Sell My Car

Why Sell Your Car to a Dealership?

Imagine you're ready to part with your old vehicle. You probably have your next ride all picked out and just need to scrape together a down payment to finance the switch, but if you need to sell your current car, it could still be a long while before you're behind the wheel of that new dream car. First, you have to do your research, scouring the internet for similar vehicles for sale in an effort to determine what's a fair market value. Price it too high, and you'll be sitting on it for some time to come. Price it too low, and you're leaving money on the table. There are a number of factors the average driver might not even consider when it comes to pricing their used vehicle, including local stock, possible manufacturer recalls, insurance rates, and the like. Sites like Kelley Blue Book can help, but they can only provide a blanket estimate rather than a quote tailored to your specific vehicle and situation.

Once you've settled on a price, it's time to list your car online or pay for a local print ad. These listing fees might not break the bank, but they do represent an investment that might never actually bear any fruit. Online ads might seem like an easy alternative, but they can almost be too easy: with no upfront costs, these sites are usually awash in ads from both private sellers and dealerships. This can result in your listing getting drowned out, especially since savvy sellers know all the search engine optimization tricks to ensure their listings always appear at the top of search results.

Now comes the fun part: trading endless messages back-and-forth with every manner of time waster, lookie-loo, and tire kicker known to man. You might get lucky and end up selling it to the first person to respond, but all too often, the process devolves into endless correspondence that never goes anywhere. Even if you do find a promising buyer, there's the matter of setting up a time to meet and then, of course, the inevitable haggling. If standing in your driveway or a public parking lot and seeing your profits slowly dwindle as you engage in an increasingly contentious conversation with a stranger sounds like a good time, be our guest, but it's a process unlikely to end in satisfaction. Figuring out payment is another issue with private sales, and while mobile payment platforms have made things easier, we'd all prefer to see some cold, hard cash. Once the sale is complete, there are all the administrative chores to take care of: signing over the title, reporting the sale to the DMV, and getting your insurance policy squared away. The process might not be impossible, but it's far from the easiest way to make a quick buck.

Some drivers might have time, patience, and savings accounts to go through the gauntlet of private vehicle sales, but for the rest of us, dealerships offer a quick, convenient alternative. Don't get us wrong: there are some cases where a private sale might make more sense, like when selling a classic or specialty vehicle, but in the vast majority of cases, the streamlined dealer experience is a quick and easy way to turn your old vehicle into cash ASAP.

The major advantage of selling to a dealer comes down to speed. Once you list your car for sale privately, don't be surprised if it takes weeks before you get a serious offer. And even once you have a buyer lined up, it can be days before the process is finally over. In contrast, the entire sale can be wrapped up in as little as an hour or less when working with the team here at Ralph Honda. This might not be a huge factor for car collectors or those who have another daily driver in the garage, but for those trying to finance the purchase of a new vehicle by selling their old one, the wait can be prohibitive.

Selling directly to a dealership also means less paperwork to deal with. From reporting the sale to the DMV to gathering titles, bills of sale, and other important documents, we are well-versed in all the administrative work that goes into a successful sale. Working with our team of trained sales professionals isn't only a great way to save time, but it can also save you some serious money by shielding you from the liability that can result from botched paperwork. There's also the trust factor: as established businesses with a vested interest in maintaining their reputation, there's a lot less to worry about when working with a dealership. You can be confident that the check will clear, and you'll save yourself from having to count out crumpled bills on the hood of your car while the buyer looks over your shoulder.

Lastly, there's a significant tax benefit for those selling their used vehicle to a dealership as part of a trade-in for a new car. Here in New York, drivers can deduct the trade-in value of their old car from the price of their new vehicle before calculating the sales tax owed. That can make a huge difference in some cases and is a great way to save some serious money.

Trade-In Your Car for a New or Used Vehicle

Speaking of trading your car in, many drivers choose to go this route when they sell their car instead of just pocketing the cash and using it for something else. Chances are, you'll still need a car to get you to work and everywhere else you need to go during the day, so utilizing the trade-in process at a dealership is a great way to get the car you really want. If your car is getting older and outdated, especially when it comes to technology, comfort, and style, trading it in for a newer model will allow you to afford a brand-new car with all the features you want. You'll get money to put towards it so that your monthly payments will be more manageable, and you won't have to spend months saving up extra money to make a new car a reality for you.

