I'll be preparing the car to be sold, in the next 2 months or so. I've never sold a car before, always done the common way of trading one car in and getting another.

With my ITR, it's pretty clear that I can get a lot more if I sold it to a private party instead of selling it to the dealer. I know a few of the basics, but for those of you who've sold your cars recently:

1. Did you list them both on Ebay and here? Autotrader?
2. How long did you wait before you sold it?
3. How were the meetings arranged with prospective buyers? I don't want to get too paranoid, but given that this is a very desirable car, how can one filter out a potential thief from checking out the car?
4. How do you deal with low-ballers? How can you idenfity a legit buyer?
5. How do you handle potential out-of state buyers? This will happen inevitably when you list the car online.

Sorry for all the questions, but basically, I want to do this right, be safe, make sure I get top dollar for my car, and find a good home for it.

Either reply to this thread or PM me with any advice. Thanks in advance.

 

i guess you have to worry about theifs a good deal more than i did when selling my gsr, but ill tell you what i did.

Listed on here, honda-acura.net, and autotrader. with autotrader, pay the 40 bucks for the internet only ad and it runs till it sells. I only got a few hits from here and h-an, but i got literally tons of emails from autotrader. I told out-of-state buyers that they were welcome to come and look at the car, and that it could be shipped at buyers expense.

i listed my phone number and email address on autotrader, and that's how you can tell if someone's really serious. often times the people who aren't that serious will email, but i had a few people call several times.

you WILL get lowballers.....it is inevitable. My strategy was that i didn't want to let the car go for less than $6500, so i listed 7k firm. eneded up selling for $6250. but i had a ton of emails offering 5k and whatnot. Simply come up with what you think is a fair price, and stand firm.

but definately autotrader is the way to go

good luck!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by fso_BamBam &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> 1. Did you list them both on Ebay and here? Autotrader?</TD></TR></TABLE>
I listed on autotrader, ITRCA.com & under my signature on H-T.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">2. How long did you wait before you sold it?</TD></TR></TABLE>
H-T: I didn't even try posting it on classifieds, as 99% of them are low-ballers.
I posted on ITRCA.com for over a year.
It lasted about 3-4 weeks on autotrader.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">3. How were the meetings arranged with prospective buyers? I don't want to get too paranoid, but given that this is a very desirable car, how can one filter out a potential thief from checking out the car?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Money talks. Tell the potential buyer, that there will be $100-$200 non-refundable deposit to test-drive. Get their driver's license. Meet at a location away from your house & have your two biggest friends with you.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">4. How do you deal with low-ballers? How can you idenfity a legit buyer?</TD></TR></TABLE>
You just ignore low-ballers. If you post on autotrader, deal w/ e-mail communication only until you found someone who is willing to talk real $$. Just say "no" to low-ballers over e-mail. Obviously, post your phone # that is not your house or work... but, a third location w/ answering machine.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">5. How do you handle potential out-of state buyers? This will happen inevitably when you list the car online. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Well, once again $$$ talks. If it's an out of state buyer, have a deposit if you don't know the person. If it's someone you know, then show the car at your own discretion. Selling a car to an out-of-state is no different than to an in state buyer.

I hope these answers help.

-Sean

 

Take it from me, as I've been known as "a car lot" from time to time. Sad, isn't it?

List her on autotrader.com. Don't bother listing it here or anywhere else, IMO. Autotrader is the way to go.

BTW, nice avatar

Jason-
who, unfortunately, has a bunch of experience with this.

 

meet up in a parking lot of a police station.

 

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ITR2M3 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">List her on autotrader.com. Don't bother listing it here or anywhere else, IMO. Autotrader is the way to go.</TD></TR></TABLE>

when i sold my R, I listed it there the buyer contacted me within 3 days and the car was gone a week after that. I had entertained various flakers, lowballers, time wasters and just outright idiots on H-T for about a month before I did that - if you want it to go, just list it on autotrader and be done with it.

Selling ITRs
Selling cars on H-T

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by fso_BamBam &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">2. How long did you wait before you sold it? </TD></TR></TABLE>

if you are not in any financial hardships and time is not a factor, you should wait until the right offer comes. someone out there will buy it. the previous owner of my R had it on autotrader for more than 7 months.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by fso_BamBam &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">3. How were the meetings arranged with prospective buyers? I don't want to get too paranoid, but given that this is a very desirable car, how can one filter out a potential thief from checking out the car?
</TD></TR></TABLE>

i never even got to test drive my R until i had the official bank check in hand. i should have definitely taken it for a test drive, but what i'm getting at is, don't let anyone drive the car unless they're serious. meet somewhere public and if the person is serious, get the driver's license first and if you really want, a deposit. tell the person before meeting them that if they want to test drive it, they need to bring a deposit.

these are just my pennies. anyway, why are you selling her; if you don't mind me asking. she was prepped for your liking at the track i thought. well, good luck.

