Selling your car for cash can prove to be a very fast, convenient way to rid yourself of an older vehicle and put some money in your pocket. However, there are a few pivotal things to consider during the process, it’s not the same as buying a couple snacks at the corner store, or picking up sub from your local deli. If you’re not careful about every step, it could cost you time and money. In today’s post we will review the top things to avoid when you sell your car for cash in New York City.

Not Knowing Your Car’s Value

One of the biggest mistakes auto owners make is not checking their car’s approximate market value before selling. If you undervalue your used car or truck, you could be losing hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the transaction! Equally, overpricing your car may scare away potential buyers or sour the deal at point of sale. You can leverage several internet resources such as Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book to get a better handle on your vehicle’s current value. estimate the current market value of your car based on its make, model, year, mileage, and condition.

Not Having the Proper Documentation

Have you ever gone to make a transaction, but were missing one small piece of paperwork, or overlooked a minor detail? This can derail an entire deal from going down, and really inconvenience the other party. Failing to bring all essential documents such as your ID and the vehicle title can make things drag, and potentially lead you to miss out on the transaction. Another tip on this topic is to bring all the maintenance records if you kept them over the years. Having all the maintenance records can be a selling point, as it shows you took proper care of the vehicle.

Ignore Scams and Avoid Fraudulent Buyers

Scammers in this industry often target private car sellers, as they’re easier targets than dealerships. Common scams for car buying include overpayment schemes, fabricated cashier’s checks, and buyers who insist on completing the deal without seeing the vehicle.

• Only accept payments in cash to be sure (since checks can bounce)
• Meet the car buyer in a public location, preferably during the day
• Only sell your vehicle to a reputable car buyer, with plenty of positive online reviews, check the dealer’s Google listing

In conclusion, as long as you follow the above recommendations of what to avoid when selling your car for cash, you’ll make out fine. Just be sure to follow these guidelines: Avoid scammers, double check that you have your documents, and do the research to know your vehicle’s fair market value. If you follow these mentioned guidelines, your transaction with the dealer will go smoothly.