Turn Your Car Into Cash!

If you're thinking, "hmm, I should sell my car," but you don't know where to start, you've come to the right place. If you've never sold a vehicle before, there are some steps you can take to help the process go smoothly and hopefully avoid any speed bumps that might come up.

Knowing your options is valuable if you're coming to the end of your payment schedule and aren't sure if you want to keep your vehicle or level up to a new car. Paying off your car gives you the freedom to keep it and be payment free, sell it for a little extra cash, or trade it in to get that vehicle of your dreams.

It also doesn't hurt to check out the market before deciding to keep or sell your car. Due to the supply chain shortage of the last few years, used vehicles are more in demand than ever before. If you're sitting on a desirable used car, you might be able to get more money than in previous years.

If you're considering selling your used vehicle, you normally have two options. The first option is to sell your car privately by posting an ad online or parking your vehicle in a visible spot, like at the end of your driveway, with a "for sale" sign. The second option is selling your used vehicle to a dealership like River City Hyundai. Both choices have pros and cons that you need to consider before choosing which is best for your situation.

Should I Sell to a Dealership or a Private Party?

When you choose to sell privately, you might be able to get more for your vehicle. Once you research the retail price of your car, you are free to ask whatever you want. However, you won't necessarily get what you ask, and potential buyers will likely be inclined to haggle over the price. If you're not prepared to make a deal, it might take longer than you thought to have that extra cash in hand.

Selling privately also means you are going to be handling the paperwork and repairs yourself. You'll have to be aware of any provincial requirements to ensure you comply with all current laws. Selling to a private party can be more work and often takes up more time than selling to a dealer, which is why it isn't most people's first choice.

What about selling to a dealer? This is a good option if you need cash now or want to trade in your current vehicle for a different model. It is also a much simpler process. When you work with us, we will evaluate your vehicle and offer you its fair market value based on its condition. We will also take care of any necessary repairs and paperwork for you, so your job as the seller becomes much easier. After all, buying and selling cars is our business, so you can trust we know what we are doing.

Research Your Vehicle's Value

Knowing how much your vehicle is worth might be a good or bad thing. If you just paid it off, you might feel it's worth more than the market says it is, so it's always a good idea to keep your expectations reasonable to avoid disappointment or frustration. It's important to stay flexible when pricing your vehicle. Here are some things to keep in mind that can help you better understand what your car is worth.

After you researched the average value for your vehicle, the price can still go up or down depending on a few factors:

• Condition: If you've kept your vehicle in like-new condition, that is great for its resale value! Your vehicle's value will be reduced if its exterior has scratches, rust, or blemishes. This goes for the interior as well. Smoking, stains, and signs of wear and tear can all affect the asking price.
• Mileage: Even if your vehicle is relatively new, expect a lower price if it has a lot of kilometres on it. Older vehicles with low mileage can sometimes fetch more money than more recent models that have seen a lot of use.
• Repairs: Small things can add up. If you want to sell your vehicle as-is, make sure to consider potential issues like fluid leaks, muffler problems, etc. Even a broken A/C unit can affect your car's value. Investing in minor repairs can increase the sale price. Keeping track of your vehicle's service records is a great way to show potential buyers what has been fixed or upgraded over the years.
• Extras: If your vehicle was a special or limited edition, has new tires, extra keys, a rare paint colour, or unique features, this can all affect the final asking price.
• History: If your vehicle has had a lot of owners or a history of accidents, this can bring down the value.

These are just a few things to keep in mind when considering the actual value of your vehicle. Taking them all into account can be difficult if you are trying to set an asking price for a private sale, but our experts can give you the exact market value of your car.

Make Your Vehicle Sale-Worthy

Taking the extra steps to make sure your vehicle is presented in the best possible light can only help the sale. Whether you decide to sell privately or to a dealer, extras like paying to have your vehicle detailed can be worth it.

Detailing your vehicle can give your car a like-new feel removing smoke or other odours, lifting stains, and refreshing upholstery. Washing and detailing your exterior will make your vehicle shine bumper to bumper. Removing things like decals, bumper stickers, and personal items from the inside gives your car a crisp, clean appearance that shows it's ready for its new home.

Before meeting with potential buyers or visiting River City Hyundai, one of the most highly-rated Hyundai dealerships in Edmonton, gathering any extras like the original owner's manual or spare key fobs can improve your odds of getting the most for your vehicle. If you go the private sale route, make sure you take lots of great pictures inside and out so that buyers know exactly what they could be getting. This avoids confusion or disappointment when they finally come to view and test drive the vehicle in person.

Gather Your Paperwork

One of the most important steps when selling a car is to make sure you have all the necessary paperwork. Each province has its own requirements when selling a vehicle, so make sure you check with your local government office to cover all your bases to ensure a smooth and trouble-free sale. Here in Alberta, the most important documents are your vehicle registration and bill of sale. If you work with River City Hyundai, we can ensure all the paperwork is in order so you don't end up with any legal hassles after the sale.

Get Ready, Get Set, Sell!

Now that we've helped lay the groundwork and given you a few things to think about, the rest is up to you. Do you want to sell your vehicle or trade it in? Or maybe just hold onto it for a while? There is no bad choice. But if you decide to sell, you will want to choose the type of sale that works best for you.

Let's recap. A private sale means you can set your own price. However, that doesn't mean you will get it, and the process will likely take longer. If you're not in a hurry to sell and don't mind the extra work, selling a vehicle yourself might be worth the time and effort.

On the other hand, selling to a dealership has several distinct advantages. At River City Hyundai, we have a professional team that will look over your vehicle and give you a great offer that allows you to trade up or get cash in hand to put away for a rainy day. We will also take care of the paperwork so that you know everything is in order. Simply put, selling to a dealership is faster and less stressful.

Whatever you decide, take your time and make the best choice for your situation. Who knows? Maybe you'll decide to sell privately but change your mind and later go to a dealer; that's fine. Maybe your dream car is sitting on our lot right now, waiting for you to come by and take it for a test drive. Whether you decide to sell or not is your choice, so don't rush and consider all the factors before jumping in head first. Being prepared and aware of the ins and outs of selling your vehicle is one of the best ways to ensure a positive outcome.