Ready to sell your car this summer?
Your car is one of 36.2 million expected to be purchased in 2024.
You may be asking, "When's the best time to sell my car, including the best time of year to sell a car? Is there a best month to sell a car?
When's the best time to sell a used car versus the worst time to sell a car? What's the best way to sell a used car right now?
Let's explore the best time to sell a car and the best place to list a car for sale.
Best Time of Year to Sell a Car
If you're selling a car in 2024, you may be wondering when to sell your car to make the most money from your sale.
Consider selling your car before a brand-new model year arrives. When the next year's car model reaches dealerships, your vehicle becomes a year older. This typically happens in autumn.
Try to sell your car in the earlier months of the year if possible. The sooner you sell the vehicle, the higher its sale price might be.
Best Month to Sell a Car
If you're wondering "when to sell my car to a dealer or private seller," a good time to sell a car is in summer or spring. That's anywhere from March to August.
The best types of cars to sell during these months include the following:
- Large-passenger vehicle (e.g., minivan)
- Convertible
- Sports car
People often look for vehicles during these months so they can drive for pleasure, take family summer vacations, or enjoy road trips. Tax refunds also arrive during these months to help people buy cars.
The spring and summer are well before the Christmas gift-giving season, too, so more people may be able to afford your car during these seasons.
What's the best age to sell a car?
The best time to sell a car is when it's between three and four years old. The car's value drops significantly during the first two to three years and again at four years. Selling between these drops will often net you a great value.
The next major drop typically occurs at about eight years. Sell before this anniversary to maximize your profit.
The car's mileage will become a bigger factor after the eight-year mark (more on mileage later).
What is the best mileage to sell a car at?
Most manufacturers' warranties expire when their cars have been driven 30,000 to 40,000 miles. This is when it's typically time for the first big maintenance appointment. Sell before this benchmark to get the highest price possible for your vehicle.
Your manufacturer's powertrain warranty may expire when you've driven your car 60,000 to 70,000 miles. This is when the second big maintenance appointment should happen. Sell before this period to get a great price for the vehicle.
A car sold after it's reached the 100,000-mile mark may not generate as much profit. The car may still run well, but buyers may perceive it as being less valuable.
Best Time to Sell a Used Car
Are you selling a vehicle with all-wheel or four-wheel drive? The best time to trade in your car might be the winter or fall. This is especially a good time to sell a used car in a climate that experiences harsh winters.
Worst Time to Sell a Car
Now that you know the best time to sell your car, let's discuss the worst time to sell. Avoid selling your car when you feel pressured to. You may accept a lower offer than you should.
Also, don't sell your car until you've fully detailed it and made minor repairs. This will improve your vehicle's value.
If you're making payments on the car, don't sell it until you can receive enough money from the sale to pay off the loan.
Best Way to Sell a Used Car Right Now
Perhaps you're wondering "how do I sell my car?" The best way to sell a used car right now is at a dealership.
You may be wondering "why should I sell my car to a dealer?"
Selling to a dealership is wise if you want to trade in the car for a new one. It will also save you the hassle of finding a private seller.
Best Place to List a Car For Sale
If you're not interested in buying a car right now, consider selling it to online car buyers instead.
You might be asking, "Why sell my car online, and how do I sell my car online?" Posting the car online will expose it to more potential buyers. This means you may receive more offers and sell your car quickly.
Maybe you're wondering "where can I sell my car for the most money?"
The best websites to buy used cars include Cars.com and Autotrader.com. Online car buyers also look for used cars at online car auctions.
Shipping a Car
Once you've determined the best time to "sell my car," you're ready to sell it and possibly ship it to the buyer.
Use a car shipping calculator to determine the cost to ship a car to another state. Cross-country car shipping will generally cost 30 cents per mile.
How We Can Help
"What's the best time to sell my car?" In this guide, we've discussed the best time to sell a car. The best time of year to sell a car is spring (the best month to sell a car is March).
When a car has low mileage is also the best time to sell a used car. The worst time to sell a car is before you've made repairs.
The best way to sell a used car right now is online, and the best place to list a car for sale is an auction.
Ship your used car with Nexus today!