 

I've sold a few cars and recently had the best luck on autotrader.com. I posted a '98 240sx and sold it for a ridiculous price two days later.

 

You have to do what you're comfortable with when selling your car. If something doesn't feel right, then don't do it. That goes for test drives, out of state buyers, etc. You can refuse to let individuals come to look at your car (by not providing your address), not allow them to test drive it or ride along with them if you do.

I've had great success on Autotrader, albeit selling more affordable vehicles, but usually received over 50 calls on each vehicle I sold in 1 to 2 weeks of being posted. I would strongly advice removing the ad immediately once the car is sold. I slacked a couple of days and continued to get volumes of emails and phone messages on even on our lowly Accord.

I'd also recommend the local paper and posting a self-created ad at local speed shops, etc. Local buyers are so much easier to deal with and with a car like a Type R there should be plenty of interested buyers.

 

Don't show the car at your home...Never had this problem with cars but it was a big problem with my two bikes that I sold recently...

 

I agree with what everyone else has said.. I've sold quite a few cars through autotrader now.. works perfect..

and yeah, don't give out your address.. if they are sending a deposit, send it to a friend or relatives house.. or your office.. meet at a public location, etc..

 

1. Did you list them both on Ebay and here? Autotrader?
Listed on Honda-Tech only. Sold within a few weeks after listing.

2. How long did you wait before you sold it?
Three or four weeks - it took a while to get the title from the loan company unfortunately.

3. How were the meetings arranged with prospective buyers? I don't want to get too paranoid, but given that this is a very desirable car, how can one filter out a potential thief from checking out the car?
Meetings were arranged in a public place (mall) NOT at or near my place of residence.

4. How do you deal with low-ballers? How can you idenfity a legit buyer?
Clearly communicate the value you have placed on the car. Have a range in your mind that you will accept. Tell anyone that seriously lowballs you to take a hike.


5. How do you handle potential out-of state buyers? This will happen inevitably when you list the car online.

Setup a meeting spot that is convenient for both of you to show the car. Malls and shopping centers are great for this. Have a predetermined test drive area in mind. Don't let the buyer test drive your car unless you know he/she is serious and trust them. Never let them test drive your car alone. Meeting a buyer with one of your friends is a good idea in case there is any trouble. If they want the car and don't have the asking price, or you don't have the title ready, just get a deposit and write them a receipt. Only accept cash or a money order for a deposit. Once you have the deposit, remove the online ad for your car.

When your ready to sell, Out of state buyers can get a temporary in transit tag from a local tag place to get the car home. They see you, agree on a price, you sell the car to them, get the money (cash/money order/ bank check only) and give the buyer the title, keys, etc. Go together to a tag shop and get an intransit tag. You sign the title over to the buyer at the tag shop so it can be notarized. Buyer leaves with temporary tag and title. You go home and put that fat check in the bank

Good luck

 

Thanks for all the responses. Really appreciate it.

I may already have a prospective buyer lined-up, so it's entirely possible that I may end-up skipping the process of listing the car after all.

IMO, I can think of very few cars that can replace the ITR. I've narrowed down the list to 1 car:

 

wow you guys are pretty extreme about your rules. honestly, if you don't want the person to test-drive that is fine, just take them for a ride in it. but 100-200 non refundable to test drive a car? its a &lt;20k integra, give me a break. as far as not meeting people at your home, that's pretty unreasonable as well.

coming from the buyers perspective, if i was going to look at a car and someone wanted to meet me at a mall or place other than their home, i wouldn't bother. sounds really shady.

autotrader is the best way to sell it. ~50 bucks for as long as you want with pictures sure beats a local paper, at least around here. don't bother with h-t classifieds, it is a joke.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hadboosttroy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">wow you guys are pretty extreme about your rules. honestly, if you don't want the person to test-drive that is fine, just take them for a ride in it. but 100-200 non refundable to test drive a car? its a &lt;20k integra, give me a break. as far as not meeting people at your home, that's pretty unreasonable as well.

coming from the buyers perspective, if i was going to look at a car and someone wanted to meet me at a mall or place other than their home, i wouldn't bother. sounds really shady.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

youre more than welcomed to give whoever you want your information, home address, and let them test drive it by themselves without you in the car

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by fso_BamBam &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'll be preparing the car to be sold, in the next 2 months or so. I've never sold a car before, always done the common way of trading one car in and getting another.

