Steps to Sell Your Car to a Dealership

Step One: Getting Your Paperwork in Order

Getting organized when you’re selling your vehicle is a good first step, regardless of whether or not you’re selling to a dealership. If you paid for your vehicle outright, grab your title. If not, bring the details of your loan with you. You can sell a car even if you’re still paying it off. Those sales may take a little bit longer.

It can’t hurt to also bring any maintenance or repair paperwork to show that your vehicle is in good condition and well cared for.

Step Two: Figure Out What Your Vehicle Is Worth

Finding out what your vehicle is selling for at other dealerships or in general is a good way to determine what your car is worth. Since dealerships will most likely resell your vehicle, keep your expectations reasonable.

One good way to figure out your vehicle’s worth is by using our website’s what’s my car worth tool? Put in some information, and you’ll get a firm offer in less than ten minutes. Bring that offer with you and redeem it at our dealership.

Many dealerships and Kelley Blue Book have similar sites, so you can get a few estimates to make sure you know what your car is worth.

Step Three: Make Your Vehicle Look Nice

Cleaning up your vehicle, including a good wash and a vacuum, can help your car look better. If your car looks better, you’re likely to get a little more money for it. The rationale is that if it looks better, it’s probably in better condition.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Step Four: Negotiate with the Dealership

When you bring in your vehicle to the dealership to sell it, you’re allowed to negotiate. Keep your expectations reasonable, but wanting more money is understandable.

This is where your maintenance records and estimates can come in handy—bring them with you. These records can show that you know what your vehicle is worth, it is well cared for, and you know what you’re talking about.

You can take time to think about an offer, so don’t feel pressured to accept it right away.

Step Five: Close the Deal and Walk Away

If you and the dealership come to an agreement, it’s time to sign some paperwork. Look it over to make sure there aren’t any errors and then sign it. Now you can walk away, with the car sold and the money in your wallet.