The Used Car Sale: A Woman's Perspective

Despite whatever business sense I may possess, the daunting notion of selling my car seemed almost overwhelming. I was troubled and almost irritated by the thought of placing an advertisement in my local newspaper or auto sales magazine in an effort to sell my ten-year old sports car. The idea of constant phone calls, questions, visits and test-drives led me to think I should just drive my car to the nearest car dealership and ask, "How much?" But thanks to a little research and my car-savvy husband, I knew I had a gem on my hands.

My first car was a 1995 Nissan 240SX Se Coupe. While it was not the first car I ever drove, she was the first car I ever purchased completely on my own. I was alone, no parent or husband, when I first test-drove the car. At my side, a persistent salesman, perhaps determined to make a fool out of me, gain an honorable commission and have a great story to tell his fellow salesmen. But I was determined to stand my ground on options and price. After a two-hour price negotiation, I later left with my new car in tow.

First would come the car-specific research. Specifically, I needed to know exactly how my car would appraise in the private party sale world versus a trade-in or other dealer-based transaction. I utilized the Kelley Blue Book (http://www.kbb.com Web site to determine the value of my car. Fortunately Kelley Blue Book typically offers three different values - Trade-In, Private Party and Suggested Retail. The Web site allows the user to enter the year, make and model as well as car equipment (features), mileage and condition. Additionally, the Web site provides a detailed description of vehicle conditions in order to best determine the condition of your vehicle. After a careful review of the various value options, it was clear I would sell my car for greater profit via a private party sale.

I came to the decision to utilize eBay (www.ebay.com) as my car selling resource, eliminating the pesky phone calls and related nuisances associated with private party car sales. After entering the eBay Motors section of their Web site, I discovered a lavish "How To" section dedicated to supporting eBay Motors buyers and sellers in their efforts. I clicked on "How to Sell a Vehicle" and there it was; virtually everything this amateur saleswoman needed to intelligently sell my vehicle.

First was specific information on preparing to sell. The first step, aside from registering as an eBay user, was a very helpful Sell Your Vehicle Checklist provided by eBay. This printable checklist identified the most critical information needed such as Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), mileage, year, make, model, etc. Also included were specific questions to aid in crafting the vehicle description for the eBay listing. The checklist also included suggested photographs.

After completing the checklist and downloading the photographs, I was ready to begin writing the vehicle description. The probing questions previously answered on the checklist gave me a structured method in which to write my description. Next came the pricing, likely the most critical component of any sales transaction. Since I was equipped with Kelley Blue Book values, I quickly established a minimum sale expectation. Fortunately, eBay contains a "Reserve Price Auction" capability allowing me to set a minimum bid expectation, without potential buyers being the wiser. As eBay describes, the Reserve Auction price is "the lowest possible price you are willing to accept". eBay also suggested establishing a reasonable price expectation based on Kelley Blue Book values since potential buyers are likely to have completed thorough car pricing research prior to placing a bid. Now it was time to submit and activate the listing.

I was completely overwhelmed by the interest and bid amounts during the first 24 hours. What I was not at all prepared for was the amount of questions posed by potential buyers. Some questions were irrelevant as the answer was clearly evident in the vehicle description, but many bidders / potential buyers wanted significantly more detail. Ironically, most every single email / question began with, "Hey man". Many were very surprised to be dealing with a woman who certainly knew her stuff.

After talking with several other sellers, there is a relatively defined process for potential eBay car buyers. Since most all sellers list their vehicle with a Reserve Auction Price, it almost becomes a game between potential buyers to meet or exceed the Reserve Auction Price. As with my experience, once the Reserve Auction Price was met, bidding halted for two days. But during the last 24 hours as the auction drew to a close, fervor amongst bidders skyrocketed. The auction price increased 25% during the final 24 hours.

Fortunately for me, the 1995 Nissan 240SX Se Coupe has become a coveted prize among serious racers and a heavily followed sport known as drifting. (Drifting is a motor sport whereas the driver maneuvers a high horse powered car sideways through an obstacle-type course.) Considering I was the original owner and the car had never been involved in any wrecks or accidents, interest perhaps peaked even higher. With this in mind, not all sellers may experience such enthusiasm and excitement when selling their vehicle.

In the long run, I believe I had the optimum eBay sales experience for a few reasons. One, the final buyer lived in the same city as me, eliminating the hassle for arranging vehicle shipping. Two, my car was in excellent physical and mechanical shape. Of even greater importance, I was honest and up-front in my vehicle listing and with each and every potential buyer. I refused vehicle inspections and test-drives to local bidders because I didn't believe it was fair to interested parties who may be hundreds of mile away. (Ironically, one of the requestors for a test drive was the ultimate vehicle buyer.) I carefully answered all inquiries and questions. However, I used common sense when it came to shady questions. I kept all details of the transaction within the eBay listing Terms of Service.

In short, I recommend utilizing eBay as a means of advertising and selling a vehicle. The process is simple and can be hassle-free, especially if you take the time to conduct research and thoroughly prepare.