• Adventure
  • Auto
  • Culture
  • Entertainment
  • Home & Garden
  • Money
  • Science
  • Tech
  • Video
  • Shows
  • Blogs
  • Quizzes
  • Games
  • Random Article
  • Auto Basics
  • Auto Parts & Systems
  • Auto Racing
  • Buying & Selling
  • Car Models
  • Driving & Safety
  • Fuel Efficiency
  • Motorcycles
  • Trucks
  • Under the Hood
  • Home > 
  • Auto > 
  • Buying & Selling

by Allison Klein

Print
Cite This!
Close 
Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks article:

Klein, Allison.  "How Selling a Car Works"  28 October 2003.  HowStuffWorks.com. <http://auto.howstuffworks.com/buying-selling/car-selling.htm>  11 February 2012.
Cite
Feedback

Be Your Own Mechanic

Car Maintenance Videos
Car Maintenance Videos
Inside this Article
  1. Introduction to How Selling a Car Works
  2. Pricing Your Car
  3. Clean it Up
  1. Getting the Word Out
  2. Making the Sale
  3. Avoiding Scams and Post-sale Problems
  4. See more »
    1. Lots More Information
    2. See all Buying & Selling articles

Lots More Information

Related HowStuffWorks Articles

  • How Buying a Car Works
  • How Car Financing Works
  • How Buying a House Works
  • How Pawnshops Work
  • How E-commerce Works
  • How Kelley Blue Book Work
  • Lemon Laws Explained
  • How VINs Work

More Great Links

  • ConsumerGuide.com
  • Edmunds
  • Invoice Dealers
  • Kelley Blue Book
  • National Automotive Dealers Association
Previous Page

More Great Links

Top 10 Green Driving Tips
Top 10 Green Driving Tips
5 Scariest Stunt Car Feats
5 Scariest Stunt Car Feats
The Ultimate CarStuff Fan Quiz
The Ultimate CarStuff Fan Quiz
5 Warning Signs You Need New Tires
5 Warning Signs You Need New Tires
10 Most Expensive Classic Cars
10 Most Expensive Classic Cars
Watch American Chopper videos >>

You Might Also Like

5 Things You Didn't Know About Automotive Testing

Automotive testing is much more than merely smashing a car into a wall at high speed. In fact, there are aspects of automotive testing that you might find surprising, quirky or even downright bizarre.

Are you an ignition expert?

Automobile ignition systems rely on perfect timing. A simple spark, when delivered at precisely the right moment, can mean the difference between a smooth running and powerful engine that operates cleanly and an engine that runs rough, lacks power and produces unnecessary emissions. How much do you know about automobile ignition systems?

Popular Articles

  • 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351
  • How Automotive Fine-Tuning Works
  • 1940 Cadillac Custom Convertible
Inside this Article
  1. Introduction to How Selling a Car Works
  2. Pricing Your Car
  3. Clean it Up
  4. Getting the Word Out
  1. Making the Sale
  2. Avoiding Scams and Post-sale Problems
  3. Lots More Information
  4. See all Buying & Selling articles
Previous Page

Top Videos

FPO
  • Car Maintenance Videos
  • Destroyed In Seconds Videos
  • Wrecks to Riches Videos
  • Muscle Car Videos

HowStuffWorks Games

FPO
  • Word Bubbles
  • Bike Build Game
  • Lost in Migration
  • Cannon Challenge
  • Speed Match

Related Content

Prices: Consumer Reports: Cars

  • Consumer Reports New Car Buying Guide 2003-04
    Consumer Reports New Car Buying Guide 2003-04

    The Facts You Need Before You ChooseGet the right vehicle at the best price with this up-to-date guide to buying and leasing. Find out which vehicles are rated highest and are the most reliable. Read expert reviews on all major 2003 and early-2004 models.* Top picks in 8 categories* Which cars are safer?* 5 steps for getting a great deal* The best time to buy* Internet guide to auto information* Best and worst in owner satisfaction* Crash-test results and safety featuresThe 2003-2004 edition of the New Car Buying Guide is thoroughly revised and updated, with the latest information from the automotive experts at Consumer Reports.216 cars, wagons, SUVs, minivans & trucks

    $49.90

  • Kelly Blue Bk Used Car Guide Jan-March 2009: Consumer Edition (Kelley Blue Book Used Car Guide Consumer Edition)
    Kelly Blue Bk Used Car Guide Jan-March 2009: Consumer Edition (Kelley Blue Book Used Car Guide Consumer Edition)

    Published twice a year, the Kelley Blue Book Used Car Guide includes current trade-in values, private party values and suggested retail values on over 100,000 models of used cars, trucks and vans. Covering 15 model years, the book includes VIN numbers, original list price, easy-to-use equipment schedules with values for optional equipment and a table of acceptable mileage ranges by year. This comprehensive guide also offers helpful advice on the often daunting task of buying a used vehicle.

    $26.89

  • Kelley Blue Book Used Car Guide: Private Party, Trade-In, Retail Values, 1987-2001 Used Car and Truck, July-December 2002
    Kelley Blue Book Used Car Guide: Private Party, Trade-In, Retail Values, 1987-2001 Used Car and Truck, July-December 2002

    Everyone has heard of the “blue book” value of a car, but until 1993, the Kelley Blue Book Used Car Guide was available only to auto dealers and financial institutions. With roughly 15 million used cars changing hands each year, average consumers now have at their fingertips guidance on what price to ask for a vehicle and what to pay for one. The Consumer Edition of the guide covers 10,000 models of cars, trucks, and vans, contains vehicle identification numbers and original list prices, includes a new section of tips for buying a used car as well as trade-in, private-party, and retail values for vehicles in good condition. Also included are easy-to-use equipment schedules with values for optional equipment and a table of acceptable mileage ranges by year. “The definitive pricing source for used cars.” — Motor Trend

    $292.16

HOWSTUFFWORKS
  • Adventure
  • Auto
  • Culture
  • Entertainment
  • Health
  • Home & Garden
  • Lifestyle
  • Money
  • Science
  • Tech
MORE STUFF
  • Blogs
  • Games
  • HSW Tools
  • RSS
  • Maps
  • Podcasts
  • Quizzes
  • Newsletters
  • Video
OUR WEBSITES
  • Animal Planet
  • Consumer Guide Auto
  • Consumer Guide Products
  • Discovery Channel
  • Discovery Fit & Health
  • HSW Brazil
  • HSW China HowStuffWorks China
  • Investigation Discovery
  • Oprah Winfrey Network
  • Planet Green
  • Science Channel
  • TLC
  • Discovery Education
  • Store
CUSTOMER SERVICE
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Help
CORPORATE
  • About Us
  • Careers @ Discovery
  • Privacy Policy
  • Visitor Agreement
TAKE US WITH YOU
FOLLOW US
© 1998-2012 HowStuffWorks, Inc