What’s the Best Way to Get Rid of an Old Car You No Longer Want?
Are you sick and tired of looking at your old car that’s parked in your driveway?
It’s probably taking up some space, right? Maybe you’re wanting to get rid of it so you can finally make some room for a new vehicle, like a nice convertible, right? Whether it’s a clunker that’s barely running or just a vehicle you’ve outgrown, getting rid of it might seem fairly annoying.
It’s not like you can easily dump it, and even selling a car can be such a chore (especially nowadays, with people being more inclined to just ghost you). So, what exactly can you even do? Well, there are definitely some ways to go about it, so here’s exactly what you need to know!
Sell It Privately
This is the main thing that everyone tries to do, and it’s usually considered the easiest way to go about it as well. So, you have two different options: you can sell your car to WhipFlip or similar companies, or you can sell it directly to an individual. Usually, if you sell it directly through a company, there’s slightly less effort involved than selling it to an individual. However, you’ll usually keep more money selling it to an individual (just keep that in mind). But again, there’s a lot of work involved. But what exactly?
Well, for starters, you have to clean it up. A clean car will attract more buyers. Give it a good wash, vacuum the interior, and maybe even replace those funky old floor mats. Some private companies expect this too, but it just really depends. But afterwards, you’ll want to great some great photos, so nothing blurry.
Now, you’ll have to be honest about the car’s condition but highlight its best features. Post your ad on websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or dedicated car-selling sites. Some local areas still have classified ads, so that might work too. But after posting it, you might get low-ball offers, so just be prepared to haggle a bit. Know your bottom line and don’t be afraid to stick to it.
As you can see, it’s a lot of work, right? If you’re willing to do the work, feel free to do so, but if you lack the time, then you might want to reach out to a company.
Trade It In
If you’re planning to get a new car, trading in your old one can simplify the process. For the most part, dealerships are usually eager to take trade-ins, even if the car isn’t in pristine condition. There are three reasons why: convenience, lower sales tax, and less hassle. You won’t waste your time, and you can get rid of your old car and drive away in a new one, all on the same day.
Donate It
Are you feeling charitable? Well, donating your car to a good cause can be a win-win. Many organizations accept old cars, even if they’re not running. It just can’t be overly junky or broken; not running is one thing (as charities can be help from local mechanics), but if it’s too destroyed, then it doesn’t help them or the person that needs the car- making it more expensive and more of a hassle for everyone.
