by Andrew Rohrlich
Whether you want to sell your used car to get a new one or are just looking to make some extra cash, advertising your car for sale can be a great way to get the word out and find potential buyers. With the internet being so commonplace, online advertising options trump traditional methods by a mile.
But then again, traditional methods of advertising used cars aren't quite dead. Word-of-mouth and newspaper ads work wonders if you live in a tight-knit community.
This guide will discuss how to advertise used cars for sale via online and traditional channels to get the most out of your private-party car sale.
Traditional Ways To Advertise Your Used Car
If you would rather avoid the online route, you can use traditional advertising methods to market your used car. Traditional methods work best if you are looking to advertise locally or within a specific geographic area.
For example, you can place classified ads in the local newspaper, bulletin boards, car magazines, and even leaving it with a For Sale by Owner sign in a busy parking lot of your town. You can also reach out to people within your social circle — friends, family, and colleagues — to let them know you have a used car for sale.
Here are some traditional methods to find sellers for your used car.
Newspaper Ad
A newspaper ad is a great way to reach a local or regional audience. Place the ad in the appropriate section and include the following details:
- Mileage and condition
- Price
- Your contact information
- Make, model, and build of the car
Newspaper ads don't usually have space for pictures. So, you can leave a phone number where interested buyers can reach you to request images. Remember that the reader is working off the description you've written. So, make sure the description is accurate and thorough.
Include any extra car features, like a sunroof or power windows, into your ad. Also, list any after-market upgrades, such as tinted windows or a new stereo. The key is ensuring prospective buyers have all the information they need to make an informed decision.
Word-of-Mouth
Another way to advertise a used car for sale is by simply telling your friends, family, and colleagues. Word-of-mouth is a great way to spread the word about what type of car you have for sale.
Let your colleagues know in person or through social media. You can also spread the word by posting flyers in public places, like coffee shops or grocery stores.
If you're part of a group or a social circle, you can tell people that you have a used car for sale. Ideally, you should only mention the model and make. If someone shows interest, you can go on to give more information about your vehicle.
Window Sign (For Sale by Owner)
A window sign in a frequented place, such as a library or your local shopping mall, can also help you get a buyer for your used car. Window signs typically have more space than newspaper ads, and you can add a thorough description of your ride.
Provide details about the car's make, model, year of manufacture, condition, and features. Take some good pictures so people can see what you're selling. Remember to include your contact information and a price tag. You can also indicate whether you are open to cash offers or are willing to entertain trade-ins. It also may be a good idea to state if you are ready to accept payments in installments.
Before you put up a window sign anywhere, make sure you ask the property's owner. Some public spaces, such as libraries and shopping malls, may require permission before you can put up a sign.
If unsure where to begin, you can use one of Canva's many flyer templates as your base. All you have to do is fill in the fields, and the platform will make you a professional-looking and attention-grabbing window sign.
Online Advertising Options
If traditional user car advertising methods are not your cup of tea, you can always go for online options. However, keep in mind that many platforms may not let you sell a car privately with pending financing. Instead, you'll have to use traditional methods or find a buyer from online marketplaces who is okay with buying a car with an unpaid loan.
As a private-party car seller, you can list your car on one or more of the following platforms.
Craigslist
Craigslist is a one-stop shop for everything from buying and selling to exchanging goods. You can list your car on Craigslist for as little as $5 and get access to thousands of buyers from across the country.
Here's how to list your car on Craigslist:
- Estimate the value of your car by researching the fair market value of similar models. You can also look at the other cars for sale on the platform and determine the right asking price for your vehicle.
- Take high-quality photographs of your vehicle that highlight its features.
- Write a detailed description of your car's features and condition.
- List your contact details so potential buyers can reach you easily.
- Set up an appointment for a test drive.
- Draft a bill of sale.
One downside to listing your ad on Craigslist is the lack of purchase protection. To stay on the safe side, be cautious and meet buyers in a public place, such as a shopping mall or parking lot. You can also opt for cash payment as a safer option than a check that may bounce.
Facebook Marketplace
Consider listing your car on the Facebook Marketplace if you have an active Facebook account. You can use an online appraisal site to find the asking price for your vehicle beforehand. Then, write a detailed and honest description of your car, take good pictures, and post your ad.
Like Craigslist, there's no escrow or purchase protection on the Facebook Marketplace. You should take appropriate measures to ensure a safe transaction.
eBay Motors
If you plan to advertise your car for sale on eBay motors, you'll need to create a seller's account. Fortunately, the process is simple. All you need to do is register as a member and create a seller's account.
