Car for sale

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If a new car is to be purchased, the seller usually obtains a better price with a trade-in.

Selling your own car is often an emotional matter. But when the time comes and owner and vehicle part ways, a cool head is called for. The most important points at a glance.

Every year, around 7 million used cars change hands in germany, while only around 3.5 million new cars are sold. However, for many owners, selling their car is anything but an everyday occurrence. Because Germans often drive their cars for a long time. In January 2019, the average age of all 47 million registered passenger cars was 9.5 years, according to the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt).

Who finally sells his car, should follow some rules. The ADAC and ACE automobile clubs and tuv sud provide tips to avoid unpleasant surprises when changing ownership:

Polishing up the car

If the dirt from the last trip to the countryside is still stuck to the bumpers, this is just as unwelcome as dusty dashboards. The potential buyer should not get the impression that the car has been neglected. A car wash is therefore advisable. And the interior is thoroughly cleaned.

Often a professional reconditioning increases the sales value far beyond its cost. Car dealers and specialized companies offers this. But too much hygiene for the car can also backfire. If, for example, you wash your engine, you may be suspected of trying to conceal possible oil traces and thus leaks.

If you repair scratches and make cosmetic repairs, you will give the buyer less reason to lower the price.

A good overall impression is made when the tire pressure, oil and coolant levels are correct, the wiper fluid tank is full and the lights are working properly. Is the main inspection (HU) due soon?? Then it is best to bring it forward. According to the ADAC, a fresh MOT can raise the selling price by up to 2,000 euros. The overall condition of your vehicle can be determined and certified by expert organizations for prices starting at around 30 euros.

Determine the value of the car

This is the only way to obtain a reasonable price. An initial orientation as to what the car is still worth is provided by an internet search on large sales portals such as mobile.De or autoscout24.De. There you can search for vehicles comparable in age, equipment, mileage and motorization. Important to note: the prices on the portals usually only serve as a basis for negotiation, the sums ultimately achieved are often lower.

Market observers such as deutsche automobil treuhand (DAT) or schwacke (for 7.90 euros) offer vehicle valuations online, some of which take special equipment into account, but do not take the individual condition of the vehicle into account. This is determined, for example, in an individual appraisal.

Advertise the vehicle

You can drive the car to the workshop of your choice and get rid of it there relatively quickly. But you will not usually get the best price there. If a new car is to be purchased, the seller can usually obtain a better price by taking a trade-in. If you sell from private to private, you will probably get the most money. But patience is often needed before a buyer can be found.

This makes a carefully prepared advertisement all the more important. This includes good photos that show the car, ideally from several angles. Damage such as dents or scratches should be documented. Pictures of the maintenance booklet, which should be filled out completely, do not hurt. obligatory is the information about the last main inspection. You should generally provide interested parties with a lot of details, for example about the optional equipment.

Advertisements are now mostly placed online via well-known sales portals. An advertisement in the local newspaper is another possibility. If you are offering a collector’s car, you can place an ad in a special magazine or post your intention to sell on social media in certain groups. Posting the advertisement on the rear side window of the car attracts analogous attention – and draws the attention of passing pedestrians to the offer.

Present the car correctly

When meeting with an interested buyer, you should present all available documents – from the registration certificates parts I and II (vehicle title and registration certificate) to the maintenance booklet and proof of past main and exhaust emission tests (AU).

Maintenance and repair invoices create transparency, because the seller should not conceal past damage. Expert opinions provide clarity about the extent of the damage. To create a basis of trust and the right chemistry in the sales talk, it is advisable to also mention minor scratches, which are considered common signs of use after a certain age anyway.

If you conceal significant defects of which you were demonstrably aware, this can be regarded as fraudulent misrepresentation. According to tuv sud, the buyer can then contest and cancel the purchase contract at a later date.

The test drive

No interested party should be refused the opportunity to test drive the car. But you can make serious mistakes in the process. The first step is to ask to see the potential buyer’s driver’s license. To avoid trouble later, document scratches and other external damage.

Play it safe with an agreement that obligates interested parties to pay a deductible or a downgrade in the car insurance if the worst comes to the worst. The ADAC or ACE, for example, offer corresponding sample documents.

For the test drive you should always get in the car to stay in control of the situation. It is ideal if another person accompanies the vehicle. Important documents such as the vehicle title as a document of ownership should be left at home, as well as any second keys. If the vehicle is deregistered, short-term license plates must be attached to the car for the test drive.

Concluding the contract and handing over the vehicle

If the parties agree, a sales contract is obligatory. Sample forms are available on the internet, for example from tuv sud. The contract clearly documents the handover of the vehicle. Details of the buyer and seller, the car, the date and time and, of course, the purchase price should be recorded.

Particularly important: exclude the statutory warranty. This is possible for private sales. Otherwise, the seller is subject to the two-year warranty obligation, just like a dealer – which can be expensive in the event of complaints.

Keys and vehicle documents should only be handed over once the purchase price has been received in full. Experts advise payment in cash to prevent fraudulent transactions.

It is common for the new owner to re-register the car. However, it is safer to inform the insurance company and the registration office that the car has been sold – preferably directly by fax or e-mail. And it is even safer to sell the car already deregistered. Because you pay the taxes, insurance and any fines yourself, as long as the car is registered under your own name.

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Christina Cherry
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