Brantley Kendall 24 Sep 2024 3 months ago Want to sell an ageless, beautiful vehicle? Not sure how to sell a classic car that needs work? Don’t worry; we’re here to help! Selling classic cars differs quite substantially from most other transactions. Considering that the value of the classic car is likely several times higher than in a normal second-hand car sale, both sides need and want to approach the topic much more cautiously. In this article, we’ll cover all the basics of how to sell a classic car so that you don’t have to worry about getting scammed! Selling a Classic Car: What to Know in Advance There’s considerably more at stake when it comes to dealing with classic cars. Many people fall in love with them not just for their unique designs and inherent rarity but also because their limited numbers drive up prices, making them an attractive investment. As such, there’s a degree of specificity involved. Your buyer will likely want to be as cautious as possible to avoid getting scammed, and if any of your behaviors set their alarms off, they might pull out of the sale. Next, be prepared to show off copious amounts of documentation. With this much money on the line, people are less eager to take risks, and having thorough paperwork, like servicing papers or a detailed ownership history on hand can alleviate lots of stress. Knowing the market is also crucial. Understand the possible price range you can target, and consider getting a professional appraisal to give buyers more peace of mind. How to Sell a Classic Car? Practical Tips While the above constitutes general advice that you should always follow., below, we also outline more specific tips tailored to different cases to help you understand how to sell a classic car fast: Sales Channels In broad terms, you can sell your classic car in three ways, each of which you will want to consider before making your decision: Auction Classic car dealership Online Auctions are the fastest way, but will take the largest cut of the final sale and you have no guarantee the car will sell for your desired amount. Dealerships handle paperwork, car shipping, and other formalities for you. The fee is still significant but somewhat flexible. Lastly, selling your car online directly often takes the longest and is less regulated. You get to keep all the money, but the process can be a hassle, and you’ll have to deal with tire kickers, self-aggrandizing experts, and lowballers. So, how do you pick one? Choose the online option if you’re patient, confident in your knowledge, and don’t require extra assistance. Dealerships are best for a hands-off approach and when you aren’t pressed for time. Lastly, go with an auction sale if you need to sell your classic car quickly or if you’re certain its value will attract a crowd of enthusiasts who’ll recognize it and bid high. Understand Potential Extra Costs Auction sales may not take your car without a thorough HPI, which they’ll also charge you for. When going with dealerships, there’s no telling how long the car will go unsold – the longer the period, the higher the cost. Selling it yourself might mean you’ll have to cover the cost of shipping the car – buyers will want to avoid any chance of the car getting damaged during shipping. The point is: hidden costs await you almost at every turn. Understanding them will help prepare yourself for any surprises. Selling Non-Functional Cars How do you sell a classic car that needs work? Unless you’re an expert at restoring cars, it may be better to head to a dealership for help. Specialized dealerships can not only assist you in accurately determining the car’s worth, they also typically have their network of experts who can complete the restoration project. The Takeaway How do you sell a classic car? First, understand the market and its specifics to better estimate your asking price. Keep useful documentation on hand – auctions, dealerships and individual buyers might ask you for it. Consider your sales channels as well, as the option you choose will determine how fast it will be to sell your classic car and whether you’ll need to pay for handling fees, car shipping, or maintenance. You may also read: Finding the Old Jewels: Where to Buy Classic Cars? Brantley Kendall Share this: