11 Ways to Sell a Car on Craigslist - wikiHow (2024)

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1Get an estimate of your car’s market value.

2Wash and detail your car.

3Photograph your car from all angles.

4Gather all of the car’s paperwork.

5Write a clear, detailed ad.

6Ignore scammers or bots.

7Meet potential buyers for a test drive.

8Negotiate the price with the buyer.

9Draft a bill of sale.

10Have a notary witness the sale.

11Remove your plates and notify your insurance company and the DMV.

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Co-authored byBryan Hambyand Hannah Madden

Last Updated: June 7, 2024Fact Checked

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Want to sell your car fast? Using Craigslist is a great way to contact potential buyers quickly and without a middle man (plus, it doesn’t cost anything to put an ad up). If this is your first time selling a car on your own, you probably have a few questions about the process. That’s why we’ve written this article to walk you through step by step to sell your car quickly and safely on Craigslist.

1

Get an estimate of your car’s market value.

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  1. Pick the right price for your car to help it sell quickly. Ask for too much, and it might not sell at all. Ask for too little, and you could lose out on money. Check out the Kelley Blue Book price for your make and model, then set the price accordingly.[1]

    • If your car has any damage or needs work done, you’ll want to discount the price a bit.
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2

Wash and detail your car.

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  1. This will help you make a good first impression. Take your car to the carwash, vacuum the inside, and pay for detailing, if you can. If your car is dusty or dirty, it’s much less likely to sell (even if it’s in great condition otherwise). Plus, your car will look good in the ad photos so people are more likely to inquire about it in the first place.[2]

    • Take out anything unnecessary, like car seats or seat covers, before you sell your car.

3

Photograph your car from all angles.

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  1. A good ad includes detailed pictures of what your car looks like. Grab your phone or a digital camera and take pictures of the inside, the outside, and all the details. If your car has any damage, take up-close shots of that with something in the photo for a size reference. All in all, aim for about 12 photos, and have more as backup in case buyers want a closer look at something.[3]

    • For great-looking photos, wait for a sunny, clear day to take your shots.
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4

Gather all of the car’s paperwork.

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  1. Find your car’s title and make sure it’s in your name only. If you can’t find the title, don’t sweat it—make an appointment at the DMV to get a new one. Some states only require you to have the car title when selling, but others require you to fill out official title-transfer forms. Check out your local laws for more info before you start the car-selling process.[4]

    • If you do need title-transfer forms, you can pick them up from the DMV.
    • If all you need is the title, you can simply write the odometer reading, sales price, and your signature on the back of it when the time comes.

5

Write a clear, detailed ad.

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  1. Include the description, asking price, and why you’re selling the car. If there are any issues that need to be fixed, include those as well. If your car gets good gas mileage, you can throw that in with the ad, too. And, if your car is still under warranty or if you’ve modified it in any way, put that in your ad to draw people in.[5]

    • “Selling my two-seater to buy something bigger. 35 MPG, runs great. Kept up with all scheduled maintenance and additional body work as needed. Has working AC and heater, also has heated seats. Minor dent on front bumper from fender bender, but no frame damage. Asking $8,000 or best offer. Cashier’s Check only.”
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6

Ignore scammers or bots.

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  1. Unfortunately, you may encounter some fake offers via Craigslist. It’s important to use your judgment and trust your gut when potential buyers reach out to you. If anyone asks you to send them money temporarily or come to your home, don’t respond to them, since it’s most likely a scam.[6]

    • The same thing goes for anyone who seems too eager to buy your car. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
    • Be suspicious of anyone claiming to be out of the country and offering to send you a wire transfer for the car.[7]

7

Meet potential buyers for a test drive.

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  1. Most people will want to test out your car before making an offer. If that’s the case, pick a public location to meet them at to keep yourself safe. Bring a friend along with you or tell someone where you’re going and how long you’ll be gone. Ask the potential buyer if you can take a picture of their license before letting them test drive your car—if they won’t let you, take the test drive off the table.[8]

    • Let the potential buyer drive the car while you sit in the passenger seat. Give them about 15 minutes to try out the car, and then circle back around to your meeting spot. Keep your phone on you in case of emergencies, and share your location with a friend if you feel unsafe.
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8

Negotiate the price with the buyer.

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  1. Potential buyers may try to haggle with you about the price. If you’re okay with it, try to be slightly flexible with your pricing (it’s what Craigslist is about, after all). However, feel free to walk away from any sale you don’t feel comfortable with—it’s your car, and you can say yes or no to anyone you’d like to.[9]

    • When it comes to payment forms, cash is best. However, if you’re selling your car for more than $10,000, you may have to take a Cashier’s Check instead.

