The market for used cars is still energetic as the new car selection remains somewhat limited in places. If you’re looking to sell your car, you might be anticipating a stressful experience. Along with getting all your paperwork in order and making your car look good, you also have to decide where to sell your car. Let’s take a look at some options.

Private Parties

Selling your car via a private party is generally the most traditional and common method of selling your car. However, it might not always be the best choice. To sell your car to a private party, you will need to post an ad for your car on one or more of the many automotive buy/sell sites available. Depending on the options you choose, these ads might be free, or they might cost a certain amount. You can also put a sign in your car window in hopes that someone will see it and call.

When you do get private party interest, you’ll need to facilitate a test drive and conduct the transaction yourself. Some buy/sell sites have methods to do the transaction through them, but otherwise, you’ll have to set up a meeting to get cash from the buyer. Selling to a private party is usually the best way to get top dollar for your car; however, it can come with some headaches and safety issues if you’re not careful.

Instant Cash Offer Sites

This is a relatively new way to sell a car that combines elements of the private party sale with selling to a dealership. Similar to selling to a dealership, an instant cash offer site will do most of the heavy lifting. You’ll need to provide some information about your car, such as the make, model, odometer reading, and whatever else they require. Based on that information, the site will make you a cash offer that you can accept or apply to the purchase of another car. The cash offer is usually also contingent on a mechanic’s inspection. In this case, you’ll likely have to take your car to the mechanic of the buyer’s choice.

We Buy Cars

Dealerships that advertise “we buy cars” are also a good choice for selling your car. Selling to a dealership makes the entire process of selling your car much simpler. Title transfers can often be done in-house, and most dealerships also have service shops that can check your car out right there. When it comes to payment, you’ll get paid quickly and securely without the risk of meeting an unknown buyer or doing a money transfer. If you’re planning to buy another car at the same time, selling to a dealership can also immediately put you in the right position to get a new car and put cash down on it.

With used car prices at record levels, now is a great time to sell your used car. Make sure to choose carefully where you sell it in order to get the best price with the least amount of hassle.