around the driveway)
-he won't take the 'stang to carmax for an offer either,(even though he bought both his current cars from them) "cuz they'll lowball me", which they will, but he'll have money in his pocket, and not have this car cluttering up the driveway.
 
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Wash it 4 times, steam clean the carpet and under the hood. Really detail it well even if it is a beater. A clean car sells well. Then park it in a high traffic area with a FSBO sign in the window.
 
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Well I dunno what cars like that are selling for up your way, but around here dealer RETAIL is approx $3000 less than your price...
 
The problem is if people are looking for a 2 door sporty Nissan in that price range they want a 350z. Nice low mileage 03-06 350z's can be bought for 13-16k all day on Craigslist. It's a tough market unless your willing to sell for a bargain price.
 
Originally Posted By: FirstNissan
Price it on Edmunds and KBB, its priced too high.

Originally Posted By: TFB1
Well I dunno what cars like that are selling for up your way, but around here dealer RETAIL is approx $3000 less than your price...

KBB Private Party "Very Good" is $14,887 and my listing is for $14,999. So I don't feel I'm too off-base with my asking price.
 
The book value is just a guide- it can vary regionally. I would expect cars in the rust belt to be worth less than a southern car. I clicked on your ad and my mind said "5 year old car from the rust belt-15K..pass." I am sure others are doing the same thing, not even getting to the description or other pics.

The Car Max suggestion was good. My 2009 Accent had high miles for the year (mine always do) but immaculate otherwise with full service records. They gave me a very fair price, and no hassle. I'd go there again to sell a vehicle.
 
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Originally Posted By: barlowc
Originally Posted By: FirstNissan
Price it on Edmunds and KBB, its priced too high.

Originally Posted By: TFB1
Well I dunno what cars like that are selling for up your way, but around here dealer RETAIL is approx $3000 less than your price...

KBB Private Party "Very Good" is $14,887 and my listing is for $14,999. So I don't feel I'm too off-base with my asking price.


First off I didn't check the price of your car. Just some thoughts I have. As a private party selling a car I never ended anything in 999. I'd go with a number like $14,850.00.

You need an honest assessment of what those cars are selling for at dealers in your area. You have to be under the dealers price by a good amount, not close, but under by a good amount. In NY any car that age sold on a lot gets at the very least a Lemon Law warranty, something a private party doesn't have unless the car is still under a mfg warranty.

When I was selling cars customers looking to trade their car in would often quote KBB. We'd tell them to have Mr. Kelly cut them a check. We used Galves for pricing cars.

Make sure the car stays on the top of the page on Craig's List, etc.
 
SE Michigan is a tough market. People buy new cars on the cheap, so used cars go cheap as well. I once had the opportunity to sell in another state and sold one of my cars rather quickly.
 
Sure, drop the pirce. It's too high. There is a guy selling a red 2008 in your area with 15k for less than yours . He's asking $14,750 which means he'll probably take $12-13k.

Look at it from a prospective buyer. Why would I buy your car when I can get the same thing with less miles for less?

Price it right and it will sell no problem.
 
Originally Posted By: barlowc
Originally Posted By: FirstNissan
Price it on Edmunds and KBB, its priced too high.

Originally Posted By: TFB1
Well I dunno what cars like that are selling for up your way, but around here dealer RETAIL is approx $3000 less than your price...

KBB Private Party "Very Good" is $14,887 and my listing is for $14,999. So I don't feel I'm too off-base with my asking price.


Why are you asking us why it's not selling when you know you are asking over what kbb says? Lower the price or leave it on the market forever.
 
Go look at its immediate same car comparisons apples to apples on autotrader/paper/CL etc. Track the comparisons for success and those that sit. List it for the sweet spot and it will go. I find Karma works when selling cars, don't be afraid to give an honest deal that someone will appreciate it. When you go buy your next car it will come back to you and you'll get a great deal too.

I follow this mantra and it has never failed me in 20 years. My cars never sit more than 7-10 days.
 
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Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette
Just wondering... What's the rock bottom lowest cash offer you will take?

I don't think I'd even consider anything under $13K. I don't need to sell the car. But if I can get something that I'm comfortable with, it gives me reason/opportunity to get a new one.

Originally Posted By: demarpaint
As a private party selling a car I never ended anything in 999. I'd go with a number like $14,850.00.

I was thinking the same. I started with $14,999 because I was going to list at $15K but wanted to be included in searches where a max of $15K was specified. But maybe you're right in that the 999 turns people away.

Originally Posted By: HyundaiGuy
The Car Max suggestion was good.

Unfortunately there's not a Car Max anywhere remotely close to me.

Originally Posted By: Brenden
Why are you asking us why it's not selling when you know you are asking over what kbb says? Lower the price or leave it on the market forever.

Oh, I thought this forum was a place to ask questions and get members' feedback.

Except for Brenden, I appreciate everyone's input. Many of you understand where I stand and selling a car that you've taken great care of tends to instill a bias and make you think it's worth more than it really might be. I may may an adjustment in my listing price, do some more research, and take a dose of patience. As I mentioned, I don't need to sell it. I'd rather keep driving it than to let it go for something I'm not happy/comfortable with. But if I can sell it, I can order something new.
20.gif
 
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Great advice by smokescreen!!!

We do the same here, I just worked on one of my vans that is being sold to make sure everything works and it is nearly perfect for the buyer. had another pro businessman who works in my field come and help me appraise the value, then priced it and listed it.

I simply will not sell a lemon to anybody knowingly, and i believe a fair price is quickly recognized by the market which never lies. Good will is invaluable!
 
Edmunds TMV is more realistic than KBB which appears to exist to give dealers something to quote to justify higher prices.
Edmunds lists this car RETAIL at 13 and change in outstanding condition.
Most buyers will find something meaning clean is probably the right condition for a 5 year old car maintained by a fanatic.
If it doesn't sell, it is priced too high.
If you want to sell, you may need to drop your price.
 
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