 Women
now purchase more than 50 percent of all new vehicles, 48 percent
of all used vehicles and influence 80 percent of all sales. But
as more and more women are out buying cars, the logic goes that
the vehicles they are replacing must be sold. The process of selling
a used car can be a daunting task for men and women alike. The
questions start rolling through your head: How much is the old
car worth? Do I trade it in to the dealer when I buy a new car?
Or do I sell it myself? If I sell it myself, what's the most effective
way? Will I have to paint my asking price in soap on the windows
and leave it at the local mini-mall?
Over
the last several years the Internet has emerged as a staunch ally to women shopping
the market for a new vehicle. The breadth of online research tools and growing
availability of "no haggle" price quotes have helped turn more women
into savvy auto shoppers than ever before. And just as the Internet has helped
prepare women to buy new cars, there are plenty of online tools available to help
manage the selling half of the equation as well. Online
automotive classified listings are growing in popularity. According to a recent
JD Power study (November 2001), "Internet classifieds will likely surpass
the traditional published classifieds within the next few years." The main
reason they're becoming so popular is because they offer more sophisticated options
and are generally less expensive than traditional printed classified listings.
The
best way to start is to arm yourself with information. Begin by determining how
much your old car is worth. Online used car guides like those available at Yahoo!
Autos are a good place to start. You'll need to be prepared with some
basic information about your car's make and model, mileage and a general idea
of its current condition. Based on those basic details you can quickly and easily
secure accurate estimates for how much a dealer in your area is likely to offer
on a trade-in, or how much you might expect to make by selling the car yourself. You'll
quickly realize that trading your car into a dealer won't bank you as much cash.
Dealers are in business to make money. They buy used cars wholesale, invest a
fair amount polishing them up and prepping them for resale, and they expect to
turn a profit. Buy low and sell high. That's the name of the game. Of
course, there is more to it than just money. Trading your car in to a dealer will
probably save some time and at least some degree of effort. If you're not as concerned
about how much money you get back on your old car, and you need to get it out
of the driveway as quickly as possible, trading it in might be the right thing
to do.
To
get the best deal on a trade-in, you'll want to remember a couple things: (CONTINUE...)
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