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To sell your vehicle privately or trade it to a dealer? If you intend to buy a new (or 'new' used) vehicle - trade your vehicle in is the simplest way to go. Trade-in means you swap your old car to the new one with the dealer and pay him the difference in price.

Good thing about it is that in most cases you pay taxes only on the amount of this difference. Bad thing is that the dealer will offer for your car few thousands less than if you would sell it privately - that is where they make a living from. Even if you don't want to buy another car, but want to get rid of your old vehicle, selling it to the dealer may save you a lot of time. You can just drive around offering your vehicle to different dealers and sell it to one who will give you a best price.

Selling privately you can get higher price, especially if you do something to make your car more attractive. However you have to be prepared, people are different: some of them may bother you for weeks asking to have your car inspected here and there, constantly complaining about the price and disparaging your vehicle. Others may give you a deposit right after a quick look at the car and that's it. You're lucky if you get these kind of buyers.

Where to advertise
First, you may simply put "For Sale" sticker on your car. If you're sure your car is worthy, consider telling some of your friends and colleagues that you are going to sell your car. Maybe one of them is looking for exactly that car.. Place an ad in the classified section of your local newspaper. As internet advertising become more and more popular, try to find the most popular in your area

How to close the deal
Here is one proven strategy: Let's say, one day, one of the potential buyers came to look at your vehicle and seems to like it from the beginning (I hope you already have prepared your vehicle!). Let him (her) have a look at the vehicle, don't interrupt him (her). If after test driving the buyer is still interested, he (she) would probably be interesting to ask you few more questions and discuss the price.

Replying to the questions about the price you need to bring up more trumps - 'Yes, I know it may seem too expensive, but the car really worth it because...' show all the bells and whistles your vehicle may have - folding seals, heated mirrors, - everything that may add value to your vehicle.Helpful items include maintenance proving receipts and emission test results. Was the battery replaced recently? - show the receipt to the buyer. New tires - perfect! Now, looks like the buyer is more inclined to buy your car, but still want to lower the price. OK, use your biggest trump - "Oh, by the way, to save your time, I got history report on my vehicle - here it is. Here is the link: • Buy a vehicle history report

Finally, don't forget to mention that you have two more appointments for tomorrow for other people who want to have a look at your car. Usually it works.

Bill of sale
I receive many questions about paperwork needed to sell a car privately, but there are as many laws and regulations as many different states, provinces and countries. You may ask all related questions to your state (province) Vehicle Registration Authorities. Here is the list of • Vehicle Registration websites - They have all the answers you may need.

Few more tips - Keep in mind your bottom price and keep it firm. But if someone makes an offer close to your bottom line, go for it, don't be stuck for a couple hundred dollars difference. - If your vehicle is a real lemon or has hidden problems and you know this, don't try to sell it as "very good car", don't let other people get into trouble. Instead try to sell it cheaper to the dealers - they will be able to fix it. Less money for you, but at least less headaches. Well, I hope this will help you sell your car. Good Luck!