Is It Time to Kiss That Lemon Goodbye?
You love your old car. You even named it. But not every clunky vehicle deserves a spot in our garage—and keeping them longer than necessary leaves you with expensive repairs. Let’s dive into some signs it’s time to sell your vehicle and a few tips on how to do it properly.
1. It Constantly Breaks Down
Your car was a once-reliable speed demon, but now it’s a rusting bucket with more problems than it's worth. One breakdown is an inconvenience. Two raise serious alarm bells. Anything more than that signals sweeping problems—and a potential sale down the road.
2. You’re Worried About Resale Value
It’s important to keep an eye on resale value, especially when your vehicle’s still in decent shape. Don’t get caught without the numbers, and don’t get caught with an aging car that’s only depreciating further in the garage.
3. Too Many Miles
A good rule of thumb is to consider selling anywhere between the 60,000 to 100,000-mile mark. While modern cars might not show obvious signs of aging, it’s still a good idea to weigh your options before it’s too late.
4. Safety Concerns
The only thing worse than an unreliable car is a dangerous one. Worn-out brakes, constant problems, and outdated technology can all signal it’s time to sell. It’s better to err on the side of caution than to keep driving a faulty vehicle.
5. Repairs Cost a Fortune
Speaking of repairs, there’s a big difference between annual maintenance and frequent bills. Do yourself a favor and crunch the numbers. Are you spending more and more on repairs? If so, you might want to consider saying goodbye.
6. You’ve Spotted Rust
Rust spreads—and it spreads fast. Once you’ve spotted it, larger patches and potential wear and tear aren’t far behind. Rust also destroys resale value and affects nearly every aspect of your car, leaving the door open to crashes and breakdowns. It’s probably better to make a sale while you still can.
7. It Doesn’t Meet Your Needs
Boy, that convertible sure was cool…in the summertime…before you had your first child. Life throws all kinds of curveballs and not every car lasts through its changes. If that car just doesn’t make sense anymore, consider all your options.
8. Mechanic Warnings
Though we worry about mechanics swindling us, a lot of good eggs have our best interest in mind. If yours give any grave warnings about the state of your car—or outright suggest a sale—it’s at least worth it to consider.
9. Expensive Parts
Older cars are a source of pride, especially ones we’ve had for a long time. However, those cars soon become obsolete and can leave owners in the lurch for parts. When parts get too expensive or too hard to find, it might be time to throw in the towel.
10. Outdated Technology
While we’re on the topic, outdated technology is just as detrimental to performance and resale value. Not every driver wants sensor cameras or built-in GPS trackers, but that modernity also keeps you safe on the road.
So, you’ve decided it’s time to sell. With that in mind, let’s explore common mistakes to avoid during the process.
1. You Don’t Know the Value
Just about every scrap of information is available nowadays, including resale value. Don’t get caught without the proper figure—do market research and keep your emotions out of it. High price tags scare away potential buyers while low prices leave you in the lurch.
2. Fudging Details About its Condition
Be honest about your car’s condition, even if it has glaring problems. Hiding that information not only completes the sale in bad faith but can also welcome lawsuits. Not to mention, buyers can easily find those fibs through vehicle history reports or mechanic inspections.
3. Taking Terrible Photos
Eye appeal is buy appeal, as they say. You wouldn’t rent an apartment with shoddy photos, so why would a buyer click your listing? Keep photos clean, professional, and thorough! Make sure your description is well-written too.
4. Keeping it in Awful Condition
Older vehicles still warrant proper maintenance—give it a good scrub before snapping those pictures. You should also clean any junk from under the seats or in the trunk before showtime. Buyers are easily put off by messy vehicles!
5. You Don’t Have All the Records
Potential buyers appreciate a smooth transaction, so have all the proper documents ready. You not only need your own paperwork, but you'll also need to screen buyers to ensure you’re not held liable for missing documents on their end.
16. Taking Any Old Offer
If you have a real lemon in your garage, it makes more sense to take whatever you can get. But cars that hold their value deserve more than a lowball. You might need to haggle. You may need to justify your price. Whatever comes your way, prepare to negotiate.
17. Falling for Classic Scams
If you’ve ever sold anything, you know that some people are slimy. Some demand to meet in unsafe areas while others give over-the-top sob stories—so keep an eye out for scams. Remember: you don’t owe anyone anything. Listen to your gut and keep yourself safe!
18. Pretending People are Lined Up
It might sound like a good idea to pretend buyers are lined up around the block, but that tactic rarely works. Most people see through the ruse and it can also cost you a good deal in the long run.
19. Spending an Arm and a Leg on Repairs
Cars aren’t like houses—you don’t need to dump thousands of dollars in repairs for a better price. In fact, spending that much beforehand can leave you stranded with hefty bills and stagnant offers. In some cases, you might not even break even on repair costs.
20. Skipping Free Advertising
There’s nothing wrong with a classic “for sale” sign, but it’s hardly your only means of advertisement. Social media ads, Craigslist posts, and classifieds all drum up more interest than everyday word-of-mouth.
