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What Everyone Ought to Know About Selling a Car

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Supply photos from every angle when marketing your car.

Selling a car is a slam dunk, right? Once you put your car on the market, the buyers will line up from all over. After a few test drives and perhaps competition between buyers, you’ll close the deal and reap a handsome profit. Keep dreaming.

On the surface, selling a car privately sounds likes a terrific idea. But it often comes with all sorts of hassles, including shoppers without a desire to make an offer or the funds available to finalize the purchase. And then there is the matter of your time, which explains in part why many people prefer to sell to their dealer or make a trade, even when they know they could get a better deal through a private sale. If you insist on trying a private sale, we’ll examine what everyone ought to know about selling a car.

1. Get your car ready to show.

Sell your car “as is” and your offers will reflect its condition. It always pays to spend some time making it look market-ready.

Wash and detail your car, adding a fresh coat of wax to restore it to its former luster. You can handle small scrapes and scratches, and quite possibly remove a few dings. Clean out the interior and trunk, vacuuming or wiping down seats, carpets and other surfaces. The same attention you paid to the exterior should apply to the interior. Replace burnt-out bulbs and fuses, and ensure the audio and navigations systems are in working order.

Handle all maintenance due items, most importantly the motor oil and filter. Ensure that the battery, hoses, belts, brakes, suspension, and other components are in top order. Provide copies of your repair invoices. Offer a CARFAX vehicle history report to demonstrate to buyers that your car is in the best condition.

Prep your vehicle to make it more appealing to shoppers.

2. Survey the market.

So, how is the car market where you live? Specifically, what kind of demand do you see for your type of vehicle?

For example, if you live in a warm climate and own a convertible, demand should be strong. On the other hand, if you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle and live in Florida, chances are demand will be quite low. Review local ads, such as on Craigslist to gauge interest in your type of vehicle.

3. Know your price range.

There are online tools to help you determine the price for your vehicle. Typically, you’ll find two sets of prices — dealer and private party. Review both to understand the spread between the two. Private party prices are always higher than dealer prices.

The more details you supply about a car, the better. This means entering not just the make, model and model year of the vehicle, but its mileage, trim level, and special features or options. Features such as navigation and driver-assist technologies mean you can fetch more for your car.

First impressions are everything when marketing a car.

4. Market your car.

Now that you know prices, you need to determine your bottom number for selling your car. This isn’t a number you’ll display or share with shoppers — it is the price you’re willing to accept.

Pricing can be tricky, but the 5 to 10 percent added to your bottom price gives you some wiggle room when negotiating. Further, when you set your price, avoid a round number such as $10,000. Choose $9,995 instead as it sounds better to shoppers. You’ve noticed that retailers use a similar pricing strategy. The reason? Because it works!

As for advertising, newspapers are a thing of the past. Online services, such as Craigslist and eBay are popular places to market a vehicle. It is important to understand the terms of use for any online site, including whatever fees or commissions may be charged. Be thorough with your ad, offering complete details about the car along with numerous interior, exterior, under the hood and trunk or storage area shots. Review other ads for ideas on how to set yours.

5. Show your vehicle.

Now for the hard part: show your vehicle. But somewhere between running your ad and showing your vehicle, place at least one “for sale” sign inside the car. At a minimum, supply a contact number, but be forewarned: you’ll get your share of spam calls. Perhaps securing a temporary phone number would be the best approach here.

Strategically place your vehicle so people will see it. Unless, of course, you don’t want people knocking on your door at all hours if it is sitting on your front lawn.

When an individual inquires about the car, engage them in a conversation to determine what they’re looking for. If you’re not comfortable with this individual, go no further. Always meet in a public place and when it comes to test driving the vehicle ask for a valid driver’s license and ride with them. Explain the features and answer their questions. Never give your keys to a stranger as this may be the last time you see your car.

When all is said and done, you’re ready to conclude your deal.

6. Let’s make a deal.

Only negotiate with buyers who show genuine interest in the vehicle. Explain your terms upfront — cash or a certified check. Ask them if they have the means to close the deal TODAY. Not tomorrow or some other time, but today. Let them know that the first buyer who meets your price gets the car.

You can expect negotiating to commence at once with potential buyers presenting their offer, which may be far lower than your asking price. If you feel that you’re being lowballed, say so. If their offer is within an acceptable range, counter with your own price. If both parties give a little, then a deal should be reached. The idea here is to provide a win for both — you’ll get at least your bottom dollar amount and the buyer saved money off the sticker price.

