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The 5 best (and easiest!) ways to sell your car

The overall best way to sell your car is to someone in your network at or near full value. But other options (dealer trade-in, Carmax, etc.) have merits, too.

Let’s start off with some good news: it’s never been easier to sell your car.

The most convenient method on this list takes literally five minutes. You get an offer from Vroom or Carvana, accept it, and they come pick it up.

On the flip side, if you want to get maximum value, a private sale isn’t so hard, either. As long as you follow the steps, selling a car to someone off Facebook Marketplace is quick, safe, and lucrative.

Plus, there are three methods in between Vroom and private sale that offer a nice mix of cash and convenience.

Let’s explore all five, and find the method that’s right for you.

Overview: The best way to sell a car

  • Best overall: Sell to someone in your network
  • For buying and selling in one place: Trade-in at the dealership
  • For a balance of convenience and value: KBB Instant Cash Offer
  • For maximum convenience: Sell to Carmax, Carvana, or Vroom
  • For maximum value: Conduct a private sale

1. Sell to someone in your network

  • Pros: Quick and easy, get closer to the number you want, know your car is in good hands
  • Cons: Selling to someone especially close to you could get complicated if they want a special deal/financing favors

Selling your car to someone within your network may be the fastest, easiest, and overall best way to do it.

For starters, it’s convenient. All you have to do is craft a few social media posts and tag your friends who may know someone interested in buying.

It can also be lucrative. You’re much more likely to get the number you ask for from a family friend than from a total stranger who will haggle you down as low as possible.

Plus, like dating on Hinge, selling to someone inside or tangential to your network can be safer. Compared to a total stranger, your high school teacher’s friend’s daughter is much less likely to try to scam you or bounce a check.

Finally, there’s something warm and fuzzy about selling a car to someone you know. If you’re the kind of person who forms an emotional bond with your car, you’ll probably feel more comfortable seeing it go to “a loving home,” as the old chestnut goes. I’ll be selling my old Lexus sedan next year, and personally, I’d love to see it keep making memories with someone I care about.

MRW I see the car I’ve owned for the last 12 years drive off with its new owner

 

 

About the author

Chris Butsch

Chris Butsch

Chris helps people build better lives through financial literacy. He has contributed to USA TODAY, Forbes and has worked as a senior contributor here on Money Under 30. He has covered topics such as taxes, credit card, investing, retirement, and more with a focus on helping Gen Z master personal finance.

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