Sell a Car Online

Home » Web Guides » Autos » Car Selling

In This Guide

Most Popular

Selling a Car

A new car loses significant value the second you drive it off the lot—generally between 20 and 30 percent. So when it comes time to sell your car, you want to eke out every salvageable penny. The Internet makes it easy to show your car to a vast audience of prospective buyers. This Web guide will show you where and how, and will also teach you about some other viable options, such as trading in your car or donating it to charity.

Expand All Guide Sections

Preparing to Sell a Car

The Web is cluttered with used car ads at all times, and you need to find a way to differentiate ... read more »

Sell a Car Online

Now that you’re familiar with the intricacies of selling your car, it’s time to put yourself out there by placing your ad on the Web. There are a number of sites that allow you to list your car. They vary in many ways, including the services and features they offer, and the cost (some let you advertise your vehicle for free, others can cost more than $100). So the question now becomes, which service should you use?

Dulcinea's Insight

Most sites charge sellers a fee for taking out a classified ad. Fees vary greatly in size and structure, with some coming as flat rates and others that must be paid weekly for as long as the listing is up.

When using the sites listed below to sell your car, it’s always good to browse the cars that are already posted, especially those similar to yours. That way you can see what prices cars comparable to yours are selling at. But don’t feel forced into asking for a lower bid than someone else who has the same car and model, because if your car is in superior condition you should be compensated for it—just make that clear in your advertisement.

An article from the FOX Business Network on selling your car lists the statistics for some of the most popular car sales sites to help you choose.

When selling your car, also consider an online auction site, which allows prospective buyers to bid on it. eBay Motors is one such site.

Dulcinea's Picks

For selling a car online …

AutoTrader.com is a used car marketplace with a massive listing of more than three million cars. Use the classified ads and value calculators to help you determine the proper asking price.

go to site »

Cars.com is a user-friendly site with an intuitive structure. Read the site’s “Seller’s Guide” to learn how to create a successful ad with tips on pricing and preparing your car for sale.

go to site »

CarsDirect is a car buying and research site with more than half a million listings for new and used cars, and the CarsDirect's interface is simple and easy to use.

go to site »

AutoNetUSA is a simple online used car classifieds hub. You pay $24.95 to have your ad remain on the site until your vehicle sells.

go to site »

For selling classic and vintage cars …

Hemmings.com is the online home of Hemmings Motor News, an automotive magazine. Classified listings of more than 30,000 classic cars, along with 10,000 car clubs and a dealer showroom with listings from more than 130 classic car dealers around the country, make Hemmings.com one of the most comprehensive collector car marketplaces on the Web. Subscribers to one of Hemmings’ publications are eligible for a discount on classified ads; use the “Place a Classified” link on the left sidebar to learn more.

go to site »

duPontREGISTRY.com is a classifieds marketplace for exotic, high-end new and used cars. Visit the “Sell Your Car” page to choose from a variety of ad packages.

go to site »

OldRide.com calls itself “your online classic car community.” Sell your classic car or car parts and accessories to an audience of classic car enthusiasts. Registered members can advertise their vehicle for $9.95 and renew the ad for free until the vehicle sells. Visit the “Sell” page for more information on placing car ads or learn more about free registration.

go to site »

CollectorCarTrader.com , part of the vast selling and buying network of TraderOnline.com, specializes in classic and collector cars. Use the “Sell” link on the top navigation bar to see the four different ad packages available; prices range from $50 to $104.

go to site »