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Category: Tips & Tricks

Where Can I Sell My Car For The Most Money? A Full Guide

by andrewin Green Light, Tips & TricksLeave a Comment on Where Can I Sell My Car For The Most Money? A Full Guide

Where Can I Sell My Car For The Most Money? A Full Guide

Table of Contents

If you’re wondering, “where can I sell my car for the most money?” You’re in the right place! Let’s explore three popular options: classified websites, private-party sales, and Carmigo.

Classified Websites

computer with craigslist, ebay, and autotrader tabs

Classified websites have transformed the way people buy and sell used goods, including cars. If you’re looking for a website where you can sell your car for the most money, you have plenty of options. With online platforms such as Craigslist, eBay Motors, and AutoTrader, you can reach a lot of potential buyers. And while they offer a ton of exposure, competition can be fierce and it can take time and effort to stand out in the crowd.

  • Broad Exposure

    – Many classified websites have a significant online presence, drawing in a diverse audience of car shoppers looking for used vehicles. Additionally, by listing your car on these popular platforms, you can increase your chances of finding someone willing to pay top dollar for your vehicle.

  • Detailed Listings

    – These marketplaces allow you to create comprehensive and visually appealing listings. You can provide detailed information about your car’s make, model, year, mileage, condition, and any notable features or modifications.

  • Price Flexibility

– Classified sites often give you the freedom to set your own asking price. This allows you to align it with your car’s value and market demand. Similarly, researching similar vehicles in your area can help you determine a price that attracts buyers and ensures you get the most for your car.

  • Prepared Sellers

    – Sellers who take the time to gather and present detailed information about their cars usually perform better. Additionally, accurate descriptions, maintenance records, and vehicle history reports can give potential buyers confidence. Correspondingly, this also increases the chances of receiving higher offers.

  • Responsive Sellers

    – Promptly responding to inquiries and potential buyers is crucial for success on classified websites. Above all, buyers appreciate sellers who are readily available to answer questions, provide additional information, and schedule test drives. Markedly, good communication makes a positive impression and builds trust.

  • Sellers with Competitive Pricing

    – Pricing your car competitively based on its condition, mileage, and market demand is essential for attracting serious buyers. For this purpose, research the average selling price for similar vehicles in your area and adjust your asking price accordingly. On one hand, overpricing your car may deter potential buyers. Similarly, underpricing could lead to missed opportunities for maximizing your earnings.

Private-Party Sales

people viewing cars in a parking lot at a car show

A private party sale could mean a higher price compared to trading it in or selling it to a dealership. By targeting individual buyers, you negotiate directly. Moreover, you can find someone who values your vehicle’s unique features. Using word-of-mouth, social media, and local communities will help you connect with interested buyers. However, a downside is that it requires more legwork in terms of advertising, haggling with potential buyers, and safe transactions.

  • Negotiation Power

    – Directly negotiating with potential buyers could work in your favor if you highlight the unique features, excellent condition, or any extras that your car may have. This justifies a higher asking price. Private buyers might also be more willing to pay a premium for a well-maintained vehicle that meets their specific needs.

  • Avoiding Trade-In Value

    – Trading in your car at a dealership often results in a lower price because they need to resell it for a profit. Private buyers, on the other hand, are generally looking for a good deal and are willing to pay more for a vehicle they believe is valuable. In short, by avoiding the trade-in process, you retain control over the selling price and might secure a better deal.

  • Targeted Advertising

    – A private sale means you can advertise your car through various channels. These include online platforms, social media, local community groups, or word-of-mouth. By tailoring your marketing efforts, you can reach interested buyers who are looking for a car like yours. Additionally, you increase your chances of finding someone willing to pay a premium for the right vehicle.

  • Sellers with Detailed Documentation

    – Organize all relevant documents such as maintenance records, service history, and the title to prove your car’s condition and ownership. Buyers like transparency. Above all, having a comprehensive record can instill confidence and justify a higher selling price.

  • Sellers effectively Advertising

    – Firstly, take high-quality photos that showcase your car’s exterior, interior, and any notable features. Secondly, craft a compelling description that highlights its unique selling points, such as low mileage, recent repairs, or added accessories. Advertise in places where potential buyers are likely to search, such as online classifieds or local enthusiast groups.

  • Honest and Transparent Sellers

    – Be upfront about your car’s condition, including any flaws or repairs needed. Being honest with potential buyers helps build trust and ensures that both parties are on the same page during negotiations. Transparency can result in smoother transactions and more satisfied buyers who may be willing to pay a premium for a well-described vehicle.

  • Prompt and Professional Sellers

    – Responding promptly to inquiries, arranging test drives, and addressing potential buyer concerns professionally can make a significant difference. Being proactive and providing excellent customer service can leave a positive impression. This can also increase the likelihood of a higher selling price.

Carmigo

carmigo marketplace on mobile phone

Carmigo is an online marketplace that makes the car-selling process easy and maximizes your earnings. This is the place to be if you’re looking for where you can sell your car for the most money. Unlike traditional classified websites, Carmigo focuses on connecting private sellers with pre-approved, verified dealerships, creating a safer and more efficient selling experience. Through their nationwide network of dealerships, Carmigo provides a targeted platform to showcase your vehicle’s value. With a streamlined listing process and access to expert advice, Carmigo can help you get top dollar for your car.

