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When is the Best Time to Sell My Used Car?

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Often, selling your car can feel like a roller coaster ride. The used car market is constantly in flux, and this means the tides can turn faster than you can say loop-the-loop.

This means that when you sell your used car is more important than you might think. Timing your sale just right may be the difference between getting the right value for your car and selling yourself (and your vehicle) short. So, when is the best time to sell your car?

Sell your car before meeting a mileage milestone

Potential buyers of used vehicles generally consider vehicles that fall within certain year ranges and mileage ranges. For example, used cars with less than 30,000 miles on the odometer will attract a larger number of potential buyers with higher offers than a car with over 30,000 miles. The same can be said for 40,000 miles, 50,000 miles, etc. Selling your used car before hitting a major mileage milestone is always a good idea..
car's mileage counter

Sell your car before a new model year begins

Most car manufacturers redesign models every few years. As those new models are released, the desirability and value of older models can drop dramatically. Selling before they release a new model can help you squeeze a little more cash out of your used car.

Sell your car when the market is right

If you’re selling locally, the best time to sell a car can change depending on where you live. You’ll need to gain a decent amount of knowledge surrounding the local used car market to get a better picture of your car’s resale value.
supple and demand words on puzzle pieces
Across the board, the market is currently being affected by global supply chain issues and chip shortages that have slowed down sales of new cars. This makes it a great time for used car sales. Supply and demand are a major part of the market, so keep that in mind when choosing when to take the plunge.

Thinking about when to sell your car? Consider these

There’s a lot to consider when you buy a car, so if you’re looking to sell your used car you need to know what buyers are looking for.
visual drawing of depreciation

Mileage

One of the first things a potential buyer will look at is how many miles it has already been driven. Depreciation is based on a range of factors, but mileage is one of the biggest.

Once a car passes the 30,000 mile mark, potential buyers start to consider possible maintenance needs. This is something that buyers will factor in when purchasing. Keeping your maintenance up to date and having receipts for our previous services will help to alleviate these concerns.

The current state of your vehicle

Once upon a time, the “checks” people did when buying a used car amounted to a quick kick to the tire, a slam of the door, and a wiggle of the dashboard buttons and dials. If nothing falls off, we’re good to go!
mechanic working on a car
Now that vehicles are more expensive than ever, buyers have gotten savvier. They’re going to look for signs of wear and tear, leaks, and more. If your car has an issue that can easily be fixed, it’s best to fix it before putting it on the market. Used car buyers generally request certified inspections to be completed and these mechanically deficiencies can blow the deal when found.
safety first caution sign

Safety features and tech

Modern cars are (mostly) incredibly safe, having gone through rigorous testing. Unsurprisingly, those looking to buy a used car are looking for the same safety features and tech as a newer model will have.

If the vehicle you’re selling has good safety features, it’s best to list those in your advertisement and let potential buyers know about them. You’re more likely to attract more potential buyers and get higher offers when they find the safety features they’re looking for.

Ensure your loan is paid off

When looking to sell your used car, you need to be certain that your loan is paid for and you have your title in hand. This will make it easier to transfer ownership to the buyer.

Looking to sell a used car without the stress?

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If your search history is littered with how to sell my car, when to sell my car and where to sell my car, Motobyo is here for you.
Motobyo is the first true peer-to-peer marketplace for buying and selling used vehicles, either on our platform or to one of our partners for a cash offer. We empower both buyers and sellers with the same types of tools and resources that only dealerships normally have access to. Discover how it works and get started today!

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