Privately Selling Your Car
BY SOLO INSURANCE® Updated 7/22/25
You want to sell your car to another individual. What are some best practices to consider? Put yourself in the role of the buyer to consider what you’d want to know and see. Before anything else, though, make sure to remove all personal items, insurance cards, registration, that coin stash, etc. You want to clean it out of all personal items before putting it on the market so you don’t forget later. Shine it up and show it some love! After getting your car cleaned and ready to sell, what information do you disclose when talking with prospective buyers? This conversation can make or break the sale.
The Conversation
You want to sell your car by putting it in the best possible light. You also want to be upfront and honest. The flow of the conversation balances both sides of this coin. To help this conversation with prospective buyers, here are some things for you to consider.
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The Tips
Let’s get to it. What can you do to steer the conversation to put your best tire forward?
- Be honest. Buyers can verify what you’re telling them so be up front, don’t try to hide flaws. We recommend that you provide a car history report to the prospective buyer(s). Or, you could have it inspected by a certified car mechanic and provide that report. You don’t have to disclose every little flaw, but if the buyer asks, tell the truth.
- Set realistic expectations. If the car is older, prospective buyers aren’t expecting perfection. They may hope for it but they at least don’t want to make a bad buy either. Don’t be afraid to reveal work you’ve put into it. For instance, if you recently replaced the starter or the air conditioning is on the fritz, tell them. If buyers are talking to you, they’re obviously in the market for an older car; therefore, they’re likely comfortable with the idea that it’s not perfect.
- Pro Tip: Think ahead. Keep records of car oil changes, maintenance and repairs with receipts to present a documented portfolio to the future buyer.
- Know your “why” beforehand. Be prepared to answer, “Why are you selling it?” Answer honestly in a positive, not negative, response. An example is, saying, “I’m looking to upgrade” is much better than, “I had to hitchhike home from work after the car broke down on me.”
- Don’t hide potential mechanical problems. They’ll eventually surface after selling the car, sometimes right away. The buyer can still work at making your life miserable with repeated phone calls, hounding you for money, or use social media to disparage your name. Though “Lemon Laws” typically apply to car dealerships selling new or used cars, you’re better off disclosing known issues.
- Prioritize safety. Meet prospective buyers in a well-lit, preferably public place (like in front of the local police department) for your protection and theirs. Discourage those who want to take advantage of the situation before something happens.
Check your State Laws
In most states you, by law, must disclose whether the vehicle has been: Salvaged, Damaged in a flood or Rebuilt. In these scenarios, this should be stamped or marked on the title either as salvaged, branded, or rebuilt. This is very important. It can help protect you from potential charges from the buyer that you concealed damage information. It tells the buyer what they’re getting into. Understand when they ask to have the car looked at by a mechanic or trusted friend. You’ve got nothing to hide. Perhaps keep the paperwork to show why it was salvaged or rebuilt in the first place.
Whether selling in Springfield, Indianapolis, Columbus, or Virginia Beach…here are some handy links for the your State’s required PAPERWORK REQUIREMENTS, as per the state “DMV/BMV/DPS” website. Search them to learn more about your state.
(Other State Requirements can be found there too.)
To recap
Clean out the car, shine it up, present a prepared package with vehicle history to present your vehicle in the best possible light. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just organized. These things let prospective buyers it can be a great used car for them too. Keep your conversation positive but truthful so all parties have a good transaction.
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