  • An Eager Marketplace
    – The Carmigo marketplace focuses on connecting private sellers with pre-approved, verified dealerships who are specifically interested in purchasing high-quality vehicles. This targeted approach ensures that your car is presented to a pool of potential buyers who are genuinely interested and willing to pay a premium for the right vehicle.
  • Expert Guidance
    – Using Carmigo gives you access to automotive enthusiasts and industry professionals who can offer valuable advice and guidance throughout the selling process. Whether it’s pricing your car competitively or optimizing your listing to highlight its unique features, the expert insights offered by Carmigo can help you position your car effectively and attract potential buyers willing to pay top dollar.
  • Simple Listing Process
    – Carmigo’s process is convenient and efficient for sellers. They offer a user-friendly interface that allows you to create detailed listings with comprehensive vehicle information and high-quality photos. This ensures that your car is presented in the best possible light, increasing its desirability and potential sale price.
  • Trust and Safety
    – You’re in safe hands. The platform verifies both sellers and buyers, creating a secure environment for transactions. This give buyers peace of mind, enabling them to feel comfortable making higher offers for your car. Additionally, Carmigo offers escrow services to protect both parties during the payment and transfer process.
  • Well-Maintained Cars

    – Sellers who take care of their vehicles and have a documented service history tend to perform better on Carmigo. Buyers on Carmigo value quality and are willing to pay more for cars that are in excellent condition.

  • Cars with Accurate and Transparent Descriptions

    – Providing accurate and detailed information about your car’s specifications, features, and condition is crucial. Sellers who are transparent in their listings tend to attract serious buyers who appreciate the honesty and are more likely to pay a premium.

  • Sellers with Competitive Pricing

    – While Carmigo helps sellers fetch top dollar for their cars, setting a competitive price is very important. Research the market and consider factors such as the vehicle’s age, mileage, condition, and market demand. This will help you determine a fair and attractive price that potential buyers will like.

  • Those who like taking it easy

    – Sellers who want to simply list and then sit back and watch the bids roll in are the ideal candidates for Carmigo. All things considered, this up-and-coming marketplace is the easiest option.

When it comes to selling your car for the most money, exploring multiple avenues is key. Classified websites offer extensive reach. Private parties allow for personalized negotiations. Carmigo offers a combination of safety, efficiency, and optimal returns. Consider your priorities, time constraints, and how much you want to get involved to determine your best option.

Try Carmigo for Free Today
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3 Easiest Ways to Sell a Car

by andrewin Easy, Green Light, Tips & Tricks, UncategorizedLeave a Comment on 3 Easiest Ways to Sell a Car

3 Easiest Ways to Sell a Car

Table of Contents

The easiest way to sell a car should include minimal effort, time, and can still get you a good deal. At some point, we all have to sell our car, but how do you find the time in the day? Not everyone has the time or skill-set to sell their car on their own. So, What is the easiest way for you to sell your car? Don’t worry, we can help you figure it out. 

Use a Classified Site

One of the easiest ways to sell a car is to use a classified site such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Autotrader. These sites allow you to create an ad for your car and reach a wide audience of potential buyers. They are also typically free or low cost to use. The process of listing your car on a classified site is relatively straightforward. You will need to create an appealing ad, take quality photos of your car, and respond promptly to inquiries from interested buyers. Once you get offers, you also need to arrange to meet up with them for a test drive, and if all goes well, you need any important paperwork on hand. Given that everything goes according to plan, it’s not a bad strategy, but selling privately can be scary. You’ve got to make sure you keep yourself and your car safe. 

  1. Large audience: Classified websites often have large audiences of potential buyers, which increases your chances of finding a buyer quickly.
  2. Free or Low-Cost Listings: Many classified websites offer free or low-cost listings, which can save you money.
  3. Control over the sales process: When selling on a classified website, you have control over the sales process, including setting the price and negotiating with potential buyers.
  1. Competition: With a large audience of sellers, there can be a lot of competition, making it harder to stand out and attract buyers.
  2. Scammers: Classified websites can attract scammers who may try to steal your personal information or scam you out of your money.
  3. Time-Consuming: Selling your car on a classified website can be a time-consuming process, including taking photos, creating a listing, and responding to inquiries from potential buyers.
Steps

Research

Before you start creating your listing, do some research on similar cars in your area to get an idea of what they are selling for. This will help you price your car competitively and increase your chances of selling it quickly.

Create a Listing

Once you've done your research, create a listing for your car on the classified website. Be sure to include all the important details, such as the year, make, model, mileage, and condition of the car, as well as any additional features or upgrades. Take clear photos of your car from multiple angles to help potential buyers get a good sense of its condition.

Be Responsive

When potential buyers contact you, respond quickly and professionally. Answer their questions and provide any additional information they may need to make a decision about whether or not to buy your car.

Negotiate

Be prepared to negotiate with potential buyers. They may make an offer lower than your asking price, and you should be willing to consider their offers and counter with a fair price.

Set Up a Test Drive

Once you've found a potential buyer who is interested in your car, set up a test drive. Meet in a public place and bring a friend or family member with you for safety.

Finalize the Sale

If the potential buyer decides to purchase your car, finalize the sale. Make sure you have all the necessary paperwork, such as the title and registration, and transfer ownership of the vehicle to the buyer.

