How to Sell Your Car Online


So, you’re ready for a new car. You have a model lined up, but you’re still wondering what you’re going to do with your current vehicle. With the help of this How to Sell Your Car Online guide provided by Denton Mazda, you can successfully let go of your tried-and-true traveler.

If you’re a Denton, Carrollton, or Flower Mound, Texas, driver looking to sell their car online, continue reading this in-depth guide below.


Step One: Pick a Platform

First, find a reputable website that is right for your car sale! Kelley Blue Book and Autrotrader are good places to start. However, there are also websites with auction-style listings that you may prefer, like eBay for example! You can also choose Facebook Marketplace to sell your car.


Step Two: Do Your Research

Now that you’ve chosen which platform to post on, it’s time to figure out your asking price. There are many ways to value your vehicle, including:

  • Valuation tools like our Value Your Trade tool
  • Our in-person appraisal services
  • Check local listings like our pre-owned inventory
  • Take it to a mechanic to get another opinion

These tools will give you a ballpark estimate of what your vehicle is worth. You can take the median of all given estimates or come up with a price that you see fits.

Step Three: Prepare Your Vehicle for Sale

To get the best bang for your buck, your vehicle should look and perform its best. After all, a well-maintained vehicle will go for a higher asking price than the opposite.

For starters, you can take it in for any maintenance it may have missed. We also recommend you have your car fully inspected so you and your mechanic can cover all the bases. Part replacements, new tires, cosmetic damages, you name it. No stone left unturned.

We also recommend you thoroughly clean it inside and out. You can take matters into your own hands, or you can take your car to a professional detailer. Either will get the job done.

Online Selling Research

Car Detailing


Step Four: Craft the Advertisement

Your vehicle is prepped and ready for sale; now, let’s get it on the market! First things first, take lots of pictures of your car from all angles—interior pictures included. While some of your potential buyers may want to take a test drive, it’s a good idea to show them what they can expect from your vehicle upfront.

Alongside various pictures, you’ll need to craft an introduction of sorts for your vehicle. It should include:

  • Year, make, model, and trim
  • Vehicle features that may be unique selling points (think heated seats, moonroof, etc.)
  • The car’s VIN number

You can also detail what type of payment methods you’ll allow, such as digital money wiring services, like Venmo or Zelle, or cash-only transactions. If you want to allow negotiation, we’d suggest mentioning it in your advertisement as well.

Step Five: Post the Advertisement and Wait for Bids

After double-checking your post, make it live! Depending on the market, the type of vehicle, and the current demand, you may be sitting with your ad for a while. However, there’s a few things you can keep in mind during this waiting period.

For one, you should prepare for potential test drives. Ask your friends if anyone will be able to come with you during this time. Make sure you collect necessary documents and paperwork to bring with you. Also, think of a public meeting place that you’d feel comfortable meeting a stranger in.

In order for someone to take your car out of your hands, we recommend you be open to negotiation as well. Take this time to think of how low you’re willing to reduce the asking price.


Ready to Sell Your Car Online?

After reading our helpful guide, do you feel prepared to sell your car online? If so, we wish you good luck! You can visit us at Denton Mazda near Denton, Carrollton, and Flower Mound, TX, for assistance.


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Denton Mazda 33.163182, -97.077162.