The Basic package is best for any sale by the owner. It costs $19, lets you add 12 photos, and runs an auction for seven days. However, your vehicle should not be over $10,000 if you want to use this package.
If your vehicle costs up to $20,000, you can get the Plus package for $49, with 18 photos and a 7-day auction. When your call sells, the platform will charge a deposit processing fee of 2.8%. For example, if the buyer paid a $500 deposit, the processing fee will be $14. You'll get $486. eBay motors has a helpful checklist to ensure a successful sale.
If you're not the original owner of the car, the platform suggests running a vehicle history report. It will give you all the information you need for your ad description.
Cars.com
Cars.com lets you trade in or sell your car with instant offers from local dealers. Once you enter your car's details, you'll get an instant offer from a dealer. You can then schedule an inspection and get a final offer. If you end up satisfied, the dealer will pick up your car and transfer the money to you.
Similarly, the platform allows you to sell privately. There are no fees for listing sales. Moreover, you can use the platform's market valuation tool to get the best-asking price for your car.
CarGurus
Like Cars.com, CarGurus has two options to list cars for sale. The first is to get an instant offer from a dealer. The platform asks for your car's details, such as the mileage and vehicle identification number. It then values your car and gets you the best offer from its dealer network. If you're happy with the deal, you only need to schedule a time, and CarGurus will come to you for a home collection. You'll get the payment for your car in two days through direct deposit.
Alternatively, you can list your car for sale for $4.95 per listing. Again, you can use the built-in valuation tool to find the right asking price. Do note that the listing expires in 30 days. You can list the ad again if you do not receive an offer during this time.
Hemmings
Hemmings is another platform to advertise a used car for sale. It has three methods for listing and selling your vehicle. The first is the Auction method, which costs $99.95 upon approval. The platform claims your car will sell in two weeks or less with their online auction system. In fact, you might even get more than your asking price.
Alternatively, you can make a direct sale to a registered buyer. These buyers will make an offer to you in real-time. Like the Auction method, this also costs $99.95 per listing. Or, you can create a traditional classified ad on Hemmings.
The platform has two options for traditional ad posting: Gold and Silver. The Silver listing only lets you add one picture and 35 words to the platform's print magazine. The Gold listings get more space in the magazine and come with more photos and words. Both listings appear in Motor News Magazine's platforms in the next monthly run. Meanwhile, they remain on the website for six months. Posting a traditional classified ad costs $129.95.
Leveraging Other Social Media Platforms Outside of Facebook
While Facebook may be one of the best ways to advertise used cars for sale, you can also use other platforms. For example, you can post your car's pictures with descriptions on your Instagram stories. You can also use Twitter to advertise your car by tweeting about it with catchy hashtags.
If you want to make a detailed video showing every aspect of your vehicle, you can create a YouTube video. Then, you can put the link to this video in your profile bio on other social media accounts.
How To Create an Effective Ad To Advertise Your Used Car
The copy and pictures of your ad will make the most significant factor in your ad's effectiveness in attracting potential buyers. Here are some tips on how to do it right:
- Check the selling prices of other vehicles the same as yours to determine a fair asking price.
- If you have car insurance, ask your insurance company if they can transfer the policy to the new buyer. If yes, include this in your description too.
- Take good pictures of the car from different angles.
- Take a video and let potential buyers have a virtual tour of the car.
- Describe your car in detail, including features such as modifications, mileage, make, fuel types, and upgrades.
When people search for a used car online, they use specific keywords, such as make, model, and year. Make sure these keywords are in your ad.
As for payments, you can dodge a scam by only accepting cash or money orders. If you're selling to a dealer, you may be able to get a check.
Selling Your Car Privately Has Never Been Easier
There's no shortage of avenues for used car advertising. Both traditional and online methods work wonders when it comes to selling a car today. Facebook Marketplace, eBay Motors, and Cars.com are some of the best platforms for selling your car online. Meanwhile, word-of-mouth and window signs attract local buyers readily.
If you combine both, you may be able to get a better price and sell your car faster. The best approach is to use word-of-mouth in conjunction with online listings. Be honest and thorough in your car's description, and you'll attract the right buyers. Finally, go for cash payments if the platform doesn’t offer purchase protection.
This article was written by Andrew Rohrlich. As a brand and product marketing expert, Andrew Rohrlich has crafted products, experiences and communications for household names like Gap and for multiple automotive technology businesses. For nearly a decade Andrew has studied automotive retail in depth from a customer point of view and aggregated the industry’s best research, thought leadership and know how to provide credible and important information to auto shoppers and sellers.
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