Overhaulin'

Selling a used car on Ebay or online and need some tips?

I am probably going to sell my 1998 Toyota 4runner on Ebay and wanted to know if I can actually get the vehicle certified myself to enhance the value as it is in such good condition. Is there a company that will do that and give you some form of rating on the car in a certificate? Also is it a good idea to purchase a CARFAX report on the backround of the car to show the Title is clean and accident free? I figured since the car is so clean and mechanically perfect that something like this would help me get higher bids. Any suggestions is much appreciated.

Public Comments

1. Only a Toyota dealer can certify a pre-owned vehicle, and a 1998 is to old to qualify for any certification. It would be a good idea however to get a car fax report to show to prospective buyers. This will make them feel more at ease and confident about spending the extra money for your ride. Also, get the car professionally detailed. A clean car goes a long way. Do not get the engined cleaned though. If you do it might look like your trying to cover up possible leaks. Good Luck!
2. First of all, with the turmoil going on at eBay (FEEbay) right now, you may want to look for other options for selling your vehicle! Many long time eBay sellers are upset at the new fees and rules, and are refusing to list (or buy) anymore. If you do list the vehicle on eBay, you can offer the buyers the chance to have the car checked prior to bidding, but there is no real way to certify the vehicle. If you do have some sort of paper from a shop saying that the vehicle has no problems, expect that the buyer will be filing a claim and wanting you to pay for anything that goes wrong with the car for at least a few months! You would be much better off advertising your truck on Autotrader.com, or in the local paper.
3. I think eBay is way too expensive. Try selling your car on free sites like: http://www.craigslist.org http://www.sellmyride.us http://www.usfreeads.net Sites like those should do fine for you! Good luck!