Whether you’re wanting to upgrade your current vehicle, looking to go green and ride a bike, or just want some quick cash, selling your car, truck, or SUV can be a headache. Well, it doesn’t have to be. You can make the whole ordeal easy on yourself when you sell your car to a car dealership.
Of course, it’s still a process, so follow our easy steps to make it even easier to sell your car to an Anchorage car dealership.
Know the details
Make sure you know all the ins and outs of your current car to get the best value. There’s a good chance you already know the year, make, and model of your current vehicle, but it’s helpful to have a strong understanding of features and amenities that are included with the trim level of your car. For example, your car has a higher value if the model includes a premium sound system and a navigation system than if you’re still using cassette tapes and have a handful of maps stuffed in the glovebox. Take an inventory of the features to make sure you have a strong understanding of your vehicle’s details. If you have it, locate the title for the vehicle as well.
Calculate the value of your vehicle
There are a lot of online resources you can use to get an idea of the selling value of your car. Use online used car price guides like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book to get an estimate of the value of your vehicle. This will help you know what to expect when you get to the dealership. Arm yourself with this number when you go to sell your car to keep yourself from getting duped by a dealership and taking a low-ball offer.
Find a dealership near you
Most used car dealerships in Anchorage, Alaska will buy used cars without expecting you to turn around and buy a car from their inventory in return. However, not all dealerships will give you the same value for your used car. You can shop around online, visit dealership websites (don’t bother with a dealership if they don’t have a website), and use trade-in value tools to give you an idea of the amount that specific dealership might buy your car for. Once you find a dealership, pay them a visit and let them know you’d like to sell your car to them.
Negotiate a price
After a car appraisal, the dealership will come back with a dollar amount for which they’re willing to buy your car. If it’s not what you’re looking for, let them know. You have the power to negotiate a price that works for you. Naturally, there’s a chance you might not get the exact number you’re looking for, but you can always work to meet somewhere in the middle.
Make a deal
Once you settle on a price to sell your car, seal the deal with the dealership. They will draw up the paperwork and buy your car for the price negotiated on. If you happen to be in the red and owe more on the car than what they’re willing to buy it for, find out what options the dealership presents and go from there. You still have the option to walk away from the deal doesn’t work out for you.
Follow these five simple steps and you’ll be well on your way to selling your car, truck, or SUV to a trusted used car dealer in Anchorage.