If the buyer insists on having his mechanic inspect the vehicle as a condition of the sale and you’re okay with that, be careful: the mechanic may discover a problem and the buyer may counter with a lower price, costing you money if you agree. If you’re not okay with the inspection, show copies of the repair records and the CARFAX report. Explain that the vehicle is being sold “as is” without room for further negotiation.

Accept cash or a certified check, ensuring the latter clears before signing and handing over the title to the buyer. Clean out the car (including DMV and insurance paperwork), remove the tags and hand the keys to the new owner. Cancel your ads.

7. Wrapping up.

The cash is good or the check has cleared and everything is done, right? No, not quite.

You may need to take care of certain Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) business, depending on where you live. If you have the vehicle’s tags (license plates), return these to the DMV. Make sure the registration is canceled and all taxes and fees settled. Get a receipt and keep it for your records.

Lastly, contact your insurance company to ensure coverage is discontinued. This is also an ideal time to review your policy to ensure it meets your current needs.

Final Thoughts

What if you’re not able to find a buyer for your car or are tired of dealing with customers? If you already struck a deal for a new car with your dealer, they may be interested in purchasing it. If not, there are other car buying services that may be interested, allowing you to quickly put this experience behind you.

See Also — Used Cars: Where the Bargains Are

The second, third, and fourth photos are courtesy of Pixabay.

How to Get the Most Auto Insurance Coverage for the Money

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Auto insurance will cost you, but savings can be had.

The cost of auto insurance puts a huge dent in some wallets. Drivers in Michigan, Louisiana, and Oklahoma pay far above the national average while drivers in Maine pay the least.[1] Among auto insurers, rates can vary widely, and consumers don’t always know why they’re being charged so much.

You can’t do much about the state where you live—besides moving—but you can get the most coverage for your money by keeping some things in mind as you shop for auto insurance.

Credit Matters

Your credit history reflects on what you pay for auto insurance. Insurers develop an “insurance-risk score” or “insurance credit scoring” based in part on your credit score, theorizing that you’re less likely to file a claim if you have good credit.[2] Your credit score is easily available to you, but your insurance score is not (typically, you’ll have to visit a credit monitoring service such as TransUnion to find it, not your insurance company). In any case, if your credit score is high, then your insurance rates should reflect your insurability.

Personal Demographics

Your marital status, gender, age and the city where you live are factors in determining insurance premiums. The last category can make a big difference in what you pay—if your zip code or street address is coded wrong, you might be charged a rate far above what you should be paying.[3] Therefore, it is important to review your declarations page for accuracy.

What You Drive

Before purchasing that turbocharged sports coupe, contact your auto insurer to get a quote for car insurance. Indeed, your agent can tell you which cars cost the most to insure in any given vehicle segment. Engine size isn’t the only consideration: insurers charge more for cars that don’t hold up as well in an accident. They may also raise rates for cars without recent safety features including side curtain airbags, rearview cameras, and lane departure warning.[4]

Your Driving Record

If you have tickets, then you may have points on your driving record. Points send a signal to auto insurers to raise your rates based on an algorithm set by each insurer. Your insurer won’t tell you how that works, but you can contact your Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain your driving record. If old points have not been removed from your record or points have been wrongly assigned to your record, you can have the DMV make the correction and forward a copy of your updated record to your insurer.[5]

Seek Discounts

Insurance companies offer discounts for drivers who drive just a few thousand miles in one year. Further, discounts are offered if you insure your auto and home with the same company, have been with that company for several years, are a safe driver or have recently completed a driver’s training course. Ask your insurance agent about available discounts—information that’s not always readily volunteered.[6]

Shop Around

Get at least three price quotes from different insurers with similar coverage to make comparisons easier. You may be able to save money by dealing directly with a company over the phone or via the Internet instead of through an insurance agent.

If you belong to an alumni association, a business group or some other association, a group plan can offer additional discounts. Moreover, ask your employer if the company offers a group plan for its employees and their families.

Save Money

It pays to review your auto insurance policy annually as it may reveal overlooked discounts or even mistakes that are costing you money. Never assume your policy reflects your current information as your address may have changed, drivers may have been added or dropped, or other factors may influence what you pay.

