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I'm in Los Angeles, and I've never sold a car before, so I'm a little unsure.
I have a 2003 Ford Mustang Coupe 2D in Fair condition. It has about 150k miles on it, and KBB valued it at $1.1k. It goes well, but some things aren't working, like one headlight, ABS light is on, CD.
I'm moving out of state and not looking to make money off this. Just basically want to get rid of it and be done with it.
Do I just put it up on CL for like $1k, or is there a quicker way? Would some dealership take it for less but quicker?
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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You could go to a "we tote the note" type used car lot and probably get a few hundred, but it makes more sense to call
one of the charities like kars4kids, and donate it. They will pick it up, and you can take a tax deduction. Craigslist will only be a source of time consuming frustration with low ballers and scammers.
It's worth noting that "tax brakes" only help if you make enough money..... if you're driving a $1k car, you probably don't make Anywhere near enough money, I know that even with a household income approaching 6-figgures we don't even come Close to hitting the standard deductions.
If the vehicle runs/drives, has clean paperwork and stands even the slimmest of chances at passing emissions, it's easily worth $1k. I've never really had issues with scammers or lowballers via craigslist, but I stick to a "I'll talk price only face to face with cash on the table" policy.... and given that you just want to be rid of the vehicle, who cares if someone tries to offer you less. It's not like we're talking a lot of money here (though, that's all perspective...)
$1K would move that car no problem. These days, finding a running $1K car is rare. Sure it has some issues, but someone will still buy it and fix it. Perfect car for a new driver.
I sold a non-drivable car for $1K on CL and had multiple calls. Car needed to be towed off, but it was still fairly easy.
If you just want it gone, there are a number of charities that will come out, and take it.
You'll get a small tax break ,but it really doesn't amount to much. But, they take the car, you don't have to worry about shady craigslist people, and they sell the car and help out some kids.
you will get the most for it on Craigslist, just have a fair price.
That's it.
Easy to sell if price is right.
Be sure to take cash paper money and meet in a public place with a friend during daylight hours.
Make sure to get a paper bill of sale with the buyers name and address. Do verify buyer by checking ID.
I sold a rusted beat up old car with a leaking gas tank off Craiglist. People will buy anything if the price is right.
Give it to charity and take the tax break, using the $1.1K figure or a higher figure if you can find another appraisal site,
That only helps you if you do a 1040 long form, itemizing deductions, and give a heck of a lot of items to charity. Otherwise, it doesn't count toward reducing your tax burden at all. OP can get the most out of selling a car from Craigslist. I have sold several vehicles and boats on Craigslist. I even sold a truck with a bad engine for $800. I told buyers there was something wrong with the engine, I offered no guarantees they could even drive it home, and I suggested whoever bought it tow it home rather than risk driving it. Despite this, it sold in just 3 HOURS
People endlessly complain about lowballers and scammers, but is it worth it to OP to get real money in his/her pocket? I'd rather have some bucks in my pocket than get nothing at all, so dealing with it is worth it in order to get money. I haven't had a lot of trouble with them anyway, and have actually had more hassle with lowballers when I sold higher priced cars.
I list vehicles at slightly under KBB, mentioned I would accept cash only, clear title in my name, any obvious defects, etc. When the person came over, I never budged on the price. They could take it or leave it, because there was always someone else willing to buy. But if you really want to sell you can negotiate if you want. Since your vehicle is inexpensive, you should get rid of it quickly if you go the CL route. Good luck!
Donate it to the Los Angeles Mission. No hassle, no risk and you get to do a good thing and take a tax write off.
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