Easy Meter Score:

Lineup of Cars at Dealership parking lot
Cars lined up in a parking lot at a dealership

Trade It In

Another easy option for selling your car is to trade it in at a dealership. This option is convenient because you can do it all in one place and avoid the hassle of selling the car on your own. The dealership will appraise your car and offer you a trade-in value towards the purchase of a new car. However, keep in mind that the trade-in value may be less than what you could get if you sold the car privately. We recommend researching a little bit about the value of your car or just hopping over to Kelley Blue Book first. Make sure you gather all the paperwork you need, like a title, registration, a driver’s license, and more. You could even call ahead and see if there are any additional documents needed, like proof of insurance, tax forms, pay stubs, and such. The dealership will be able to guide you through their process.

  1. Convenience: Trading in a car can be a convenient option, as you can sell your car and purchase a new one in one transaction at the dealership.
  2. Saves Time: Trading in a car can save you time compared to selling it privately, as you don’t have to advertise the car, deal with potential buyers, or complete the paperwork on your own.
  3. Potential Tax Savings: In some states, you may be able to save money on sales tax when trading in a car. This is because you only pay sales tax on the difference between the trade-in value and the price of the new car.
  4. Easy Financing: Trading in a car can also make financing your new car easier, as the dealership can apply the trade-in value to the down payment or purchase price of the new car
  1. Lower Trade-In Value: When trading in a car, you may receive a lower value than if you were to sell it privately. Dealerships need to make a profit on the sale, so they may offer you a lower value than you could get elsewhere.
  2. Limited Options: When trading in a car, you are limited to the options available at the dealership. If you’re looking for a specific make and model, you may not find it at the dealership where you plan to trade in your car.
  3. Less Control: When trading in a car, you have less control over the sales process. You may not be able to negotiate as much as you could in a private sale, and you may not have as much say in the financing or other aspects of the transaction.
  4. No Comparison Shopping: When trading in a car, you don’t have the option to shop around and compare offers from multiple dealerships, as you would when selling the car privately
Steps

Research Car's Value

Before heading to the dealership, research your car's value to get an idea of how much it's worth. You can use online tools like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to get an estimate of your car's value based on its make, model, and condition.

Clean & Prepare Your Car

To get the best possible value for your car, it's important to clean and prepare it before heading to the dealership. Wash the exterior, clean the interior, and remove any personal items from the car.

Gather Necessary Documents

When trading in your car, you'll need to bring certain documents with you, including your car's title, registration, and any service records.

Visit the Dealership

Once you're ready to trade in your car, visit the dealership. The dealer will inspect your car and make you an offer based on its condition and market value.

Negotiate the Trade-in Value

If the dealership offers you a trade-in value that's lower than you were expecting, don't be afraid to negotiate. Use your research on the car's value to justify your asking price.

Apply the Trade-in Value

If you accept the trade-in value, the dealership will apply it to the purchase of your new car. This means that you'll pay less for your new car, but you'll also have a lower trade-in value for your old car.

Complete the Paperwork

Once the trade-in value has been applied to the purchase of your new car, you'll need to complete the paperwork for the trade-in. This includes signing over the title and registration to the dealership.

Easy Meter Score:

Using the Carmigo app to sell a car on a mobile phone
Sell your car from your phone

Use Carmigo

Selling your car can be a time-consuming and stressful process, but Carmigo has streamlined the experience to make it as easy and stress-free as possible. In just a few minutes, you can list your car on Carmigo, and they handle all the details from start to finish. Using just a smartphone, you take a few photos for the virtual inspection. Then, Carmigo takes those photos along with additional information you provide and lists your vehicle on their marketplace.

Once your car is listed on Carmigo, potential buyers will start submitting offers. You can set an askingprice, which is the minimum amount you’re willing to accept for your car, and then sit back and watch the offers roll in. Finally, they also cover the transportation from your driveway to the buyers lot. One of the biggest advantages of selling on Carmigo is the ease and convenience of the process.

With just a few clicks on your smartphone, you can list your car and start receiving offers. You don’t have to deal with the hassle of negotiating with potential buyers or figuring out the paperwork on your own. Set the price you want and watch the offers roll in. Once your car sells for top-dollar, you simply wait for them to pick it up and then get paid. So easy.

  1. Easy Listing Process: The listing process on Carmigo is quick and straightforward. 
  2. Wide Audience: Carmigo has a wide audience of potential buyers, which can increase your chances of selling your car quickly.
  3. No Haggling: Carmigo’s pricing is transparent and fair, so there is no need to negotiate with potential buyers.
  4. Fast Payment: Carmigo pays quickly, so you don’t have to wait for a check to clear or deal with the hassle of processing payment.
  5. Free Transportation: Carmigo offers free transportation for your car, which means you don’t have to worry about transporting it to the buyer.
  1. Flat service fee of $350, but only if your car sells. This amount is taken out of the final amount you receive, so you don’t have to pay anything up-front. 
  2. Not ideal for older/classic car or vehicles with a lot of after-market customizations
Steps

Enter Details

Navigate to the Carmigo website and enter your VIN and additional vehicle information to begin.

Snaps Some Pics

After entering all the basic information, snap some pictures of your car on your phone. This whole process takes about 15 minutes.

Set Asking Price

Set your asking price and relax while Carmigo takes care of the rest. Offers will start coming in within the day, and there isn’t a fee unless it sells.

Get Multiple Offers

Receive a top-dollar offer on your used vehicle.

Relax

Wait for your car to be picked up and then get paid!

Easy Meter Score:

The easiest and quickest way to sell a car while still getting a great deal. It requires minimal time, effort, paperwork, and social interactions. If you have a used car that dealerships are looking for, Carmigo can get you offers from multiple buyers so you get the best price for the least amount of work. Everything can be done from your phone and Carmigo representatives are available to help you at any point in the process.