Sources

[1] Insure.com: Car insurance rates by state, 2019 edition — https://www.insure.com/car-insurance/car-insurance-rates.html

[2] The Balance: What is Insurance Credit Scoring? https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-insurance-credit-scoring-4156729

[3] The New York Times: Your Neighbor in an Adjacent ZIP Code May Pay Less for Car Insurance — https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/19/your-money/car-insurance-neighbor-zip-code.html

[4] Insurance Information Institute: What determines the price of an auto insurance policy? — https://www.iii.org/article/what-determines-price-my-auto-insurance-policy

[5] North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles: Driving Records — https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/records-reports/Pages/driving-records.aspx

[6] Allstate: 6 Car Insurance Discounts That May Save You Money — https://www.allstate.com/tr/car-insurance/tips-for-car-insurance-discounts.aspx

See Also — IIHS Crash Testing and Your Insurance Premiums

Image by 3D Animation Production Company from Pixabay

Where is my VIN Number Located?

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Making sense of your vehicle’s VIN.

All cars have a vehicle identification number, a 17-character alphanumeric identification unique to that vehicle. Commonly known as a VIN number, your vehicle’s ID is assigned when it is manufactured. And just as your Social Security Number (SSN) is unique to you, a VIN reveals details specific to your car only.

Unlike your nine-digit SSN, it is doubtful you have memorized your VIN. Indeed, you might never think of that figure until someone asks for it, namely your insurance company, a repair shop, or a government agency. Unless you have your VIN written down or have a picture of it residing on your smartphone, you’ll have to locate it.

Here’s where you can find your vehicle’s VIN number:

1. On the dashboard.

The most common place to find a VIN is on your vehicle’s dashboard, specifically near where the dashboard meets the edge of the windshield on the driver’s side. Typically, the VIN is fixed to a metal plate and the code displayed so that anyone can read it from the outside of the vehicle looking in.

vehicle identification number
Reflections obscure the VIN found on the lower dashboard,
but it is still decipherable with the human eye.

2. On the driver’s side door jamb.

Another place where the number is usually found is on the driver’s side door jamb. Here, it is as easy to locate as opening the driver door and finding it.

vehicle identification number
The VIN located near the driver’s door jamb.

3. Check your insurance card.

If your car is already insured, then the VIN can be found on your insurance card. That card should be kept in a safe place, such as in your glove box with your other important papers and files (e.g., owner’s manual, repair records, satellite radio contract). Locate the card and the VIN should be published with your insurance information.

vehicle identification number on auto insurance card
A sample auto insurance card featuring a VIN, but with other pertinent blotted out.

4. On other locations.

A vehicle’s VIN can also be found on your engine’s firewall and may be located on other key components, including the transmission. The reason? For security, mostly. Given that many cars are routinely stolen, taken apart, and the parts are sold separately, matching the alphanumeric number is important. If there isn’t a match, that doesn’t necessarily mean the parts were stolen. Rather, it could reveal an engine swap you’re already familiar with, especially one you may have conducted yourself.

Deciphering Your VIN

The VIN isn’t simply some random letters and numbers. Certainly, it can seem that way, but there is a method to this 17-character madness.

The helpful people at Edmunds.com found the VIN reveals quite a bit of data about any car, including the make and model, trim level, country of origin, engine size, and the airbag type. Importantly, you can plug this information into the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s VIN Look-up Tool to find out what outstanding recalls, if any, are associated with your vehicle.

Another nifty tool is VINDecoder.net, what reveals pertinent information about your vehicle. The site is free, but you should know that links to the last 10 decoded VINs are featured. As the following example of a 1992 Honda Civic Coupe shows, there is much information about the car shared, but nothing about the current owner or its repair history.

vehicle identification number

See Also — Where Can I Find My Car Paint Code?

How to Transfer the Car Title of a Deceased Person

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Your Aunt Mabel has shuffled off the mortal coil and has gone on to her eternal reward. At the reading of her will you learn that she bequeathed a few of her prized temporal possessions to you, her favorite niece. Standing out amongst the assorted paraphernalia was no ordinary conveyance, rather it is her rapturous late-model sports car. Certainly, Mabel was a Denise McCluggage acolyte, and took to the speed track every chance she had.

Transferring title of Mabel’s Porsche Cayman S will take a bit of work on your part. The Department of Motor Vehicles in the state where the decedent resided is the first place to start. In general, you will need to do the following to transfer the car title of a deceased person to you:

Procure the Proper Documents

Porsche Cayman SThe state’s DMV will require certain documentation concerning all matters of a deceased person. For starters, you need to gain possession of Mabel’s driver’s license. If she was no longer driving at the time of her passing, but had a valid government-issued photo identification card, then that may suffice.

Bring with you a photocopy of the decedent’s death certificate. Please note that if you bring an original, it may be surrendered to the DMV. The DMV will also want you to return the decedent’s disabled person parking placard if one was issued. Any special license plates will need to be surrendered too.

