Blog
A Comprehensive Guide to Selling Your Car in Alberta with Express Car Sale
Selling your car in Edmonton can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach and guidance,
you can navigate the process safely, efficiently, and profitably. Here's a detailed guide on the
essential steps to consider when selling your car in Alberta, along with how Express Car Sale can
simplify the process for you.
Listing the Ad
- Before listing an ad, you should run a CarFax on your vehicle. This gives you a lot of
information that people may ask such as whether the car has any accidents, any
outstanding recalls, the service history of the car, and whether or not there is a lien on
the vehicle
-
Look at Auto Trader, Facebook, and Kijiji for comparable models based on your year,
make, model, kilometers, and condition
-
Make sure to take great pictures of your car, highlighting key options such as leather
seats, sunroof, or even if you have a remote starter
-
Make sure to outline any service history you have had done to the car, and any
outstanding issues that a potential buyer should be aware of
-
Try and list your vehicle for a competitive price. It may be tempting to over price your
vehicle, but cars that are listed for too much over market often end up not selling as
people are typically interested in buying private to save a few bucks from a dealerships
rate
The Express Advantage: Let Express Car Sale streamline the process for you and avoid listing
your car all together! With Express, you can skip the hassle of listing the ad as we evaluate the
car, inspect it, and come up with a fair offer on your behalf! Let us take care of everything!
Meeting Potential Buyers
- Someone is interested in your vehicle? Make sure you meet them in a safe location.
That may be at your home, but if you aren’t comfortable with that, it could be at a pubic
space or even at a police station
-
If someone wants to go on a test drive, make sure you check their license and ensure
that they are aware that any damage that may occur on the test drives is their
responsibility
-
Make sure people don’t’ speed on a test drive and preferably give them directions to an
area you are aware of
-
Try and have a second person with you that can either come on the test drive or stay
with the potential buyers vehicle
The Express Advantage: As a licensed and insured business, Express Car Sale provides a safe
and secure environment for all meetings and test drives. Avoid meeting random people and
deal with people you can trust us to handle these interactions professionally!
Negotiating a Price
When negotiating the sale of your car, it's best to prioritize face-to-face interactions to
ensure genuine interest from potential buyers. Here's how to navigate the negotiation
process effectively:
- Opt for In-Person Negotiations:
Limit negotiations to in-person interactions whenever
possible. Buyers who take the time to view the car in person are typically more serious
and inclined to make a purchase.
- Complete a Bill of Sale:
Once both parties agree on a price, it's essential to formalize the
agreement by filling out a bill of sale. As the registered owner of the vehicle, ensure that
all required information is accurately filled out to create a legally binding contract.
- Avoid Blank Buyer Information:
Some buyers may request leaving the buyer
information blank on the bill of sale to register the vehicle in someone else's name.
However, it's crucial to include all necessary details to safeguard yourself legally.
The Express Advantage: Express Car Sale ensures that all paperwork is completed accurately,
eliminating the risk of incomplete documentation and ensuring a smooth transaction process
for you. You also don’t have to worry about aggressive negotiators or people wasting your time.
We take pride in ensuring that the selling process is a smooth and hassle-free experience!
How to sell your car with no lien
Once you've confirmed that there are no outstanding liens on your vehicle with a Carfax report,
receiving payment becomes a more straightforward process. However, it's essential to proceed
with caution and consider the following:
- Avoid Accepting Checks:
Never accept a check as payment, as they are not guaranteed
funds and are often associated with scams.
- Exercise Caution with Bank Drafts:
Even if presented with a bank draft, it's safer not to
accept it unless you were present at the bank when it was issued. The most secure
method is to have the buyer transfer the funds directly to your account, especially if you
share the same bank.
- Be Mindful of Cash Transactions:
While accepting cash for smaller amounts may be
acceptable, it's crucial to exercise caution. Depositing large sums of cash, particularly
over $10,000, may raise suspicion, so it's advisable to avoid such transactions.
- Consider E-Transfers:
E-transfer is a secure payment method that you can accept with
confidence. However, ensure that the sender's account matches their identity by
confirming their email address with their name.
How to sell my car with a lien on it
- If you are aware that your car has money owing on it, then it is best practice, even
before listing your vehicle, to contact the bank or institution in which the lien is with to
find out what your payout amount is. If you do not know, a Carfax will reveal this
information.
