INSTEAD of trading in your used car and getting less than market value, you could opt to sell it yourself. There are many ways to sell a used car without having to trade it in with a dealer. Choosing several of these options should yield you the results you are looking for.

Steps

1. Calculate the value of your used car. You can do this by using the tools available online, or scour local classified ads to see if there are other people selling cars similar to yours. Find a price point you are comfortable with, keeping in mind that the buyer might try to negotiate with you and you will probably end up getting less than your asking price.
2. Advertise your used car online like http://1k.com.my, www.motortrader.com.my, or www.mudah.com.my. These sites can be very effective and are simple to use, and most allow you to put images of your car with the listing. Some of them may charge a fee to list your vehicle but this is usually inexpensive. If you can afford it, relist your ad each day or week until it is sold; this may help keep it at the top of the search results.
3. Take out an ad in your local newspaper and local marketplace magazines. These have special sections for used car advertising and many are free or low-cost.
4. Contact an auto dealer in your area. Some may be able to sell your car for you on consignment, meaning you give the dealership a percentage of what the car sells for in exchange for advertising it for you.
5. Utilise social networking sites. Take a few pictures of your used vehicle and post ads in the classifieds on these sites, as well as on your own profile page. These sites will allow you to add quite a few details about the car, which will disseminate the information to a lot of people in a little amount of time.
6. Network with your friends, family and coworkers. Word-of-mouth can be a very effective form advertising. If they know anyone who is looking to purchase a vehicle, tell them to give them your number and a few details about your car.
7. Post signs around your office, grocery store, gym or any other places in your community. A simple flier with a picture of the car, a few details and your phone number on ripoff tabs at the bottom of the page can generate some interest.
8. Write ”for sale” on Oyour car. If you already have another vehicle, park your car off to the side of main road, with “for sale” written in big letters on the windshield. Then, on the other windows, write more details about the car, like the asking price, mileage, year, if has air conditioning or any new parts you have installed.

Source: News Straits Times - 1Klassifieds - Thursday, September 30, 2010