2 years, 2 months ago
What are the best options for selling my '09 Mazdaspeed3GT?
I am considering the sale of my 2009 MazdaSpeed 3GT so I can purchase a 2010 Mazda CX7. The winters in Cleveland along with the future plans of starting a family have made me realize that a little sports car is not the best option for me at this point in my life. Since I still owe about $22,000 on the loan for the car I need to try and find a way to sell the car for about what I owe so the loan can be paid off before I purchase the new vehicle.
In a perfect world I would rather use the car as a trade-in, since the dealership would take care of things for me but with the demand for the car the dealership informed me I might be better off finding a buyer on my own. Having never sold a car before I'm looking for personal experiences or ideas on what steps I should take to protect myself and come out with the best deal.
In a perfect world I would rather use the car as a trade-in, since the dealership would take care of things for me but with the demand for the car the dealership informed me I might be better off finding a buyer on my own. Having never sold a car before I'm looking for personal experiences or ideas on what steps I should take to protect myself and come out with the best deal.
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M$2 Answers
First, you should use Edmunds.com to educate yourself. For example, they have a 10 steps for selling your car article (see http://www.edmunds.com/advice/selling/articles/93820/page001.html ). They also have a Quick Guide to Selling your car (see http://www.edmunds.com/advice/selling/articles/45786/article.html ).
By checking out Edmunds "True Market Value" or TMV, you can figure out what the average is that dealers will offer in trade-in and what private parties might pay (check out http://www.edmunds.com/used/2009/mazda/mazdaspeedmazda3/101037329/options.html ). You can put in all the details such as mileage, options, zip code, etc. to get your customized TMV. For example, assuming your car has all the options, is in outstanding condition, and has 10,000 miles on it, it should bring in about $18,560 in a private party sale (see http://www.edmunds.com/used/2009/mazda/mazdaspeedmazda3/101037329/options.html?tmvaction=vdpresult ).
Edmunds also partners with AutoTrader.com to help you sell your car (see http://www.autotrader.com/hornav/trader/index.jsp?LNX=EDUATUCLPSYC&address=44101 and change the zip to your area's code).
Other options for selling the car:
- Put an ad with lots of photos on Craigslist.
- Put a "For Sale" sign in the car (with your phone number) and park it where lots of people will see it (e.g. the local shopping mall, especially during the day on weekends).
- Check if any of your friends is in the market for a similar car.
Finally, read the answers at http://www.mahalo.com/answers/cars/whats-the-best-way-to-sell-a-used-car for many more great tips.
Good luck!
By checking out Edmunds "True Market Value" or TMV, you can figure out what the average is that dealers will offer in trade-in and what private parties might pay (check out http://www.edmunds.com/used/2009/mazda/mazdaspeedmazda3/101037329/options.html ). You can put in all the details such as mileage, options, zip code, etc. to get your customized TMV. For example, assuming your car has all the options, is in outstanding condition, and has 10,000 miles on it, it should bring in about $18,560 in a private party sale (see http://www.edmunds.com/used/2009/mazda/mazdaspeedmazda3/101037329/options.html?tmvaction=vdpresult ).
Edmunds also partners with AutoTrader.com to help you sell your car (see http://www.autotrader.com/hornav/trader/index.jsp?LNX=EDUATUCLPSYC&address=44101 and change the zip to your area's code).
Other options for selling the car:
- Put an ad with lots of photos on Craigslist.
- Put a "For Sale" sign in the car (with your phone number) and park it where lots of people will see it (e.g. the local shopping mall, especially during the day on weekends).
- Check if any of your friends is in the market for a similar car.
Finally, read the answers at http://www.mahalo.com/answers/cars/whats-the-best-way-to-sell-a-used-car for many more great tips.
Good luck!
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
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