Try Carmigo for Free Today
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Should I Buy This Car? Always Check Recalls Before Buying A Used Car

by andrewin Green Light, Tips & TricksLeave a Comment on Should I Buy This Car? Always Check Recalls Before Buying A Used Car

Should I Buy This Car? Always Check Recalls Before Buying A Used Car

  • Wait, Don't Buy That Car Yet!
If you're wondering, "Should I buy this car," checking the model's recall history could help you decide if it's got a history of issues.

Find out which models have the most concerns before choosing your next used car.

Table of Contents

Should I buy this car?

Recalls are an important tool to keep car owners safe, but they can also serve as a great research tool for anyone purchasing a used car. 

Recalls can alert you to serious issues associated with your desired car before you purchase. Make an informed decision and always check recalls before buying a used car. If the owner had the issue fixed, you may be in the clear. Either way, it’s important to ask. 

Whats a recall?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a recall occurs when a manufacturer or the NHTSA determines that a vehicle or parts of the vehicle, like the equipment, car seat, or tires are failing to meet minimum safety standards.

When a recall is conducted, manufacturers of the vehicle can remedy the situation through repairs, replacements, refunds, and even repurchasing the entire vehicle. 

Should I buy this car that’s been recalled?

Automobiles have a lot of moving parts, and any number of these parts can malfunction or pose a risk of injury.

But that’s why manufacturers issue recalls, so they can fix those parts. Manufacturers want you to be safe because their reputation is on the line, if for no other reason.

So a recall could simply be a great way to begin a conversation about vehicle maintenance with the current owner of the car you’re interested in buying. 

According to Hot Cars, one of the biggest recalls in GM history was regarding corrosion on tailgate cables. Sometimes recalls can be for simple things like the recall on Honda cars for seatbelts. Other times they can be responses to horrific incidents like Toyota’s unintended acceleration problems or faulty ignition switches on Fords causing spontaneous combustion. 

Recalls are usually in response to reported issues by consumers. In the best cases, they are done before much damage is done, but sometimes they are in response to issues that spiral out of control. In 2014, GM recalled around 30 million vehicles in the wake of unfathomable consequences. 

It’s important to research your vehicle before purchasing. If you find out your manufacturer doesn’t have a great reputation, you might be better off looking elsewhere. Try to have a general idea of what vehicles are reliable and which ones aren’t.

What are the most reliable vehicles?

According to consumer reports analyzed by USA Today, the top ten most reliable automotive brands for 2023 are as follows:

  • Toyota
  • Lexus
  • BMW
  • Mazda
  • Honda
  • Audi
  • Subaru
  • Acura
  • Kia
  • Lincoln

Some car models that prove reliable include:

  • 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
  • 2023 Lexus GX
  • 2023 Mini Cooper
  • 2022 Toyota Prius
  • 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  • 2023 Lincoln Corsair
  • 2023 Toyota Corolla
  • 2023 Subaru Crosstrek
  • 2023 BMW 3 Series
  • 2022 Toyota Prius Prime

What are the least reliable vehicles?

In terms of cars on the market right now, there are several that you might want to look into first. Forbes lists 10 automakers with the most significant recall campaigns of 2022.

  • Ford initiated 67 recalls totaling 8,636,265 units
  • Volkswagen initiated 45 recalls totaling 1,040,885 units
  • Fiatt-Chrysler/Stellantis initiated 38 recalls totaling 3,041,431 units
  • Mercedes-Benz initiated 33 recalls totaling 969,993 units
  • General Motors initiated 32 recalls totaling 3,371,302 units
  • Kia initiated 24 recalls totaling 1,458,962 units
  • Hyundai initiated 22 recalls totaling 1,452,101 units
  • Tesla initiated 20 recalls totaling 3,769,581 units
  • BMW initiated 19 recalls totaling 1,000,455 units
  • Nissan initiated 15 recalls totaling 1,568,385 units

USA Today also lists a few car models in 2023 that aren’t the most reliable:

  • 2023 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE
  • 2022 Jeep Gladiator
  • 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2022 Chevrolet Bolt
  • 2022 Ford Explorer
  • 2022 Nissan Sentra
  • 2022 Lincoln Aviator
  • 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric

How to check for recalls?

The next time you’re wondering, “Should I buy this car?” take a moment to check the reacal history. If you’re wondering how to check for a recall, you’re on the right track. It’s easy to figure this information out, the first step is locating your 17-digit VIN. You can usually find this on the outside of your car on the bottom driver’s side windshield. Then use the NHTSA Safety Issues & Recalls tool to see if there are any open recalls on your vehicle. 

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Carmigo is the Easiest Way to Sell Your Car on the Internet

by andrewin Green Light, Tips & TricksLeave a Comment on Carmigo is the Easiest Way to Sell Your Car on the Internet

Carmigo is the Easiest Way to Sell Your Car on the Internet

  • Make it Easy
Obviously, we're going to say Carmigo is the easiest way to sell your car on the internet, but stick around, and we'll prove why.

List in minutes. Sell in a day. Make more money.

Table of Contents

What’s the Easiest Way to Sell My Car? 

You’re on the Carmigo website. Did you think we were going to say someone else? No. It’s Carmigo. 

Stick around, and we’ll tell you why. 

 

You can do it from anywhere.

Carmigo’s marketplace brings you multiple offers for your car, so you don’t have to drive from dealership to dealership comparing trade-in offers or, worse, get scammed in a private sale. 