- Once you know this information, and have found someone looking to purchase your
vehicle, the next step would be to go to the bank
- There are two options at this stage:
-
If you have the funds to payout the vehicle, you can write a draft to the bank for
the full payout amount. The purchaser would then pay you directly for the
purchase amount of the vehicle.
-
If you do not have the funds to pay off the vehicle yourself, then there are two options.
-
If the lien amount is less than what you are selling the car for, the
purchaser can make two drafts. One to the bank for the full amount of
the lien, with the remaining amount going to you personally
-
If the lien amount is greater than what you are selling the car for, the
purchaser would still make a bank draft to the bank, but you also would
make a draft, or transfer the money if you have an account with the
bank, to the loan In order to ensure the lien is fully paid off
-
Once you have completed this, make sure you ask the bank for proof of the loan
being closed. This may be given at the time at the branch, or it may be sent to
you by the bank a few weeks later. Nevertheless make sure you get as much
information from the bank as possible such as receipts and pay out forms.
The Express Advantage: At Express Car Sale, we understand that navigating the payment
process can be daunting. That's why we offer the Express Advantage, providing you with a
seamless and worry-free experience from start to finish.
When it comes to receiving payment for your vehicle, our team takes care of the entire payout
process on your behalf. With years of experience and established relationships with major
banks and institutions, we ensure that all transactions are handled efficiently and securely.
You can trust us to handle all aspects of the payment process, including liaising with banks to
confirm lien statuses, facilitating secure fund transfers, and ensuring that all necessary
paperwork is completed accurately. With the Express Advantage, you can rest assured that your
transaction will be handled with professionalism and expertise, allowing you to sell your car
with confidence and peace of mind.
After paying off the vehicle
- Make sure that you clear the vehicle out with all your belongings. If there are a second
set of tires or any extra parts that come with the vehicle, you can include them at this
time inside the vehicle
- Make sure to provide any second keys and manuals with the vehicle to the next owner
- DO NOT let the buyer of the vehicle take your license plate. Ensure that a buyer has
their own plate and insurance before taking the vehicle.
Tips to Stay Safe When Selling Your Car
Selling your car can be a rewarding experience, but it's essential to remain vigilant and avoid
potential scams. Here are some crucial tips to watch out for:
- Beware of Phishing Messages: Be cautious of messages requesting you to provide a
Carfax report or any other type of vehicle history report. These could be attempts to
gather personal information or scam you.
- Exercise Caution with Non-Local Inquiries: If you receive inquiries from individuals with
area codes outside of Canada or from distant cities, proceed with caution. Verify their
legitimacy by requesting a phone call instead of relying solely on text messages.
- Avoid Unseen Transactions: Be wary of buyers who attempt to purchase your vehicle
without inspecting it in person. Refrain from engaging with individuals who offer to send
a cheque for the full amount without seeing the car firsthand. Insist that potential
buyers view the vehicle in person before finalizing any transactions.
- Accompany Test Drives: Always accompany potential buyers on test drives to ensure
the safety of both parties. Never allow someone to test drive the vehicle alone, as this
could lead to potential risks or liabilities.
By staying alert and following these precautions, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to
scams or fraudulent activities when selling your car. At Express Car Sale, we prioritize your
safety and offer a secure platform for selling your vehicle with peace of mind.
Discover the Express Advantage!
Looking to sell your car and avoid all of these onerous steps? Look no further than Express Car Sale! Our team is dedicated to providing you with a seamless and stress-free selling experience
from start to finish. Here's how we can help:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Say goodbye to the hassle of listing your car and worrying
about its condition. With Express Car Sale, we conduct a thorough evaluation of your
vehicle, ensuring you receive a fair and accurate assessment.
- Safe and Convenient Transactions: No need to meet strangers in public places or worry
about negotiating prices. We handle all transactions securely and conveniently, right
from the comfort of your own home.
- Expert Guidance: Whether you're dealing with liens, paperwork, or negotiations, our
experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process. We've worked
with major banks and institutions, ensuring a smooth and efficient transaction.
- Peace of Mind: Avoid the pitfalls and scams often associated with private car sales. With
Express Car Sale, you can trust that your transaction is handled professionally and with
integrity, giving you peace of mind throughout the entire process.