The best part about partnering with Ralph Honda is our amazing inventory, packed with new and used vehicles so that you're able to choose the car, truck, or SUV that works perfectly for your lifestyle. Whether it's a new Honda vehicle or a capable and stylish used car from another fantastic brand, we have it all on our lot. We carry plenty of options from top automakers in the industry, like Toyota, Chrysler, and more, allowing you to focus on what you need in your vehicle, locating the model that checks all the boxes on your wishlist. Utilizing the money you're able to get for your current car, you'll have more options when it comes to shopping for a car that's better suited to your needs.

Many cars, especially those with high reliability ratings, are fetching ultra-high trade-in values right now, which means there's no better time than now to consider trading in your vehicle. Maximize the amount you're able to get for your car by choosing to trade it in, and you'll get to enjoy better options. If you're currently working on your credit, trading in your car allows you to increase your chances of getting approved for an auto loan with better rates, as opposed to walking into the dealership empty-handed. There are many benefits to trading in your current vehicle, which makes this a popular way to shop for a car here at Ralph Honda.

Is Selling a Car Hard?

Many drivers wonder how difficult it is to sell a car these days, thinking that maybe it's not worth the hassle. In all actuality, selling a car isn't difficult at all if you choose to work with a dealership. As we mentioned earlier, it can be a challenge to sell your car on your own, with all of the time, energy, and risk associated with going about this process without any help. Not only do you risk not getting a fair amount for the vehicle, but you also have to prepare to market the vehicle, find potential buyers, and complete the sale by yourself. If you choose to sell your car to a dealership, this responsibility passes to the sales team, and they take it from there.

There are some best practices that you'll want to orchestrate so that you're able to get the most money for your car, which we'll outline soon. Keep in mind that everyone's situation is unique, meaning that some drivers will fetch a higher price for their vehicle if it is in better condition, and others may be offered better interest rates if their credit is top-of-the-line. You may not be able to do much about the miles you've put on your vehicle, but what you can do is make sure you're prepared when you go into the dealership to sell your car.

What Do You Need to Do to Sell Your Car?

There are a few things drivers can do in advance to make for a quick and easy sale to a dealership. These steps aren't much different from the process one would follow when trying to sell a used car through a private sale, though they differ in some important ways.

Gathering the relevant paperwork is the most important part of a speedy sale. This is more than just a matter of courtesy; it's the law. While requirements vary by state, here in New York, every vehicle sale needs to include a signed title and a bill of sale. The title is essentially your vehicle's certificate of ownership and the single most important document for any vehicle sale. Signing over the title to a new owner makes the sale official and, as such, should be the last step in the process.

If you're still making payments on the vehicle, then the bank actually holds the title, and you'll need to contact the lending institution that the auto loan was completed through. This can make things tricky for a private sale since few buyers will be willing to pay for a car on the promise that you will send them the title later. However, it isn't an issue when selling to a dealership. Simply bring your loan information to us, and we will handle the whole process for you in a matter of minutes.

The bill of sale is another important document to get in order before selling a vehicle. These aren't required by every state but serve as a handy record of ownership that might come in useful down the road. A New York bill of sale includes a number of important pieces of information such as vehicle description, sale price, delivery date, and signatures of both the buyer and seller. While you can find the necessary forms on the New York DMV website, when you sell your car to Ralph Honda, we will give you a completed bill of sale that only needs your signature.

The next few documents are optional but encouraged. They're unlikely to be a make-or-break factor in a sale but can sometimes go a long way in ensuring you walk away with a great price for your used vehicle. These include service and maintenance records, the owner's manual, and perhaps most importantly, any relevant warranty documents. If your vehicle is still under warranty, it can have a dramatic effect on the sale price, so this is one document you don't want to forget at home.

If all this paperwork seems overwhelming, that's understandable, but the nice thing about selling to a dealership is that it's all very low stakes. A sale is never going to fall through because you forgot some relevant document at home, and our staff can be helpful in answering any questions or concerns you might have along the way.