Thanks to our virtual inspection technology, our entire process happens on your phone. You can list your car in less than 10 minutes, and we send it out to our entire network of buyers. 

The buyers love it because they don’t have to spend their whole day inspecting cars they don’t want. They can search for the specific cars they need for their lot and make an offer. 

Three Easy Steps

The listing process truly takes less than 10 minutes. All you have to do is snap some pics, answer a few questions, and set your minimum price. 

Our virtual inspection tool will guide you through the process of taking pictures of your car from 12 different angles using your phone’s camera. 

Then you’ll answer a short questionnaire about your vehicle’s features, history, and condition. 

Finally, set your minimum price. If you get an offer on the Carmigo marketplace that meets or beats the price, it sells automatically — no negotiating or haggling required. 

And then we’ll handle the rest. 

Watch the Offers Roll In

Once your listing goes live, buyers will have about one business day to make an offer on your car. Each new offer must be higher than the last, and we’ll send you a message each time a new offer comes in. 

This is where the Carmigo Marketplace shines. Because our marketplace listings expire after a day, there is daily activity. Buyers don’t want to miss out on a listing, so they check back regularly. 

And because the buyers can see their competitors’ offers, a sense of competition over a car can drive more offers. 

At the end of the day, if the highest offer meets or beats your price, the car sells. 

We Handle the Rest

As soon as the sale goes through, we’ll begin paying off your car loan (if you have one) and transfer the remaining balance to your account. 

Our title clerk will ensure the legal transfer of ownership from you (or the bank) to the new buyers. 

We’ll handle any additional paperwork, and we’ll even pick it up.

What Our $350 Fee Includes

For our part, Carmigo charged a $350 flat sell fee. We’ll take the $350 out of the sale proceeds if your car sells before transferring the rest to your bank account. And if your car doesn’t sell, you don’t pay. 

See for Yourself
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How to Take Care of Your Car this Winter — 6 Tips

by andrewin Green Light, Tips & TricksLeave a Comment on How to Take Care of Your Car this Winter — 6 Tips

How to Take Care of Your Car this Winter — 6 Tips

  • Be Prepared for the Cold
Cold weather can make driving a little trickier, but if you know how to take care of your car this winter, you’ll be in good shape.

Stay safe and keep your car in tip-top shape.

Table of Contents

Cold weather can make driving a little trickier, but if you know how to take care of your car this winter, you’ll be in good shape. 

how to take care of your car this winter, check your battery

1. Check Your Battery

Cold weather causes battery power to decrease, making it a little harder to start and run your car in the winter. Make sure to check your battery and replace one that’s less reliable before the temperatures drop too much. Before cranking your car, you should also turn off the heater, stereo, and other auxiliary gadgets. 

how to take care of your car this winter, check your coolant

2. Care for Your Cooling System

It seems like you wouldn’t need your car’s cooling system during the winter, but you do. And extreme cold can do a real number on it. Make sure to flush the system every two years and maintain a balanced coolant-to-water ratio (which keeps your engine from corroding or freezing).

how to take care of your car this winter, check your breaks

3. Brakes

Cold weather doesn’t so much harm your brakes as it does your braking. It’s harder to brake in cold weather, partially because the roads are often icy and partly because the colder temperatures make the brake pads harder. So it’s crucial those brake pads are in good working condition. 

how to take care of your car this winter, air your tires

4. Maintain Manufacturer Recommended Tire Pressure

When air gets hot, it expands. When it gets cold, it contracts. That means you need more air in your tires during the winter to maintain the same pressure. Too little air means extra wear and tear on your tires that can lead to blowouts. Check the inside of your driver-side door for the recommended tire pressure or the after-market manufacturer. 

5. Pack a Winter Safety Kit and Top Off Your Gas

This applies to most places in the US, but especially in northern states: winter weather increases the chances of being stranded in a vehicle. Before the weather begins its plunge toward zero, pack a winter emergency bag. This should include a blanket, gloves, an auxiliary battery/charger, a small snow shovel, water, an ice scraper, a flashlight, jumper cables, non-perishable snacks, a tire replacement kit, a first aid kit (which you should already have), and kitty litter. 

Also, keep your gas tank over halfway full and your EV batteries charged as much as possible. If you are stranded in your vehicle, having a full tank and a full battery will increase the time you can remain safe and comfortable while waiting for help to arrive or while working to resolve the problem yourself. 

how to take care of your car this winter, practice carseat safety

6. If You Have Kids in Car Seats

Car seats work best when the straps are snug against your child. Puffy jackets on top of extra winter layers can make a car seat less effective, exposing your child to more risk in the event of an accident. 

Christmas Story GIFfrom Christmas GIFs

To avoid this, remove large overlayers before buckling them in. They can still wear a light jacket over a few smaller layers in their car seat. And you can keep a blanket in the car that you can place over the seatbelt. 

Try Carmigo for Free Today
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2022 Black Friday Car Buying Guide

by andrewin Auto, Green Light, Tips & TricksLeave a Comment on 2022 Black Friday Car Buying Guide

2022 Black Friday Car Buying Guide

  • How to Buy a Car
If you need a new car, Black Friday is as good a weekend as any to buy one. Here's Carmigo's ultimate car buying guide.

Carmigo’s Insider Guide to Getting the Best Deal on a Car this Black Friday.

Table of Contents

Save Even More When You Buy (Or Sell) on Black Friday

If you need a new car, Black Friday is as good a weekend as any to buy one — other than the crowds. And this car buying guide will help you plan ahead to get the best deal. 