The next group of documents and forms may be exclusive to your state. This is where logging in to your state’s DMV website, searching for “transfer the car title of a deceased person” and carefully reading the results will save you time and help you avoid a paperwork-induced headache.

Specifically, the state may require you to download a few forms. These may include:
a certificate of car title application, an affidavit for transfer without probate, a vehicle transfer and reassignment form, a statement of facts or any other form related to enabling you to complete the title transfer.

Car Title Notary and Fees

Porsche Cayman SAs you download and review the required forms, carefully follow the instructions to successfully complete each one. Avoid signing any form immediately as you may be required to have your signature witnessed and notarized. The court appointed executor will need to sign certain forms too. Find a notary public to help you accomplish this step with both you and the executor present.

Each form may require a specific fee to be paid. Or a general fee may be due when the car title transfer is complete. Again, this requirement will vary from state to state.

You should also know that when the car title transfer has been approved, there may be additional fees to handle including: car registration, income taxes and license plates. Concurrently, contact your insurance company and explain that you have acquired a vehicle and want it insured. Be prepared to pony up some serious cash for a high-end vehicle such as Mabel’s Porsche Cayman S. You may need to shop around for new car insurance if the rate is too high.

Transfer Matters

Porsche Cayman SConsider yourself lucky if you are able to bring your documents to your local DMV and have them processed on the same day. In some states you must mail these forms to a particular address, therefore send those documents via certified mail, return receipt requested.

Please note that it may take several weeks before the actual title is in your hands. Notwithstanding the delay, title possession should not keep you from enjoying a car that is now registered in your name, insured and ready to take to the track. Thanks, Aunt Mabel!

See Also — Car Title and Personal Loan Collateral

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

7 Ways to Trim Car Insurance

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You may not have reviewed your car insurance until the day that you took delivery of a new car or added a driver to your policy. Surprisingly, you find yourself faced with a minor crisis, one that you were wondering how you will meet the added cost. Indeed, it may have come in at a much higher rate than what you had anticipated.

Fortunately, there are sensible ways for you to trim your car insurance costs. We will review seven of them.

1. Perform comparison shopping. The best way to save on car insurance is to comparison shop. Auto insurance premiums can vary by hundreds of dollars amongst providers for the same coverage. So, obtain several quotes, then call your current insurer and ask for the company to match the lowest rate. If they can’t or won’t budge, then switch.

falling money2. Know your credit rating. Your credit rating can impact your insurance premium. Insurers develop a credit-based insurance score and utilize that three-digit number to establish your rate. Your scores are ultimately based on your credit reports — if the information about you is wrong or negative, it can lower your score. Obtain copies of all three credit reports (i.e., Experian, TransUnion and Equifax) by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com. In fact, you are entitled to one free copy of each company’s report annually.

3. Find package discounts. You may be entitled to car insurance discounts, but you don’t even know it. For example, discounts are routinely dispensed to customers who have more than one vehicle insured. Additionally, you can obtain discounts by having the same insurer bundle your homeowner’s insurance policy. Moreover, insurers offer discounts to customers based on their age, military service, superior grades for students, and whether your car has certain types of safety and security equipment.

4. Take a driver training course. Drivers who have one or two tickets and have had that information reported to their insurance company pay a premium for their insurance. However, if you complete an authorized driver training program, your state may eliminate points, saving you money on your car insurance. For example, in Florida drivers may take an approved course no more than once per year and no more than five times in a lifetime. But that course may only be helpful if you have multiple non-criminal driving offenses within a short time, such as in 18 months. “In the event of things like an accident, there is no point in opting for driver school (unless the person already has a problem with points on his or her license) as the accident will be known to the insurer and will be surcharged, regardless of no offense being shown on the driver’s motor vehicle record. Also, if multiple offenses occurred in conjunction with the accident in question, there is no need to take school other than for points on the license,” explained Kristofer R. Kirchen, President, Advanced Insurance Managers, LLC in Tampa. In any case, it is at the discretion of your insurer what benefit is derived from a driver training program.

5. Review your accident reports. If you have been in an accident or have points on your record, that information may be working against you. Contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and review your driving record. In particular, outdated or wrong information should be identified and removed from your report and an updated copy offered to your insurance company.

6. Raise your deductibles. How much skin do you have in with your car insurance? In other words, how high are your deductibles? The higher the deductible, the greater your share of the insurance risk. When you select a higher deductible, your insurer will lower your rates. So, determine whether the higher deductible is a sufficient risk to offset your potential losses.

