So, you’re considering your next vehicle … but first, you need to unload your current ride. Buying and selling can both be intimidating. And many people are woefully uninformed and unprepared to negotiate and win.
Good news: that won’t be you! We’ve gathered a punch list of four common car buying and selling mistakes so you can avoid them – and enjoy the windfall of a well-executed deal.
Sell It Smartly
Selling Mistake #1: Being ignorant of your vehicle’s value.
When selling a used car, do your research – learn its market value. There are a handful of useful (free) calculators online. Fill them out accurately to get a reliable dollar range. Know the supply and demand in your market. Yours is one of the few? Your vehicle is a dime a dozen? Price it accordingly. List it too high and you’ll be bypassed; too low and you’ll forfeit profit. With a little homework and some luck, you’ll find the right buyer.
Selling Mistake #2: Repairing it for the next owner.
You’ll maximize its value if you get your vehicle in tip-top shape before selling it, right? Wrong! You’re better off pricing the vehicle fairly and being transparent with a prospective owner about anticipated repair work. What’s even better would be providing them with repair estimates – this builds trust and helps them feel confident about negotiating a fair price. Fun fact: RubyCar proudly “makes this mistake,” completing virtually all needed repairs before offering vehicles to you!
Try Then Buy
Buying Mistake #1: Devaluing the test drive.
When buying a used car, online research can help you appreciate how a vehicle looks. Only a test drive can help you appreciate how it feels and performs. Many people take a short, four-right-turn test drive – or skip it altogether – and choose to rely on the opinion of someone in an online video review. When buying a used car, get in the vehicle! Drive it how you plan to use it. Sit in the back seat. Put the seats down and consider cargo space. How’s the blind spot? Is the sound system sweet? Explore and experience a vehicle before you buy it. This is why RubyCar gives you 7 days or 300 miles to drive before you decide!
Buying Mistake #2: Choosing to not check the car’s condition.
We get it. It’s inconvenient and costs a few hours and dollars to have an independent repair shop give a prospective vehicle a thorough once-over. But it’s worth it to know the vehicle’s condition – what’s already happened to it (good or bad) and what repairs you can expect in the near future. At a minimum, it can provide peace of mind. On the other hand, it could help you better negotiate, or avoid a dud. The good news is RubyCar, backed by Avis, puts all its used vehicles through a rigorous 150-point inspection by factory-certified technicians. Then shares all of the details, so you and others can shop and buy with confidence.
Sidestepping these four car buying and selling mistakes can help you negotiate a smart deal you’ll be smiling about for years to come. Happy selling and buying!
