Classic cars attract a different type of buyer to your standard car owner. As a result, selling these cars can require a bit more research. Below are just a few tips for selling a classic car.
Look at similar existing models on the market
When pricing your classic car, it’s worth taking a look at what other similar models are being advertised for online. Consider the fact that the condition can have a big impact on the price – some sellers may be charging thousands more if only because they’ve kept the car in immaculate condition. Rare sought after models can also fetch a higher price (and even sometimes rare colours).
Consider having your classic car valued
To get a more accurate idea of how much your car is worth, it could be worth getting a professional appraisal. This is when a classic car expert gives an estimate as to the value of your car. Just be wary that when using dealers for appraisals, some may price your car lower than it really is worth so that they can buy it off you more cheaply.
Take some top quality photos
Classic car buyers are likely to be interested in the condition of the car, and so will want to see multiple photos taken from multiple angles. These should be good quality so that every detail can be seen clearly. Take this into account when taking photos for your car ad. While you may be able to take pictures from certain angles to highlight the best parts, you should avoid completely hiding defects – when the buyer comes to take a look at the vehicle, they will see these defects, and hiding them until this point could reduce the buyer’s trust.
Weigh up the pros and cons of selling private vs through a dealership
You can sell a classic car privately or through a dealership – and both have their advantages and disadvantages. When selling privately, you can usually set a better price, but you’ll have to do all the work yourself when it comes to marketing the vehicle and cleaning/restoring it. Dealerships on the other hand will drive a harder bargain, but they’ll reduce the work required to sell your car. Some may specialise in certain manufacturers like Mini or even specific models like the classic Porsche 911 – and they may even be able to carry out restoration work on top of selling your vehicle, which could be handy if you’ve got a classic car that’s not in great condition.
Get all your paperwork in order
Classic car buyers are going to want to see all the paperwork including a history of repairs and servicing. Some of this older paperwork – including the owner’s manual and receipts kept by previous owners – could even add to the history of the vehicle and improve its value. If you’ve lost much of the paperwork, you may be able to retrieve some of it online.