How to Sell a Car at a Dealership

Man and Woman Signing Contract

Whether you’re getting ready to upgrade to a new car or simply getting rid of that second vehicle, learning how to sell a car at a dealership is a simple process that offers tremendous convenience. But, many East Baton Rouge drivers wonder, “How does selling your car to a dealership work?” The team at Acura of Baton Rouge is here to walk you through the process, so you can sell with confidence!

How Does Selling Your Car to a Dealership Work? 

Learning how to sell a car at a dealership may be easy, but it takes a little work to get the best possible results in Ascension. If you want to get the maximum value from your trade-in, it’s a good idea to do the prep work.

  • Clean Up Your Car: If you want to impress at the dealership, be sure to put your best foot forward. Wash your car, get it detailed, and take care of those small repairs like windshield wipers before you head in for your appraisal. 
  • Write Down the Benefits Of Your Car: Do you have extra features or extra accessories that make your car stand out? Do you have a record of your maintenance history over time? Write these benefits out to let the dealership know. 
  • Have Your Car’s Title on Hand: It can be easy to misplace documents over time, so be sure to look around ahead of time to find your car’s title to help you get an offer faster. 
  • Research Your Car’s Value: You can access free online tools from sites like from Cars.com, Kelley Blue Book, or your local dealership to value your trade – but keep in mind, they are only estimates and not firm offers.
  • Pick Your Dealership Wisely: If your vehicle is gently used, you can sell it at most dealerships without an issue. But, you might find that a used dealership is an easier sell.

What to Expect at the Dealership

You’ve done the research and you’ve finished the work, so now what can you expect when you drive into the dealership?

  • Make an Appointment: While many dealerships do walk-in appointments, it’s a good idea to set an appointment to make the process run much smoother. This allows the dealership to get the paperwork ready and allows you to save time.
  • Used Car Manager: You’ll meet with the Used Car Manager or a salesperson to handle the sale. After collecting some basic information, the manager will run a vehicle history report on your car. 
  • Inspection: The Used Car Manager or service center technician will inspect your vehicle to assess its overall quality and mechanical condition. 
  • Consider the Offer: After receiving your firm offer, you can either accept or decline the offer. If the deal isn’t what you expect, feel free to negotiate using your online research or try another dealership.

Benefits of Selling Your Car 

You know how selling your car to a dealership works, but why sell to a dealership instead of trying the private market?

  • Save Time & Avoid Hassles: It takes a lot of time and energy listing your car online, fielding potential buyers, and inviting strangers to your Livingston home for test drives. When you go to a dealership, you bypass that entire process.
  • Lower Your New Car Price: If you’re hoping to upgrade your car, you can use the trade-in price to expand your budget. The money earned from your trade-in will go directly to your new purchase, so you can get everything done at once.
  • Save on Your Taxes: When you trade your old car for a new car, you only pay the sales tax on the difference between the trade-in value and the cost of your new car. 

Start Saving with Acura of Baton Rouge

Learning how to sell a car at a dealership is easy with Acura of Baton Rouge by your side, so when you’re ready to get the process started, visit us in Baton Rouge. You can contact us with any questions in the meantime, and we’d love to help you with all of your automotive needs.

 

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