7. Claim your carpooling discount. Only a small number of people carpool, but if you regularly trade-off driving with at least one other person who drives hit or her own car, then your insurance company may lower your rate. In particular, your insurer may offer a carpool discount based on lower annual miles driven each year.

Saving Money on Car Insurance

Even if you haven’t added a driver or changed cars recently, a once annual review of your car insurance policy can save you money. With this in mind, examine your two recent policies. If you notice an increase that is greater than the cost of living, then contact your insurer.

And if you are planning to buy a new car or add a driver, contact your insurer for rate quote information first. As a result of that conversation, you may find yourself reconsidering your purchase or asking your insurer for a student discount.

See Also — How Are Insurance Scores Determined?

How to Sell Your Car to a Private Party

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Buy a new car and the dealer may urge you to trade in your old car. Unless you have plans to keep it or give it to someone else, the dealer’s offer may be a tempting one. Then again, if you choose a private party sale you stand to make hundreds of dollars more in a sale to a new owner than you would receive as a trade in. The following instructions can help you get the most money for your old car.

1. Establish a selling price.

Honda AccordYou own a 2008 Honda Civic coupe with 75,000 miles on the odometer. That’s a quality vehicle with relatively low miles, an EX model in very good condition.

Head to Kelley Blue Book (KBB.com) to find out what your car would fetch in a private sale. As of May 2014 KBB says $12,072, far above the $9,800 that the dealer offered as a trade. You can set your price to align with KBB’s estimate or choose a slightly lower amount to market it aggressively. Also determine your bottom offer. For instance, if you’d accept $11,000 for it, keep this price in mind when negotiating.

2. Get your car ready to sell.

Your car looks good, but it should look in tip-top shape before selling it. You’ll get more for it if it looks and runs great.

Washing and waxing the car is just the start. You need to have it detailed just as the professionals do. You could have someone else do it and pay the $100 to $150 cost, a smart option if you have a scratch that goes down to the metal. The professionals have the equipment to make scratches disappear and can handle small dents too.

Whether detailing the car yourself or using a professional auto detailer, your car should have its mats cleaned with a stiff scrub brush, the paint polished and waxed, a protectant applied to the trim, the air vents cleaned out with cotton swabs, and the glass and tires cleaned.

3. Show buyers your receipts.

If you want to smooth the car sale then purchase a vehicle history report and include it with the maintenance receipts and repair record. CARFAX, AutoCheck, and VinAudit are the companies that provide this service for a fee. History reports demonstrate to the buyer that they’re getting a “clean” vehicle, one that hasn’t been damaged in a flood or stolen.

If you do not have receipts, you can offer details when the maintenance was done. Write up a list of items repaired or replaced within the past year. These should include the oil, oil filter, air filter, wiper blades, and fluid top offs. Even further back you can tell potential buyers when other work was done including tire replacement, brake pads, shoes, muffler, battery and other components. Receipts are best, but when you don’t have them an explanation may suffice.

4. Spread the word.

You can cast a narrow or wide net to sell your car. If you prefer to deal with just a few people, place a notice at work outlining your sale. Tell friends, family and neighbors too.

To reach more people, write up an ad and place it online, such as on Craigslist. Offer additional details about the car including the make, model, model year, trim level and anything else of interest. Take as many as a dozen photos of the car’s interior and exterior, focusing on all sides of the vehicle. Inside, concentrate on showing the seats, dashboard, storage compartments and other features. Provide a contact email address; only share your phone number with people that have expressed strong interest in your car.

5. Make appointments and schedule the test drives.

Only spend time with people that are sincerely interested in buying your vehicle. One downfall of a private sale is the time required to promote the vehicle, make appointments, and allow for test drives.

Speaking of test drives, never allow anyone to take your car out without you riding along. It could be the last time you see your car. Riding along allows you to explain the various features of the car and answer some questions. You can also show people how the climate control, audio and navigation systems work, how to adjust the power seats and explain the other features.

6. Entertain offers.

Serious shoppers will make an offer for the vehicle as soon as they decide they want your car. Expect that they’ve already done their research and know the value of your car. If their information is correct, then you should receive an offer that is competitive. Generally, however, it will come in on the low side.

You can counter any offer without disclosing the lowest amount that you will accept. The process may take some back and forth negotiating, but it should result in a deal that is acceptable to both parties.

An all-cash deal is easiest to close. If you are okay with a check, only accept a cashier’s check. Or, go to this person’s bank and have them write a check for cash to the bank and hand you the money.