9

Draft a bill of sale.

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  1. Some states require a bill of sale, but not all of them do. However, a bill of sale can help protect you legally if there are any problems down the road with the sale. You can find a blank bill of sale template form online by searching “bill of sale template.” Then, all you have to do is fill out your car’s information and have the buyer sign the bottom.[10]

    • If you aren’t going to use a bill of sale, simply list the odometer reading, the sale price, and your signature on the back of the car title before handing it over to the buyer.
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10

Have a notary witness the sale.

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  1. Most states require a notarized copy of the car title.[11] Even if your state doesn’t require it, it’s a good idea to get your sale notarized, just in case you need to prove it legally later on. Most bank branches have notaries and charge a small fee for the service, so set up an appointment to meet with the buyer and make the sale final.[12]

    • It is very important not to sign the document before you get to the notary, otherwise, they may judge the document invalid.

11

Remove your plates and notify your insurance company and the DMV.

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  1. Since the car is no longer yours, you can take your name off everything. Bring a screwdriver with you when you go to finalize the sale so that you can immediately remove your license plate.[13] Contact your DMV and insurance company, either by phone or online, to notify them of the completed sale.[14]

    • You want to avoid continuing to pay taxes and insurance on a car you no longer own!
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question

    Is it good to sell a car on Craigslist, or should I use another platform?

    Bryan Hamby
    Professional Auto Broker

    Bryan Hamby is the owner of Auto Broker Club, a trusted auto brokerage in Los Angeles, California. He founded Auto Broker Club in 2014 out of a passion for cars and a unique talent for customizing the car dealership process to be on the buyer’s side. With 1,400+ deals closed, and a 90% customer retention rate, Bryan’s focus is to simplify the car buying experience through transparency, fair pricing, and world class customer service.

    Bryan Hamby

    Professional Auto Broker

    Expert Answer

    The pros of Craigslist are that you can be very focused in terms of who you're selling to. The listing can be very local, so you won't need to go far when you're meeting potential buyers. You also don't have to pay a whole lot to list the vehicle, which a lot of other platforms require. The big downside is the scammers. There tend to be a lot of them on that platform, so choose your buyer carefully.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question

    How would I put a 1993 Camaro on Craigslist?

    11 Ways to Sell a Car on Craigslist - wikiHow (27)

    Community Answer

    You would first need to make an account to be able to post and sell items. Once this is done, you would want to create a post and select a category to place it in, then give detailed descriptions of the car and supply adequate pictures of both the exterior and interior.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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  • Question

    When selling a car, do I have to state cash only?

    11 Ways to Sell a Car on Craigslist - wikiHow (28)

    Community Answer

    If you want to be safe, ask for cash only. Meet at a bank to make sure the money is not fake.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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      About This Article

      11 Ways to Sell a Car on Craigslist - wikiHow (43)

      Co-authored by:

      Bryan Hamby

      Professional Auto Broker

      This article was co-authored by Bryan Hamby and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Bryan Hamby is the owner of Auto Broker Club, a trusted auto brokerage in Los Angeles, California. He founded Auto Broker Club in 2014 out of a passion for cars and a unique talent for customizing the car dealership process to be on the buyer’s side. With 1,400+ deals closed, and a 90% customer retention rate, Bryan’s focus is to simplify the car buying experience through transparency, fair pricing, and world class customer service. This article has been viewed 415,088 times.

      How helpful is this?

      Co-authors: 25

      Updated: June 7, 2024

      Views:415,088

      Categories: Craigslist

      Article SummaryX

      To sell a car on Craiglist, go to the Craigslist website, click “Create a Posting," and select “For Sale by Owner.” Next, title your ad with the car’s year, make, and model. Then, list your selling price, location, odometer reading, fuel and transmission type, number of cylinders, and any other important technical specifications. Finally, include your contact information and upload several attractive, well-lit photos of your car that accurately represent its appearance. For tips on responding to inquiries and identifying spam, read on!

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      11 Ways to Sell a Car on Craigslist - wikiHow (2024)

      FAQs

      11 Ways to Sell a Car on Craigslist - wikiHow? ›

      Quick Steps

      Select the Craigslist for your city on https://craigslist.org. Click post an ad under the Craigslist logo at the upper-left corner. Navigate through the steps to complete your posting. Be sure to add images and select an appropriate category.

      How do I sell on Craigslist for dummies? ›

      Quick Steps

      Select the Craigslist for your city on https://craigslist.org. Click post an ad under the Craigslist logo at the upper-left corner. Navigate through the steps to complete your posting. Be sure to add images and select an appropriate category.

