You’ll probably get a better price by selling your vehicle directly to a private buyer instead of trading it in at a dealership, but it might take a few weeks instead of just one appointment. Here are some practical tips from our technical team to help speed up the process.
Get Your Car Ready to Sell
Schedule a full mechanical inspection.
This step helps you catch and fix minor issues — like worn brake discs or an oil leak — that could hurt your chances during negotiation. If everything checks out, an inspection report reassures potential buyers about the vehicle’s condition and can even help justify your asking price.
Gather all necessary documents.
Have your vehicle registration and ownership certificate ready to prove you’re the rightful owner (and to process the official transfer once sold). Other helpful documents include:
- Maintenance records showing you’ve taken good care of the vehicle and what parts have been repaired or replaced.
- A vehicle history report (like CARFAX®) outlining any accidents, damage, or unresolved recalls.
- The original bill of sale, confirming the included features and purchase price — helpful when explaining your asking price.
Thoroughly clean your car.
A spotless vehicle makes a great first impression (and looks better in photos!), increasing its perceived value. Start by washing the body, rims, windows, and rubber mats. Vacuum the entire interior and wipe down all surfaces with wet wipes or a microfibre cloth. For luxury models or stubborn stains, use our professional detailing services to showcase your ride at its best.
List Your Car for Sale
Set a realistic and attractive asking price.
The number one factor in selling anything fast is a fair price. People often overestimate their car’s value because of emotional attachment or how much they’ve invested. Use objective data and comparisons instead.
Check online listings for similar vehicles in terms of model, year, and mileage to find a fair market value. If you want a quick sale, consider listing it 5–10% below the average market price — enough to stand out without giving it away.
You can also save time by using CarFax’s “What’s My Car Worth?” tool or CAA-Quebec’s pricing guide (members only) to get a suggested price range.
Take great photos.
Your listing is competing with hundreds of others online. Attract attention with high-quality images — even a smartphone can do the trick with these tips:
- Park in a clean, neutral location like in front of a brick wall or on the edge of a parking lot.
- Take photos during the golden hour — sunrise or sunset — for that soft, dramatic lighting.
- Use your camera’s grid feature to keep everything level and frame the whole car.
Shoot the exterior from multiple angles — front, three-quarters, both sides, and rear — plus the dashboard and driver’s seat. Add close-ups of special features like fancy rims, the infotainment system, and under the hood. Aim for 12–20 photos to meet buyer expectations.
Write a strong, clear ad.
Good photos get the click, but your description needs to close the deal.
Start with a short, direct title: include the year, make, model, and one or two selling points. Example: 2020 Toyota RAV-4 — Low km, One Owner.
In the detailed description, list the exact mileage, transmission type, completed repairs, replaced parts, maintenance history (including yearly rustproofing), and desirable features or accessories like paint protection film or a trailer hitch. If the car is fuel-efficient, mention the average consumption.
Use plain language and bullet points to make the listing easy to read and build buyer trust by answering their likely questions upfront.
Seal the Deal Quickly
Reply quickly to messages.
Strike while the iron is hot — respond fast to keep potential buyers engaged. Chances are, they’re messaging multiple sellers at once, so don’t be the one who replies last.
Negotiate to close the deal.
Know in advance how low you’re willing to go. If you’re in a rush to sell, it might be worth accepting a lower but serious offer now instead of waiting weeks for someone to maybe pay a few hundred more.
Stay calm and use your supporting documents — like your inspection report or market comparisons — to defend your price. If the buyer is on the fence, you could sweeten the deal with extras like a full tank of gas or a set of winter tires.
Protect yourself with a sales contract and deposit.
While you wait for the official transfer at the SAAQ, consider signing a simple sales agreement (like this free template from Protégez-Vous magazine) and ask for a non-refundable deposit to reduce the risk of the buyer backing out. Don’t feel bad about setting these conditions — it shows you’re serious, professional, and well-prepared.
Short on time for a deep clean?
Let our car detailing experts handle it — find a VitroPlus location near you.