Often, selling your car can feel like a roller coaster ride. The used car market is constantly in flux, and this means the tides can turn faster than you can say loop-the-loop.
This means that when you sell your used car is more important than you might think. Timing your sale just right may be the difference between getting the right value for your car and selling yourself (and your vehicle) short. So, when is the best time to sell your car?
Sell your car before meeting a mileage milestone
Potential buyers of used vehicles generally consider vehicles that fall within certain year ranges and mileage ranges. For example, used cars with less than 30,000 miles on the odometer will attract a larger number of potential buyers with higher offers than a car with over 30,000 miles. The same can be said for 40,000 miles, 50,000 miles, etc. Selling your used car before hitting a major mileage milestone is always a good idea..Sell your car before a new model year begins
Most car manufacturers redesign models every few years. As those new models are released, the desirability and value of older models can drop dramatically. Selling before they release a new model can help you squeeze a little more cash out of your used car.Sell your car when the market is right
If you’re selling locally, the best time to sell a car can change depending on where you live. You’ll need to gain a decent amount of knowledge surrounding the local used car market to get a better picture of your car’s resale value.Thinking about when to sell your car? Consider these
There’s a lot to consider when you buy a car, so if you’re looking to sell your used car you need to know what buyers are looking for.Mileage
One of the first things a potential buyer will look at is how many miles it has already been driven. Depreciation is based on a range of factors, but mileage is one of the biggest.
Once a car passes the 30,000 mile mark, potential buyers start to consider possible maintenance needs. This is something that buyers will factor in when purchasing. Keeping your maintenance up to date and having receipts for our previous services will help to alleviate these concerns.
The current state of your vehicle
Once upon a time, the “checks” people did when buying a used car amounted to a quick kick to the tire, a slam of the door, and a wiggle of the dashboard buttons and dials. If nothing falls off, we’re good to go!Safety features and tech
Modern cars are (mostly) incredibly safe, having gone through rigorous testing. Unsurprisingly, those looking to buy a used car are looking for the same safety features and tech as a newer model will have.
If the vehicle you’re selling has good safety features, it’s best to list those in your advertisement and let potential buyers know about them. You’re more likely to attract more potential buyers and get higher offers when they find the safety features they’re looking for.