Sell Your Car Privately

Price it right, write a listing that gets calls, screen buyers safely, and close the deal with paperwork that protects you.

Price Research

• Run your VIN on Carfax or AutoCheck to know your own vehicle history before buyers do — address any red flags proactively
• Get an instant offer from CarMax, Carvana, and KBB Instant Cash Offer — these become your floor price; private sale should beat all three
• Search your exact year/make/model/trim/mileage on CarGurus and Facebook Marketplace to see what similar cars are listed and selling for
• Price 5–10% above your walk-away number to leave room for negotiation

Listing

• Wash, detail, and photograph the car in natural daylight — take 20+ photos: all four corners, interior, dashboard, engine bay, and tire tread
• Write a factual description: trim level, mileage, service history, recent maintenance, any known issues
• List on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and CarGurus — Facebook Marketplace drives the most volume for private sales
• Include 'OBO' (or best offer) only if you're willing to negotiate — omit it if you're firm on price

Screening Buyers

• Respond to inquiries by text or phone — never email wire transfer instructions or share your address with unvetted strangers
• Ask serious buyers: 'Are you paying cash, or how are you planning to finance?' — helps filter window-shoppers
• Meet for test drives in a public place like a busy parking lot during daylight; bring a friend if possible
• Ask to see the buyer's driver's license and photograph it before the test drive — non-negotiable
• Accompany the buyer on the test drive — do not let a stranger drive alone

Paperwork

• Download your state's official bill of sale form from the DMV website — do not use a generic online template
• Fill in the odometer disclosure statement accurately — federal law requires it and fraud carries criminal penalties
• Sign and date the back of the title — fill in the buyer's name, sale price, and date exactly as required by your state
• File a 'release of liability' notice with your DMV immediately after sale — this protects you if the buyer gets a ticket or causes an accident before re-titling

Payment Safety

• Accept cash, cashier's check (verified at the issuing bank before handing over keys), or Zelle/Venmo for amounts under $5,000
• For cashier's checks over $5,000, walk to the issuing bank together and confirm funds before signing over the title
• Never accept personal checks — they can bounce days after you've handed over the car
• Remove your license plates before the buyer drives away — most states require you to keep them