Private  Party: Sell Smart

The last matter to tend to when selling a car is transferring the title and tags to a new party. This procedure varies from state to state, therefore a visit to the Department of Motor Vehicles with the buyer can complete this process quickly.

See Also — Tips for Teens Buying a First Car

(Here is an excellent article that details the limits and sometimes the pitfalls with vehicle history reports — Limitations and Problems with Carfax or any Vehicle History Report).

Private Party Car Sale Legal Responsibilities

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Private Party Car Sale

A private party car sale should be a simple matter, right? After all, if the odometer reading is correct, there shouldn’t be any legal problems. Still, there are a few matters you will want to ensure are taken care of before you sell a car to another individual.

Avoid problems when selling your car to a private party.

Your Cars Worth

Before you market your car, you need to know what it is worth. You can determine your cars current value by visiting Kelley Blue Book.

Once youre on the KBB site, choose Whats my current car worth and then select I plan to sell it myself. From there, you will plug in some information about the car including its model year, make, model and mileage. Next, select the cars style before checking off the boxes for its options. Click See Blue Book Value and you will review prices based on the cars condition: excellent, very good, good and fair. Choose the value that corresponds with your car and use that amount as a basis for selling your vehicle.

Review Your Vehicle

The KBB price may not give you a precise value for your car. For instance, a limited edition coupe might be valued higher while a gas hogging full-size SUV could be harder to sell. Check online ads for sales of similar models to gauge whether your price is right or if it should be adjusted.

You should also review your car carefully for potential problems that a buyer might notice such as old tires, faded paint, torn seats, a worn out muffler, an aged battery, fogged over headlamps and more. Consider fixing these items before you sell your car or be prepared to subtract the cost of these repairs when you nail down your price.

Prep Your Vehicle

You’ll be selling your vehicle as is. That does not mean it has to look anything less than a really great car.

Vacuum the interior, wipe down all surfaces and test all components to ensure that everything is in working order. That means checking the air-conditioner, the audio system, power accessories and the navigation system if you have one.

Outside, the car should be washed, waxed and detailed. Remove road surface tar, polish the wheels, wipe down the tires and check the entire cars surface for scratches, dents and blemishes that you can touch up. Clean out the trunk, check all lights to ensure that they are functioning and take your car for a spin with the audio system off, listening for problems.

Market Your Vehicle

There are several ways for you to get the word out about your car. Placing for sale signs on it when it is parked is a good start provide a contact number and whatever other information you wish to provide.

You can also place an ad online to attract interest. Both eBay and Craigslist are popular sites for car sellers be as detailed as possible and post multiple pictures of the cars exterior, interior, under the hood, trunk and other key features. List your asking price, mileage, make/model/year and other details. Be thorough and honest you want to attract people that are interested in your car.

Receive Potential Buyers

Once your car is marketed, you will begin to attract people that are interested in finding out more. You need to be forthcoming with buyers, sharing what you know about the vehicle including its repair history, accidents or anything else that needs to be made known.

For serious buyers, they will want to test drive the car. But first, you may want to drive the car with the potential buyer in it, demonstrating how the car operates and pointing out various features. Then, pull over and allow this individual to drive with you in the passenger seat or in the back seat if a spouse is present. You can outline the route that you want this person to take and you should verify that this person has a valid drivers license before allowing him to get behind the wheel.

Weigh Offers

If someone is interested in buying your car, he will make an offer once he is satisfied that you have answered his questions. That offer will likely come in less than your asking price, so determine in advance what your floor price is and stick with it.

If you missed a problem and a mechanic verifies that work needs to be done, consider splitting this cost with the buyer. Serious buyers will settle on a price as soon as possible knowing that if you turn them down, you may have another buyer waiting in the wings.

Close the Deal

As you prepare to seal the deal, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind to protect yourself legally. Senen Garcia, a Florida attorney, advises that the deal be done in writing, that the seller encourage the buyer to inspect the vehicle (and noting this in the contract), and being careful not to misrepresent any facts regarding the vehicle.

Accept cash, but never accept a personal check. A certified check should be cashed at your bank before you release your car. You can also accept a money order, but me mindful that there are fake versions out there.

Lastly, once the title has been transferred, remove your personal documentation and vehicle tags. Return the tags to DMV and contact your insurance company to cancel coverage.

See Also — How to Check for Flood-Damaged Cars

How is Tech Changing the Lives of Disabled Drivers?

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If you have a disability that affects your ability to drive, there are car adaptations available that may make it possible for you to drive safely and with full control over the vehicle.