Most car dealerships run sales that often stack on top of the monthly promotions and holiday promotions offered by manufacturers. You may even be able to skip the down payment or lock in a lower interest rate. 

But if you don’t prepare before shopping, you may spend more even after all the discounts. 

What Is This Car Buying Guide? 

We’ll walk you through the steps of buying a car the way we would do it. And since most of us have worked in and around car dealerships for most of our careers, we have some inside knowledge. 

To assemble this car buying guide, we talked to the experts at Carmigo, summarized the current market conditions, and even sat down for a Q&A with our Inside Sales Representative. 

This Black Friday weekend, we’ll waive our $350 sell fee. That’s right, we’ll help you sell your car for free. 

Fall 2022 Market Report

the used car market is down, but still higher

This summer, car dealerships and private sellers sold cars for all-time record prices. It was almost impossible to buy an affordable car. But at the same time, it was easier than ever to sell a car and walk away with plenty of money. 

Every peak has a fall, and this fall, we’re seeing vehicle prices going down this fall. Private vehicle owners are more reluctant to part with the vehicles at lower prices, but dealerships are no longer having to charge more for waitlisted vehicles. 

So if you’re buying a car soon, this fall is as good a time as any, and since the used car market is so much slower than it was this summer, you may get an even better deal than usual if you buy used. Follow the steps in this car buying guide to make sure you get the most out of your purchase

Sell Now if You’re Selling

If you plan to buy a car in winter, it might be worth your while to try to sell your old one sooner. 

If current trends hold, used cars will continue to sell for lower prices for the remainder of the year before leveling out. 

Similarly, new cars are in higher supply and selling much closer to MSRP than this summer. So selling now could be the difference of a thousand bucks (but that’s just our best guess). 

Sell For Free Black Friday Weekend

Complete your vehicle profile on the Carmigo marketplace from November 24 until November 27, and we’ll waive Carmigo’s $350 sell fee when it sells. 

There is no commitment to sell or even list your car, but we’re only turning off the sell-fee Black Friday weekend, so go ahead and complete your profile just in case. All you have to do is take a few pictures, answer a few questions, and set a minimum price. 

Then, if you decide to sell it on the marketplace, we’ll waive the sell fee. 

Get started at Carmigo.io.

Buying A Car? Don’t Do It Until You’ve Done These Eight Things.

buying a car is tough, but these eight tips will help.

When you buy a car, you’ve got to make what feels like 100 decisions before you even get to the dealership. And then you’re so worried you’re not getting a good deal that you start making knee-jerk decisions.

Buying a car is overwhelming. But with a bit of pre-purchase prep, the process can be much easier (and cheaper).

1. Get Pre-Approved and Set a Budget Before Buying a Car

Starting with a budget is such an obvious step in buying a car that it often gets overlooked. Knowing what you can afford will determine the type of car you buy and the dealership or private seller you buy it from.

You can sit down with your bank statements and figure out what you can afford or apply for a pre-approved loan from your bank. Banks typically don’t want to lend out more than their customers can afford, so they’ll give you a ballpark estimate. 

Once you have a price range, you can better understand what makes and models you can afford and which dealerships will be the best fit. 

2. Start With Your Need / Not Your Want

Carmigo’s Inside Sales Representative, Dylan, says starting with your need will save a lot of hassle later on and probably save you money. 

“Ask yourself what you’re really going to use this car for. Are you traveling a bunch for work? Do you need a truck to pull a horse trailer? Are you driving a bunch of kids around?”

Don’t buy a brand new small car if you’re planning on having more children. Go for a minivan. 

Don’t buy an SUV or a truck if you’re commuting and already on a tight budget. 

Cars are typically long-term purchases. Plan your purchase with the next five years in mind. 

3. Research the Cars 

Now that you know your budget and body type, it’s time to narrow down the models, decide whether to buy new or used ones, and pencil in some expected prices. 

Most models are similar when sorted by body type. The Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra achieve a similar purpose. 

The same goes for makes. Toyotas have similar add-ons, pricing structures, and technology across models. Hondas are similar to Hondas, Fords are similar to Fords. 

So as you think more about what you need in a car, find the make, model, and body type combinations you like best. You may like how it feels to drive a CR-V but prefer a Toyota crossover’s technology and luxury upgrades. 

Since the CR-V and Rav4 are relatively equal in this example, price, availability, and dealership could become factors when buying a car.

4. Know the MSRP and the Market

Every new car has a sticker price (manufacturer-suggested retail price or MSRP), and every used car has a Kelley Blue Book Value, but that’s not always the whole story. 

A new Camry may retail at $25,845, but if there are supply issues, you can expect to pay more. However, if sales are slow, you may be able to get a new Camry for $23,000. 

Find out how much money cars are being listed for compared to how much they’re actually selling for. 

5. Research the Dealerships

All dealerships seem pretty similar on the surface, so it’s hard to know which to choose when buying a car. They’ll sell you a vehicle. They probably all have some used cars. They’re all trying to make some margin on the sale to pay the bills, and most of them have lots of experience processing all the paperwork and service issues. 

But it’s still a five-figure decision, so you want to ensure you buy a car from someone you trust. 

Here’s what Dylan says: “Find someone that you know isn’t going to pressure you to make a knee-jerk decision to buy a vehicle you don’t want or can’t afford.”

