Tips on selling my Runner

[scott78945]

Ok, I tried making a deal on an 2011 and was getting jerked around on my trade so I am looking into possibly sellng it myself. I have never done this and have no idea where to start. Can anyone offer any insight on how this works or direct me to any websites as to how to go about doing this? How do you take payment for a car? Strangers taking test drives just sounds scary to me and I see people just driving off, LOL. Very nervous but can certainly be worth it. Thanks.

 

[Atlanta_man]

as for payment
cash - preferably while at their bank with the buyer

and be sure all the transfer paperwork is filled out honestly

 

[SCRunner12]

I would use craigslist and see what kind of results you get. You can always do autotrader, but I think you have to pay for that. You might get some weird people, but typically the buyers will be nice. Especially since you are selling a 05.

Take cash only. No checks or anything else. You don't want to get screwed over. If you are worried about test drives then just go with them. I've let people take my cars in the past and I've gone with them as well. Just depends on the vibe you get. You can also ask for their keys just to be safe. Good luck!

 

[scott78945]

Thanks for the tips. I am going to go to a different dealers this week and see what they are willing to give for a trade. If its way off then I will be trying to sell it myself. The extra money is certainly appealing but will have to see if its worth the hassle. Thanks guys.

 

[Atlanta_man]

Don't forget to get an offer from CarMax.
That will be the absolute bottom low-ball dollar wise. Also the zero hassle option.

 

[Edubsam]

Blue book or nada it so you have a base to set a price. Get their keys or a picture of their license or something like that before you let them drive your rig away. Or go along. Craigslist is always a great option. It's free to use and tons of people look there first when trying to buy. Take cash only. The buyer can get a loan from the bank and make payments to the bank. You don't have to worry about them.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

How many miles are on your 05? I would consider keeping it. Have you driven a 5th gen enough to see if you can deal with the V6? Since you have a V8 make sure you will be happy with the V6.

 

[scott78945]

I have 61K on my Runner now. My real reason for turning it in now is I am trying to get the equity out of it to put down on a new one as when I bought my first I was living with my parents and now I have a house so I could not have such a large payment again. I test drove one on Friday and I thought it had decent pickup, not a V8, but still ok. I really have no other reason for the V8 other than normal travel as I am not hauling anything. I do like the V8 but on the other hand I would like to see another Runner in my future.

I have an appt with another dealer tomorrow and I will see what he is willing to give as a trade. If its not good then I walk and possibly wait for the 2012 or even next year. No rush in my book as mine is running good.

 

[kunkka]

What I need is a SUV,wow!!:fro:

 

[Lineman]

Your signature says loving the V8. Don't know if you'll be happy with the 6. Equity? Low payment? If the V8 you own is paid off why not keep it? Especially with 61K. In my opinion the worst thing you can do is finance a vehicle, pay cash, don't pay the banks.

I have 61K on my Runner now. My real reason for turning it in now is I am trying to get the equity out of it to put down on a new one as when I bought my first I was living with my parents and now I have a house so I could not have such a large payment again. I test drove one on Friday and I thought it had decent pickup, not a V8, but still ok. I really have no other reason for the V8 other than normal travel as I am not hauling anything. I do like the V8 but on the other hand I would like to see another Runner in my future.

I have an appt with another dealer tomorrow and I will see what he is willing to give as a trade. If its not good then I walk and possibly wait for the 2012 or even next year. No rush in my book as mine is running good.

 

[4Beast]

For what it's worth I would consider keeping it as well, if your reasons are financial: a) why take on another payment if you don't have to, b) your 2011 will certainly depreciate quicker than your current ride.

That being said, I would look at cars.com too as far as a selling medium, they seem more orderly than autotrader (maybe it's just me). As far as the payments go, I might also consider bank checks in addition to cash, but obviously make a copy of the persons IDs no matter what.

If you are going to sell it on your own I would also consider a professional detailing (before the pics, if possible). It may run a couple hundred dollars, but it is money well spent in the long run, there is such a difference between washing your car on a Saturday afternoon and what it looks like after a pro has done it.

Just my $.02