If you have a notifiable disability you must tell the Department of Motor Vehicles so they can determine whether its safe for you to drive. You may be instructed to have modifications made to your vehicle, in which case an adaptation assessment will be carried out to figure out your needs.

DMVOnce given the go-ahead, you may also wish to seek out specialised motability insurance that caters specifically to your needs, although insurers may not be allowed to charge you a higher premium without justifying evidence.

Let’s take a look at the equipment available that enables disabled drivers to take to the road:

Primary Control Adaptations

Primary controls are those that are directly related to driving: steering, accelerating, braking and changing gear.

Steering

Spinners are steering wheel attachments that make it easier for people who can’t grip properly or have weak wrists. They range from mushroom-shaped knobs to frames you can place your hand in. Mini-steering wheels are also available for those with a smaller range of motion.

Joysticks and tillers are steering wheel replacements, both of which require little movement and can be fitted with extra controls for braking and accelerating.

Foot steerers come in the form of turntables or treadles and are for people who are unable to steer using their hands.

Accelerating and Braking

Hand controls for brakes and accelerators can be fitted to the steering wheel, steering wheel column, or on the floor beside the driver, for those who are unable to operate pedals with their feet.

Pedal extensions are useful for those who can’t reach the regular foot pedals, and left-foot accelerators are for those who can’t use their right leg. There are several types of left-foot accelerators available, some of which are removable to allow other drivers to use the vehicle safely.

Honda mobility

Shifting Gears

For those drivers that are unable to change gears using the clutch, a couple of options are available: automatic and semi-automatic transmissions.

Automatic transmissions are something everyone is familiar with as they don’t require you to change gear at all — you just put the car in the mode you need (drive, reverse, park or neutral) and the car will change gears automatically.

Semi-automatic transmissions give greater control over the vehicle. Some allow you to change gear using the gear stick as normal — but without touching the clutch — while others are operated at the push of a button.

Parking Brake

Electronic parking brakes are designed to release automatically as you pull away, while other modifications simply make it easier to operate the brake by hand.

Secondary Control Adaptations

Secondary controls are functions that do not directly drive the vehicle, such as the lights, indicators, horn, windshield wipers, heating and air conditioning.

Simple controls are attachments fitted to the vehicle that allow you to use the current secondary controls. For example, a lever can be fitted that allows you to operate the indicators from the opposite side of the steering wheel.

Buick Enclave

Complex controls are electronic controls designed to be used at the push of a button. They are usually built-in to steering equipment or a separate panel in a convenient location, such as the dashboard or door.

Voice-activated controls are an option if you are not very dexterous or have a limited range of motion.

Other Considerations

Rotating and electronically moveable chairs can be fitted, as can special cushions and harnesses — all of which help disabled people get into a comfortable position more easily.

Many vehicles can be made wheelchair accessible with things such as ramps and hoists, and some even allow disabled people to drive while seated in their wheelchairs.

Satellite navigation, cruise control and parking sensors and cameras are all gadgets designed for the regular driver, but which can be particularly useful to disabled drivers.

Be sure to test any adaptations out before you commit to them — you will need to make sure that they are easy to reach and operate, and that they meet all your needs. You should also take into account whether anyone else will need to drive the vehicle, as you may wish to have removable modifications fitted in this case.

Once you are happy with your choices, have your modifications fitted by a specialist and you will be back on the road — driving safely — in no time.

Photos courtesy the Braun Corporation.

How to Transfer a Car Loan to Another Person

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If you have a car loan and you want to transfer the loan to another person, is this possible? Well, that answer is not always clear cut it can depend on the policy of your lender, especially what is laid out in your car loan agreement. Still, that possibility remains and if you are interested in transferring ownership, the following procedures can make it happen.

Your Agreement

Your car loan contract should clearly spell out whether a loan can be transferred or assumed by a new party. Begin by examining your contract to determine whether this is possible.

key lockIf after examining the contract that you are still not sure, contact your bank or financing company for clarification. Get a hold of someone in the bank’s lending department that can pull a copy of your loan and make a determination.

Agreement Transfer

Your lender will most likely not allow for your auto loan to be automatically assumed by a new borrower. Instead, this individual may be required to apply directly to the bank for the loan transfer.

In this case, work with this individual to have the loan transferred. However, your bank may require that the future owner take out a new loan. Your purchaser will likely have to produce paperwork such as W2 stubs and income tax information to demonstrate creditworthiness. At this point, the loan application is between the purchaser and your bank.