After you've rounded up the necessary documents, there are a few final steps you can take to prepare for the sale. Give the vehicle a good, deep cleaning, removing any personal items you may have stashed in the glovebox or lost underneath the seat before parting ways. You don't need to go nuts––most dealerships are going to detail the vehicle before it goes on sale anyway––but removing that top layer of grime can go a long way in bumping up the vehicle's curb appeal. A similar logic applies to repairs: a dealership service center is going to be able to complete any repair work at a cost, so don't eat into your profits too much by making sure the thing is purring like a kitten before you take it in. If you're feeling overcautious, feel free to take the vehicle to an independent third-party mechanic before the sale to get a clean bill of health or prepare yourself for any nasty surprises.

On newer vehicles, make sure to take the time to clear any sensitive personal information from your vehicle's infotainment system, including GPS addresses, stored payment information, and contacts. Also, make sure to cancel any subscription services you might be paying for, such as HondaLink or SiriusXM satellite radio.

Get a Fair Value for Your Vehicle

You'll always get a fair deal on your used vehicle at Ralph Honda. We're here to make the process as easy, quick, and convenient as possible so you can get the cash you deserve and begin the search for your next vehicle. Drivers across the Rochester area have come to trust Ralph Honda as their one-stop shop for the whole car-buying process, from trading in old cars to buying new vehicles and every service or maintenance visit down the road. Our website features a handy trade-in value calculator that takes all the guesswork out of valuing your used vehicle. Powered by TradePending, this tool allows you to simply enter some relevant information on your vehicle, and within 10 seconds, our two-step process will give you a solid idea of its value.

Once that step is complete, simply come into our dealership for an appraisal. We'll assess the vehicle inside and out, ensuring there aren't any surprises lurking that could interfere with the sale. After this step is complete, we'll make an offer on the vehicle, which you can accept or negotiate with a sales representative. We're always eager to work with our customers to find a deal that leaves both buyer and seller feeling satisfied.

Do you still owe money on your vehicle? No problem. We can easily work out a deal where we'll purchase the vehicle, pay off the loan and give you the difference.

About Ralph Honda

Ralph Honda is the place to sell your car, and through our outstanding team, impressive lot, and warm and welcoming facility, you'll quickly realize that you made the right choice in teaming up with us. We are one of the Rochester area's leading dealers and have been helping our local community find the right vehicles for their lifestyle for over 50 years. Our staff consists of experienced and dedicated professionals leading you through the sales, finance, and service experience with ease so that you have the confidence you need in knowing that you're working with the best in the industry.

We sell a wide array of vehicles, focusing on the legendary Honda brand. From sedans and SUVs to trucks, vans, and more, you'll find many new and used Honda vehicles on our vast lot. We're also proud to offer a number of other used models to appeal to many different types of drivers. Plus, our inventory is unmatched in variety, allowing Rochester drivers to find a used vehicle that is held to a higher standard, with low mileage and incredible support. No matter what your budget or your driving needs require, rest assured that we have something in our arsenal that will appeal to you and your unique journey.

It's easy to shop with us, whether you're interested in shopping on our remarkable lot or you'd rather complete the process from the comfort of home. With our online shopping program, we make it easy to find the car you've always wanted without having to take the time to come to our dealership and complete the process. Browse through our options, customize your payment, trade in your vehicle, chat with our professionals, and more, all on your time. Taking time out of your busy schedule can lead to unwanted stress, especially when it's time to buy a new car, and this program is just another way Ralph Honda is revolutionizing the car shopping process.

The incredible experience you get to have with us doesn't end there. Once you drive away in the car of your dreams, we work with you throughout the life of the vehicle to ensure that it's maintained by experts. Our superior Honda service center is equipped to handle all of your vehicle's needs with a team of top-rated techs to make sure you're riding in a safe and comfortable vehicle. From start to finish, working with Ralph Honda will instill a sense of confidence in the process. There's no doubt about it; choosing to work with Ralph Honda will allow you to make the most out of your vehicle experience, whether you're trading in, selling your vehicle, or servicing it.

It's Time to Sell Your Car!