With my ITR, it's pretty clear that I can get a lot more if I sold it to a private party instead of selling it to the dealer. I know a few of the basics, but for those of you who've sold your cars recently:

1. Did you list them both on Ebay and here? Autotrader?
2. How long did you wait before you sold it?
3. How were the meetings arranged with prospective buyers? I don't want to get too paranoid, but given that this is a very desirable car, how can one filter out a potential thief from checking out the car?
4. How do you deal with low-ballers? How can you idenfity a legit buyer?
5. How do you handle potential out-of state buyers? This will happen inevitably when you list the car online.

Sorry for all the questions, but basically, I want to do this right, be safe, make sure I get top dollar for my car, and find a good home for it.

Either reply to this thread or PM me with any advice. Thanks in advance. </TD></TR></TABLE>

1) I'ver personally sold three cars on ebay. Each transaction was quite smooth. Best thing is to stay in constant contact with the buyer. Ebay has recently changed their policies. It now cost quite a bit more to sell a car using their services. Check the website for details. All I know is on a car like this, it could be quite expensive.

I've sold cars through Autotrader. Since we know how people like to sell these cars, it would be best that you give a phone number to a house that the car will not be at. Anyone can reverse search the number and get an address to come steal the car. Autotrader is a cheaper option over ebay and they also offer online services to reach a nation wide clientel.

2) I don't understand this question. Wait for what to sell the car?

3) Your going to have to use descretion. Use your gut and listen to what your internal thoughts are telling you. If you get a wierd vibe from someone it is safer to walk away.

4) There are always going to be low-ballers. If someone wants your car, trust me, you will know. You will know because you both will agree on terms that makes both parties happy rather than some guy trying to cut you off at the knees over every little thing. Again, trust your own intuition.

5) I sold my car out of state each time. This is quite simple. Give the buyer options. 1) You can pick them up at the airport and they can take the car as soon as the moneys have been transferred. 2) Meet the person half way and he covers your expenses back home. 3) Buyer arranges the car to be shipped (which will be picked up at your house).

Ive picked a guy up at the airport and also waited around for the shipping companies to come get the cars. It's all quite easy, just make sure you have cash in hand before anything else happens.

Good luck.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 255.255.255.255 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">youre more than welcomed to give whoever you want your information, home address, and let them test drive it by themselves without you in the car </TD></TR></TABLE>

who said anything about them testdriving without me in the car? i sure didn't

i said at most they would drive with me in it, more than likely i would drive them in it. i've done this, and with cars a lot more expensive than an itr

edit: the more i think about it, let them steal the car if they want. i mean it is for sale anyways right, so you have no intention of keeping it let the insurance company deal with it j/k

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 255.255.255.255 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">youre more than welcomed to give whoever you want your information, home address, and let them test drive it by themselves without you in the car </TD></TR></TABLE>

I guess you really have to experience someone trying to steal a vehicle out of your garage at 4am before you are that easy to just let someone testdrive/come see where your "just 20k" integra is...

 

have pics of your ITR??? im having a tough time finding a clean one....

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by fso_BamBam &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"></TD></TR></TABLE>

I completely understand

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .Ash &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I guess you really have to experience someone trying to steal a vehicle out of your garage at 4am before you are that easy to just let someone testdrive/come see where your "just 20k" integra is...</TD></TR></TABLE>

i could really care less. it would never happen at my house, so i guess that's why i dont care.

 

And people like you cry to us how you had a garage, alarm kill switches and a mouth full of bees and they still got it. You just don't understand. These things are becoming extinct. Now I quote opie with GTFO

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 01PY0559 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">And people like you cry to us how you had a garage, alarm kill switches and a mouth full of bees and they still got it. You just don't understand. These things are becoming extinct. Now I quote opie with GTFO</TD></TR></TABLE>

oh shut the **** up you don't know anything about me. If someone stole my car I would say yippy skippy. Insurance will be able to pay you guys far more than you could sell it for so who the **** cares?

how about you get the **** out noob

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Cosworth &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
...Tell the potential buyer, that there will be $100-$200 non-refundable deposit to test-drive. </TD></TR></TABLE>
now thats insane