If you're looking to get top resale value for your car on the used car market, follow our tips below for some helpful advice!
Research the market value of your car
You'll want to evaluate your car for its condition, mileage, popularity and technical specifications. Make sure to carefully research similar models on Facebook Marketplace, Carvanna, eBay Motors, Autotrader, etc. You can compare your car to a variety of different listings that are similar to your model and price accordingly.
Get a safety and emissions inspection
Missouri requires you to have a safety and emissions inspection less than 60 days old when selling or transferring your car. Because it may take more than 60 days to sell your car in some cases, you will probably want to consider getting your safety and emissions inspection just prior to signing over your paperwork. Getting your car inspected right away risks having to do it again if you are not able to sell your car within 60 days.
Detail your car or a hire a professional detailer
Yeah, we get it, we're a little biased here, but it doesn't make it untrue. Just like when you go to sell your home, having your property in the best possible condition helps make it more attractive to a potential buyer. We're not suggesting placing a freshly baked apple pie in the back of your car, but at the very least do some basic vacuuming and add a fresh scent. No one wants to spend many thousands of dollars on a big purchase only to find it in dirty condition with a foul odor in the backseat. If you do it yourself, be sure to check out our learn center tips on how to detail your car like a pro. Whether you hire a professional or do it yourself, we want you to get what your car is really worth!
Get your paperwork in order
There are a variety of legal requirements you must follow when selling your car in the state of Missouri. While most of the requirements are relatively easy and can be done without the assistance of a tax or legal professional, you'll want to make sure you follow the procedural requirements and retain copies of all your documents. For your convenience, a detailed list of the legal requirements to sell your car in Missouri can be found on the MO department of revenue website by clicking the link above. We're in no way affiliated with the government, just a helpful tip.
Consider selling your car prior to December 31st
Officially transferring your title prior to the first of the year will allow you to remove your car from the city or county's personal property tax record for the following year. If the car remains under your ownership on January 1st, you will be required to continue to declare your car as personal property and you will be on the hook for the personal property tax on it at the end of year.
Bonus Tip:
Consider gifting your car instead of selling it
Sales tax is generally exempt for the beneficiary when you gift your vehicle in Missouri. Gifting your car can make for a grand gesture and can help family members get started on the right foot. Whether it be their first car in high school, or a car for their first professional job after college, having their transportation taken care of can feel like a godsend in the face of all the other challenges that must be navigated. In fact, one of the most popular reasons we detail cars professionally at Fresh Start is because our client is gifting their vehicle to their son or daughter.
We hope you find the above tips helpful. For other related advice on cars, travel, and detailing, be sure to check out our other articles!
Fresh Start Auto Detail is a premium mobile detailing company based in St. Louis, Missouri. Our service is engineered to make your car look and feel brand new. We service a wide range of clients with their detailing needs. Whether you're selling your car or just want it to feel brand new again, customers trust Fresh Start to provide the best service and customer experience possible.