How to Sell a Car at a Dealership

When you think about selling your car, truck, or SUV to a dealership, you probably envision trading in your current vehicle for a newer one. We’ll let you in on a little secret. Dealerships will also purchase your vehicle outright, whether you buy one from them or not!

That’s certainly the case at AutoSavvy, where we’re always looking for quality used vehicles to add to our inventory. Find out how to sell a car at a dealership with our guide from the team at AutoSavvy. The process is easier than you think!

How Does Selling Your Car to a Dealership Work?

Before you learn how to sell a car at a dealership, the first things you need to accomplish are some steps before you even bring your vehicle to AutoSavvy.

Follow these steps ahead of time to make the best impression possible:

• Clean Up Your Car: Replace small parts like windshield wipers or floor mats to spruce up the inside of your vehicle. Have your car, truck, or SUV thoroughly washed inside and out, either by yourself or with a carwashing service. You’ll increase the curb appeal, and the value of your car, with a few simple things ahead of bringing it to the dealership.
• Write Down The Maintenance & Features of Your Car: Maintenance records offer a crucial way to gauge whether or not your car is in great shape. Make a list of its additional features and accessories, like extra key fobs or bike mounts. These extras will increase the value of your vehicle while making it more appealing to dealerships.
• Find Your Car’s Title: Having your vehicle’s title ready when you sell it will save time on the dealer’s end and get you your offer faster. Ideally, the title is free and clear from any loans or liens, but it’s not necessary when selling your car to a dealership.
• Research Your Car’s Value: Use tools from Cars.com, Kelley Blue Book, or your local dealership to find the trade-in value of your car. You’ll get an approximate value of what a dealership might offer for your car. The actual number may vary based on other factors, such as the wear and tear on your car and the popularity/saleability of your vehicle.
• Pick Your Dealership Wisely: Newer (five years or younger), gently used vehicles are a no-brainer for dealerships to buy, regardless of the condition. However, if you have an older model car, then you may find it’s easier to sell it at a used car dealership like AutoSavvy instead.

How Does Selling Your Car to a Dealership Work: What to Expect

The next part of figuring out how to sell a car at a dealership is when you bring your vehicle to the lot.

• Make an Appointment: it’s best to make an appointment with our team so we can expert you. That will allow us to have the right staff on hand to take care of you.
• Used Car Manager: One of our used car managers will assist you when you want to sell your vehicle to our dealership.
• Inspection: Our team will thoroughly inspect your vehicle to look for defects, worn parts, or any other issues that come with used vehicles.
• Consider The Offer: Just because a dealership makes an offer, it doesn’t mean you have to accept it. You can look for offers at other dealerships to find the best one. If none of them appeal to you, you can also keep your car, truck, or SUV. Nothing is set in stone until you sign on the dotted line.

Sell Your Car to AutoSavvy!

How does selling your car to a dealership work at AutoSavvy? It’s pretty simple! Contact us to get the process started. We have locations all over the country! Make sure to check out our car-buying tips, too. You’ll be shopping for a vehicle like a pro!