Search dealerships in your area that carry the models you’re interested in and have good reputations. Consider which ones have highly-rated service departments, especially if you’re buying a new car. 

6. Research Trims and Add-Ons Ahead of Time

Most sellers will try to get every dollar they can for extra investments they’ve made in the car. And they should. But don’t take their word for how much you should pay. 

Before you go to the dealership, you should know that each model has a variety of add-ons and features that can create $20,000+ differences in how much a car costs. 

For instance, an entry-level F150 is about $33,000, while the fully-maxed-out F150 Limited costs $5,000. Figure out where your needs fall within that range. 

And then there are added warranties, floor mats, and better wheels or tires. Most of those things can be purchased later. Make sure you know how much those things cost before buying a car. You’ll probably be overwhelmed with decisions and paperwork that day. You don’t want a stressful decision to be the difference of a few hundred extra dollars on your monthly payment. 

7. Read the Vehicle History Before Buying a Car

If you’re buying a car that’s been used before, it’s key to check the vehicle’s history report. Carfax is the most common vehicle history report brand. 

It will show you if the previous owners have maintained the vehicle over the years and note any wrecks or damage. 

8. Sell Your Old Car

The hardest part about buying a new car is selling your old one. You basically have three options, each with its pros and cons:

Private Sales can sometimes bring in a little bit more money but require the seller to do all the paperwork, handle negotiations with strangers, and advertise the sale. This often comes with fielding lots of calls from people who already know they will not buy your car. 

Dealerships Trade Ins are one of the easiest ways to sell your car. But (and this is a big but), dealership trade-ins often fetch the lowest price. 

Online car sales have taken off in recent years. Carmax and Carvana are two notable online buyers. The issue with each is that it’s one company making one off on your car based on that one company’s needs. 

Carmigo is a more decentralized online option for selling your car. With the Carmigo marketplace, you can list your car to a network of more than 100 buyers around the country. Carmigo listings typically get multiple offers in as little as one day.  

This Black Friday weekend, we’ll waive our $350 sell fee. That’s right, we’ll help you sell your car for free. 

How To Buy A Car: From An Industry Insider

how to buy a car Q&A

Carmigo’s Inside Sales Representative, Dylan, knows how to buy a car because he’s seen car sales from all sides. We asked him for the scoop, and here’s how he would shop:

Read the entire How to Sell Your Car Q&A here.

What questions should I be asked before I start shopping?

It’s easy to think about the cars we want, but to get the most value out of your purchase, start with the need:

  • Are you traveling for work? 
  • Do you need a truck to pull horse trailers? 
  • Are you driving kids to practice?

How important is the dealership?

You want to find a dealer that’s got a good reputation. When you’re spending this much money, it’s important to find someone you trust. You don’t want to go to a dealership you’re unsure about. And while most dealerships are great, it’s working with someone you trust will be less stressful. The less stress you have, the more clearly you can think. 

Does the individual salesperson make a difference in how to buy a car?

The salesperson is the go-between for you and the sales managers. Obviously, the sales managers are the ones that are setting prices. But your salesperson is going to be an important part of the process. So you want someone you know isn’t going to pressure you to make a knee-jerk decision to buy a vehicle you don’t want or can’t afford. 

What if I show up to a lot and the dealership doesn’t feel like the right fit?

Most salespeople know everybody at the other local dealerships. So there’s something that they may not have you can get at another lot.   They may say, “Hey, go see so-and-so across the street. They’ll take care of you.” Obviously, they want to make the sale. But if they can’t make the sale, they can refer you to someone that they know who will take care of you and help you find what you want.

Why does MSRP matter?

MSRP is the manufacturer suggested retail price. Because of the car market, most dealers are adding an addendum to that. So they’re not going off the MSRP and adding an additional cost. 

When it was hard to get inventory this summer, it cost more to transport parts and vehicles, so they were marking the price up to adjust to market prices at that time.

But take, for instance, trucks: The dealers might put some different wheels, tires, and lift kits on there. So having an addendum for that may be something other than a market adjustment. It may just be for those accessories they put on the vehicle. 

In a tight market, you might pay over MRSP. In a market with availability, you may pay under. Dealerships don’t have to make as much money on each sale if they’re selling 40 versus 10. 

How much does the dealership make?

Most reputable dealers are not there to make a ton of money off of you. They’re going to want to make a little bit of money, but the average is going to be around $1,500 to $2,000. They’re not there to make 10-15 thousand dollars like many people think. But they still have to pay for the vehicle.

Should I buy a used car directly from the owner?

A private party sale has some benefits. The main benefit is that you could get the vehicle a little cheaper just because a private party will not have the overhead a dealership has. 

But you take a lot of risk with a private party. They may not be truthful about the vehicle’s condition, mechanically or cosmetically. You may not be able to ask for a carfax history report — to see if they take the vehicle has been in a wreck. 

If you ask for a dealership, a dealership can provide that for you. 

And a dealership, once they get the car in, runs it through the service department, and they fix the issues that are wrong with the vehicle before they put it out on the lot to resell it.

Plus, there’s the aspect of titles. If you don’t buy and sell cars daily, you may not know how to handle titles and loan paperwork. When you go to a dealership, they’re taking care of all the paperwork for you versus a private party where you will have to call around and jump through hoops to get that title corrected.

And then you’re taking the risk of simply meeting a stranger, which can be stressful or even unsafe.

When you buy a car, what steps do you take?