      How effective is Craigslist for selling cars? ›

      Getting your inventory listed on Craigslist is one of the most profitable ways to advertise your cars. It's proven that car buyers on Craigslist tend to convert much quicker than on any other classifieds. The conversion rate on Craigslist can be as high as 10%, and that's huge.

      How to spot fake Craigslist car ads? ›

      Watch out for ads with a very low or unusual price.

      A very specific price can also be a red flag, such as $2,347 or something along these lines. If the seller suggests shipping the car to you for an additional charge or including shipping in the sale price, this is likely a scam.

      How do you sell effectively on Craigslist? ›

      Selling on Craigslist and Facebook: 30+ Tips to Help You Make Money while You Declutter
      1. Spend some time taking clear pictures.
      2. Sell your most valuable items first.
      3. Research prices on eBay.
      4. Donate low priced items.
      5. Don't set prices too high.
      6. Leave a little room for bargaining.
      7. Use detailed headlines and descriptions.
      Feb 19, 2024

      How do I sell on Craigslist without getting scammed? ›

      Avoid adding any personal information in the posting, including your name, real phone number or real email address. Always use the generated email address on your Craigslist posts. This creates a random email address, so the poster doesn't have your real email on file.

      What sells the fastest on Craigslist? ›

      12 Items That Currently Sell the Most Money On Craigslist
      • Home Appliances. Gently used or well-maintained appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers are always in demand. ...
      • Furniture. ...
      • Electronics. ...
      • Cars and Motorcycles. ...
      • Power Tools. ...
      • Sporting Goods. ...
      • Garden Equipment. ...
      • Tech Accessories.
      Jan 24, 2024

      Should you give out your VIN number on Craigslist? ›

      When shouldn't I give out my VIN? You shouldn't include your VIN on any public listings or advertisements, such as Craigslist, Autotrader or eBay. This can leave you especially vulnerable to the practice of VIN cloning (see more from Rig Dig here).

      What is the best way to accept payments on Craigslist? ›

      Craiglist Safety Tips for Sellers

      Request cash payment when exchanging in person. If you're shipping your item, use a service such as PayPal for more security. Never accept a money order; this is usually a scam. Cashier's checks can be forged, so exercise caution when accepting these.

      How do I sell a car on Craigslist for free near me? ›

      Using Craigslist to sell a car isn't complicated, as long as you follow these steps.
      1. Estimate the value of your car. ...
      2. Gather together all the paperwork for your car. ...
      3. Write a detailed ad and take pictures. ...
      4. Meet potential buyers. ...
      5. Decide on a price. ...
      6. Draft a bill of sale. ...
      7. Notify the DMV and your insurance company.
      Jul 11, 2023

      Should I give my phone number on Craigslist? ›

      Craigslist email relay hides your email address when communicating with buyers or sellers. It's a great security feature that you should take advantage of. That means you shouldn't give your real email address or phone number to someone you're dealing with, especially if they're pressuring you.

      How to spot fake Craigslist responses? ›

      Craigslist Scam Alert: 5 Signs a Con Artist Is Replying to Your...
      1. They Won't Come See the Item in Person. ...
      2. The Email Reply Doesn't Refer to the Specific Item You're Selling. ...
      3. The Buyer 'Accidentally' Overpays. ...
      4. They Ask for Personal or Financial Information. ...
      5. The Buyer Refuses to Meet at a Public Place.
      Mar 21, 2019

      How to reduce price on Craigslist? ›

      Here's how Ackerman Bargaining works:
      1. Set a target price (one that you're willing to buy or sell at)
      2. Set your first offer at 65% of that price (if you're buying), or 135% of that price (if you're selling)
      3. Move your offer in three increments: 85% (or 115%), 95% (or 105%), and then finally 100%.
      Jan 10, 2021

      How do you price something to sell on Craigslist? ›

      If you have no idea where to start when pricing your items, simply take a few minutes to search for that item on Craigslist, Ebay, and Amazon.com. Take note of what other people are asking for the same (or similar) item in used condition AND what Amazon is selling it for new.

      Is creating a Craigslist account free? ›

      ▶ Research your item's category. ▶ Set up a free Craigslist account.

      Is Craigslist a good way to make money? ›

      You can make a living selling on Craigslist if your cost of living is relatively low and you sell on Craigslist full time. Craigslist is a platform people turn to for cheap, used goods. Therefore, you aren't able to demand as high a price tag for your goods as other marketplaces out there.

      How do you answer an ad on Craigslist? ›

      How to reply to craigslist postings
      1. Click "Reply."
      2. A window with response options will appear. ...
      3. Make sure the response address is highlighted and copy it to your clipboard. ...
      4. Now open your email program and start a new message.
      5. Paste the response address into the "To" field.

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