- Be open and honest. Hiding an accident is unethical and can haunt you down the road. It is better to be forthcoming about any accidents a vehicle might have been in. If you have documentation of the accident, such as photos and receipts for repairs, make it available to prospective buyers. If you have certification from an auto body shop or mechanic that the vehicle is in perfectly good condition and was repaired with quality, manufacturer-supplied parts, offer that information as well. The more information you provide and the more honest and forthcoming you are, the less it will seem like you're trying to hide major damage.
- Encourage a vehicle inspection. Inform the buyer that you have no qualms about him or her taking the car to a mechanic and having it thoroughly inspected. This will show your confidence in the performance of the vehicle.
- Consider a dealer trade-in. Dealer trade-ins may not earn you as much money than you would get if you were to sell the car privately, but trade-ins tend to be simpler. Dealerships have almost zero emotional attachment to vehicles and likely won't be as concerned as a private buyer about an accident on record. It may be worth it to take the lower price and not have the headache of unloading the car on your own.
- Be flexible on pricing. The right price will help prospective buyers overlook minor blemishes or accidents. When coupled with the truth, the right price can entice buyers to seal the deal. Auto accidents happen. But while no one wants to get into a fender-bender, such accidents should not prevent auto owners from selling their vehicles in the future.
About the Author