No matter how well your car serves you, there comes a time when you will have to sell it. Whether it is still in good driving condition or has started to show its first signs of age, you have a number of options to choose from how you want to sell it. From trading it at a dealership to taking it to a junkyard, there are several selling paths you can take to get rid of your ride and make some money along the way.
However, one thing people don’t realize is that selling your vehicle isn’t simply profit. In fact, there are a few things you need to be aware of which may stop you from getting the best deal you want. This mainly refers to the extra costs that come with selling a car, some of which are non-negotiable and others that can be avoided or reduced. Anyhow, it is crucial to keep an eye out for these fees because they can affect the total cost of your ride as well as your overall budget. So, before you start exploring your selling options, here are four hidden fees you need to look out for.
Junkyard fees
If your car is inoperable, damaged, or wrecked in any way, then selling it to a local junkyard is one of your best options to get rid of it and make a good profit along the way. However, one thing many people don’t realize is that some junkyards charge entrance, environmental and towing fees. That’s why it is essential that you first look for different junk yards in your area to see which one offers the lowest fees.
For example, if you live in Philly, shop around for the nearest reputable junkyard and discuss how to sell your junk car for cash in Philadelphia fast, with reduced entrance and admission fees as well as free towing charges.
Advertising fees
If you choose to sell your car privately through a website or another type of advertising source, you should know that there may be some advertising fees you will have to pay. These fees are typically associated with marketing your car through ads, website photos, and videos, all of which may vary depending on where you decide to advertise your vehicle.
The great thing about these fees is that they can be negotiated or even completely avoided, especially if you choose to market your car through a social networking platform or another advertising source that doesn’t require making any payments.
Paperwork fees
When you sell your car, it is essential that you carefully review the paperwork before completing the deal. This involves checking to see whether you have all proper documentation to sell your vehicle and transfer it legally to the buyer. If not, you may have to contact your local DMV to get the necessary documents to complete your sale.
Also, there are some “cash for cars” companies that claim they will do the paperwork for you, but end up charging you a document transfer fee when they come to pick up your vehicle. Although this is a small fee, make sure you get a guarantee in advance that the company will complete the paperwork and you won’t be charged for anything.
Car maintenance
Another hidden fee many people overlook when selling their vehicle is maintenance. The thing is if you want to get the best price on your ride, you need to have it thoroughly cleaned and repaired so you can increase its sale value and make the most money from it. Make sure you take it to a local auto body repair shop so a professional mechanic can inspect your car and determine whether it needs to undergo some repairs before putting it up for sale. Keep in mind that the total car maintenance costs can depend on various factors, including the type of car you have, its current driving condition, and market value.
Final thoughts
Although selling your car is a great way to make a profit, it is important that you are aware of the hidden costs that come along in the process. Knowing what these fees are will significantly impact the total cost of your vehicle, not to mention your budget. So, if you want to stay safe and ensure that you are getting the best deal on your ride, remember to refer to our post for guidance and learn about the most common hidden fees you need to look out for.