Lender Approval

Do not attempt to transfer ownership of the vehicle to the purchaser until your bank has approved his loan application or accepted his transfer. The bank has a lien on your car anyway and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will not allow the car to be retitled until after the deal is done. As long as there is a lien on the car, the bank’s name will always remain on the title.

When your bank issues a new loan or accepts transfer of your current loan, you will receive notification that the loan has been transferred or paid off. If the purchaser is turned down for a loan, then consider the deal cancelled unless he can arrange financing elsewhere or pay cash for your car.

Loan Considerations

As long as the car is in your possession, continue to make payments on your car loan. If your purchaser succeeds in obtaining a new loan or a loan transfer, get a receipt from your bank showing that your loan is paid off. Notify the DMV that you no longer own the car, removing license plates, registration and personal information from the car.

Lastly, notify your auto insurance company that the car has been sold, a move that will immediately drop insurance coverage for the vehicle.

Special Note — Do not allow another person to take over payments without formally discharging your ownership duties. If something happens to the car — such as it is damaged or stolen — you will be held responsible.

See Also — Car Title and Personal Loan Collateral

How to Check for Flood-Damaged Cars

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After every major natural catastrophe, particularly one involving flood waters, a slew of damaged cars begin to show up on the used car market. Those cars may have been declared a total loss by insurers and retitled as salvaged or flood-damaged by the state. However, a car may sometimes be moved to another state in a bid to conceal flood damage and sold to an unsuspecting buyer. This practice is known as title washing and can cost you dearly.

Many flood-damaged cars look immaculate, with pristine exteriors and clean interiors to show for it. It is not too difficult to make a car look good inside and out, but underneath and within the vehicle’s mechanics, signs of flood damage can be uncovered. Read on to find out ways to check any vehicle for problems.

flood damage1. Do your research. Never take the owners word when it comes to the condition of a vehicle. It may look great and run fine, but flood damage problems can appear later on. Rust, mildew and stained carpeting are visible signs of trouble. You will need to dig deeper too, by contacting your state’s Department of Motor Vehicle to learn if the car was branded with flood or salvage titles. You can also purchase a vehicle history report to get some information about the repair history of most any vehicle. (Here is an excellent article that details the limits and sometimes the pitfalls with vehicle history reports — Limitations and Problems with Carfax or any Vehicle History Report).

2. Look around inside. The carpeting may have been replaced and the seats cleaned, but there may be telltale signs that a vehicle was damaged in a flood. Silt, mud and rust may lurk just beneath the surface, or in the back of the glove compartment, at the bottom of the trunk or behind the dashboard. If stains or discoloration are present or the interior colors are mismatched, you are likely looking at a salvaged vehicle.

3. Check the ignition and lights. Get behind the wheel of the car and turn on the ignition. The dashboard should immediately light up, with gauges moving into place and the ABS and airbag lights activated. Operate the turn signals, the emergency flashers, the horn, and get out of the car to inspect the headlamps, parking lights and other lights. Back inside, the climate control system should be functioning turn it on high for both heat and air-conditioning settings sniff the air for signs of mildew. If your car has a navigation system or other electronic components, these should be in working order too. Try each 12-volt connection and USB port. Power windows and door locks should work without a problem.

4. Take it to your mechanic. You will pay to have your trusted mechanic check your vehicle, but it is an investment you cannot afford to avoid. Ask your mechanic to put the vehicle on a lift to inspect its suspension system, brakes, exhaust system, powertrain and other components. If the car has been damaged by a flood, evidence such as mud, silt and rust will appear. High-water marks can be observed on the engine block; wires, as well as other parts, may have rusted.

5. File a complaint. If a car show evidence of flood damage, you should notify your state’s office of the attorney general to make a report. You can also file a complaint with your local Better Business Bureau office. Help other consumers avoid being ripped off by following through with your complaint.

Car Notes

Flood-damaged cars routinely appear on the market after a hurricane or other major weather event. From Texas to the northeast, such vehicles may have been declared a total loss by the tens, if not hundreds of thousands. Even if you do not live anywhere near where a storm occurred, an unscrupulous individual may try to sell a flood-damaged car, costing you thousands of dollars in later repairs when the engine seizes, the transmission fails or the exhaust system rusts through.

Further Reading

Texas Department of Insurance: Car Buyers Urged to Beware of Flood-damaged Vehicles

The National Association for Attorneys General: The Attorneys General

Better Business Bureau: Flood Damaged Vehicles

The Weather Channel: AAA Warns Consumers on Flood-Damaged Cars

Photo Credit: Marc Averette