Can You Sell A Car Back To The Dealership? [And Should You?]

Trying to sell your vehicle can be a lengthy and stressful process. So, can you take your car to a dealership to see if they will buy it? Let's take a look to see if this is a viable option.

If you need to sell your car fast, selling to a dealership will be one of the best options. Plus, dealerships will usually write a check on the spot or within 24 hours. However, you may not get full market value for your vehicle.

This article will explain selling your vehicle to a dealership and what you need to know before doing so. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about selling a car on your own, so let's get to it!

Jeep and Alfa Romeo vehicles on a public parking, Can You Sell A Car Back To The Dealership? [And Should You?]

Will A Dealership Buy My Car?

Cars parked on New cars at dealer showroom. Blurred background. Fokus is on the handle from the left car a public parking. Often find a free parking place in the city center is a very difficult.

Depending on how fast you need to sell your vehicle, taking it to a dealership may be the best option. Dealerships will usually offer you less money for your car than if you were to sell it independently, but the process is much faster.

But why would you get less than if you were to sell it yourself? Well, dealerships need to make a profit too. They will usually offer you less money for your vehicle so they can turn around and sell it for a higher price.

In addition, if you are trying to sell a luxury vehicle or a high-end sports car, it may be challenging to find a private buyer who is willing to pay what your vehicle is worth. In this case, selling it to a dealership may be the best option.

When shopping for a dealership to buy your vehicle, compare offers. Different dealerships will offer you different prices for your car.

Plus, it is good to target dealerships that fit your type of vehicle. For example, if you are trying to sell a luxury car, it would make more sense to bring it to a luxury car dealership rather than a small used car lot.

Or, if you have a vehicle with over 100,000 miles, it would make more sense to bring it to a used car dealership rather than a new car dealership.

Keep in mind that most dealerships will not accept vehicles that are not running or have major mechanical issues. So, if your car is not running, you may want to look into other options, such as scrap yards or junkyards.

How Does Selling Your Car To The Dealership Work?

The process of selling your vehicle to a dealership is relatively simple. All you need to do is bring your car to the dealership, and they will take it from there.

A sales manager will usually appraise your vehicle to determine how much money the dealership is willing to offer you for it.

The appraisal typically includes looking at your car's interior and exterior condition, checking for any mechanical issues, and taking a test drive.

After the test drive, the sales manager will do comps, or comparisons, to see what similar vehicles are selling for in the area. Based on this information, they will make you an offer for your car.

If you accept the offer, the dealership will write you a check on the spot or within 24 hours. The check will be made out to you and not to your bank. You will then sign over your vehicle's title to the dealership, and you will be on your way!

If you are not in a hurry to sell your vehicle, we recommend considering other options. Keep reading as we will go over a few different options for selling your car.

What Are Other Ways To Sell A Vehicle?

car sales. buyer and seller get to an agreement.

Luckily, we have an era where technology has made it easier than ever to sell your vehicle. In addition to selling your vehicle to a dealership, you can also sell it on your own or through an online car buying service.

Let's take a look at each option below:

Facebook Marketplace

You can sell almost anything on Facebook nowadays, and that includes cars! To sell your car on Facebook Marketplace, take some pictures of your vehicle, write up a description, and post it.

When someone expresses interest in your vehicle, you can message them to determine the details such as price, location, etc. You will then meet up with the buyer, exchange the money for the car, and sign over the title.

Just be sure to take some safety precautions when selling your car on Facebook Marketplace. If the potential buyer wants to test the vehicle, take a picture of their driver's license to be on the safe side.

Online Car Buying Services

If you do not want to deal with the hassle of selling your vehicle on your own, you can always use an online car buying service. These services will pick up your automobile from your home and pay you in cash.

There are popular websites like Autotrader, Cars.com, and CarGurus, where you can list your vehicle for sale. These sites cost money, but they can get you in front of serious buyers in every state.

You can also sell your vehicle directly to sites like Carvana, Vroom, CarMax, etc. These sites will make you an offer for your car, and if you accept, they will come to pick it up from your home.

However, it will be similar to selling your car to a dealership where you will not get full market value for your vehicle.

Craigslist

While it's not as popular as it once was, Craigslist is still a great place to sell your car. The process is similar to Facebook Marketplace, where you take pictures of your vehicle, write up a description, and post it on the site.

When someone expresses interest in your vehicle, you can message them to determine the details such as price, location, etc. You will then meet up with the buyer, exchange the money for the car, and sign over the title.

Also, be aware of scammers and never give out personal information like your driver's license number.

Word Of Mouth

Sometimes the best way to sell your car is by word of mouth. You can start by telling your family and friends that you are selling your vehicle. They may know someone interested in buying a car, and if so, they can put you in touch with them.

for sale. old dirty car on the street with inscription in the window

What Should I Do Before I Sell My Car?

If you are looking to get the most money for your car, here are some tips to follow:

Carfax web site on mobile phone screen. Mobile version of Carfax company web page on smartphone

Get A Market Value

Before you list your car for sale, find out its market value. This will give you a good idea of how much money you should expect to get for your vehicle.

You can find the market value of your car on websites like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, or NADA Guides. All you need is your vehicle's make, model, and year, and these sites will give you an estimated value.

If you are looking to sell your car quickly, you may want to list it for less than its market value. This will make your vehicle more attractive to buyers looking for a good deal.

Clean It

Washing wheel arch with a jet of water in a self service car wash.

You will want to make sure your car is as clean as possible for pictures and showings. This means shampooing the carpets, wiping down the upholstery, and cleaning the windows.

You may also want to get a professional detailer to clean your car before listing it for sale. This can be a bit pricey, but it will make your vehicle look its best and help you get top dollar for it.

Fix Any Damage

If your car has any cosmetic damage, it is time to fix it. This could be anything from a minor dent to a cracked windshield.

The less damage your car has, the more money you will be able to get for it. So, spending a little money to fix up your car before you sell it is worth it.

Get A Carfax Report

A Carfax report is a history of your car. It will show any accidents or damage that has been reported on your vehicle.

Buyers will be interested in seeing a Carfax report because it will give them peace of mind knowing that they are not buying a lemon.

You can get a Carfax report for your car by going to the website. All you need is your car's VIN and pay a fee for the report.

Highlight Repairs

When you list your vehicle, highlight any recent repairs or maintenance that has been done. This will show potential buyers that you have taken good care of your car and are in good condition.

Some examples of repairs or maintenance you may want to highlight are:

  • New tires
  • New brakes
  • Tune-ups

When you sell your car, you will need to have some paperwork ready if you get a serious buyer. This includes your registration, title, and insurance information.

Conclusion

New cars at dealer showroom. Blurred background. Fokus is on the handle from the left car

Selling your car can be a hassle, but it doesn't have to be. By following these tips, you will be able to sell your car quickly and for a reasonable price.

If you aren't in a rush to sell your car, try listing it on a classifieds website before going to a dealership.

Made it to the end? Check out these helpful related posts!

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