  1. The first thing I do is figure out my need for the vehicle. Right now, my need for a car is to have something that gets good gas mileage since I’m traveling for work. So, My initial reaction would be to look at fuel-efficient vehicles. 
  2. I’ll do a little research on that to find out what specific makes or models I may want to look at.
  3. Then, I would research the dealership. If I know I want a Honda Accord, I will look for a Honda dealer. I’m going to read reviews. I’m going to look at their inventory. 
  4. Next, I’ll go by their lots just to see how they keep their vehicles looking. 
  5. Finally, once I figure out the vehicle and the dealership I want to use, I will go to the dealership to try to work a deal out with them.

If You’re Buying, You’re Probably Selling

The hardest part about buying a new car is selling your old one. 

Do you sell it yourself? Can you get a good trade-in offer at a dealership? Is it safe to sell it online?

Each option has its pros and cons:

Private Sales can sometimes bring in a little bit more money but require the seller to do all the paperwork, handle negotiations with strangers, and advertise the sale. This often comes with fielding lots of calls from people who already know they will not buy your car. 

Dealerships Trade Ins are one of the easiest ways to sell your car. But (and this is a big but), dealership trade-ins often fetch the lowest price. 

Online car sales have taken off in recent years. Carmax and Carvana are two notable online buyers. The issue with each is that it’s one company making one off on your car based on that one company’s needs. 

Carmigo is a more decentralized online option for selling your car. With the Carmigo marketplace, you can list your car to a network of more than 100 buyers around the country. Carmigo listings typically get multiple offers in as little as one day.  

The Easiest Way to Sell Your Car

If you’re thinking of selling privately or accepting a dealership’s trade-in offer, consider listing your car on the Carmigo marketplace first. There’s no obligation to sell unless the highest bid meets or beats your minimum price. 

You can complete a virtual inspection of your car in 15 minutes using the camera on your phone, and we’ll create a vehicle listing and distribute it with the inspection to our network. 

You can do it from anywhere, and we’ll handle the paperwork when it sells. Plus, we’ll pick it up. 

This Black Friday weekend, we’ll waive our $350 sell fee. That’s right, we’ll help you sell your car for free. 

Try Carmigo for Free Today
Back to Green Light

Buying a Car? Don’t Do It Until You’ve Done These Eight Things.

by andrewin Auto, Green Light, Tips & TricksLeave a Comment on Buying a Car? Don’t Do It Until You’ve Done These Eight Things.

Buying a Car? Don’t Do It Until You’ve Done These Eight Things.

  • How to Buy a Car
Buying a car is pretty overwhelming. But with a little pre-purchase prep, the process can be a whole lot easier (and cheaper).

Here are Carmigo’s eight essential steps before buying a car.

Table of Contents

Buying a car is pretty overwhelming. You’ve got to make what feels like 100 decisions before you even get to the dealership. And then you’re so worried you’re not getting a good deal that you start making knee-jerk decisions.

But with a little pre-purchase prep, buying a car can be a whole lot easier. 

1. Get Pre-Approved and Set a Budget Before Buying a Car

Starting with a budget is such an obvious step in buying a car that it often gets overlooked. Knowing what you can afford will determine the type of car you buy and the dealership or private seller you buy it from.

You can sit down with your bank statements and figure out what you can afford or apply for a pre-approved loan from your bank. Banks typically don’t want to lend out more than their customers can afford, so they’ll give you a ballpark estimate. 

Once you have a price range, you can better understand what makes and models you can afford and which dealerships will be the best fit. 

2. Start With Your Need / Not Your Want

Carmigo’s Inside Sales Representative, Dylan, says starting with your need will save a lot of hassle later on and probably save you money. 

“Ask yourself what you’re really going to use this car for. Are you traveling a bunch for work? Do you need a truck to pull a horse trailer? Are you driving a bunch of kids around?”

Don’t buy a brand new small car if you’re planning on having more children. Go for a minivan. 

Don’t buy an SUV or a truck if you’re commuting and already on a tight budget. 

Cars are typically long-term purchases, so choose the vehicle/body type with the next five years in mind (i.e., small truck, Crossover EV, minivan, etc.).

car marketplace icon3. Research the Cars 

Now that you know your budget and body type, it’s time to narrow down the models, decide whether to buy new or used ones and pencil in some expected prices. 

Most models are pretty similar when sorted by body type. The Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra achieve a similar purpose. 

The same goes for makes. Toyotas have similar add-ons, pricing structures, and technology across models. Hondas are similar to Hondas, Fords are similar to Fords. 

So as you think more about what you need in a car, find the make, model, and body type combinations you like best. Maybe you like how it feels to drive a CR-V but prefer the technology and luxury upgrades of a Toyota crossover. 

Since the CR-V and Rav4 are relatively equal in this example, price, availability, and dealership could become factors when buying a car.

4. Know the MSRP and the Market

Every new car has a sticker price (manufacturer-suggested retail price or MSRP), and every used car has a Kelley Blue Book Value, but that’s not always the whole story. 

A new Camry may retail at $25,845, but if there are supply issues, you can expect to pay more. However, if sales are slow, you may be able to get a new Camry for $23,000. 

Find out how much money cars are being listed for compared to how much they’re actually selling for. 

Carmax vs carmigo

5. Research the Dealerships

All dealerships seem pretty similar on the surface, so it’s hard to know which to choose when buying a car. They’ll sell you a vehicle. They probably all have some used cars. They’re all trying to make some margin on the sale to pay the bills, and most of them have lots of experience processing all the paperwork and service issues. 

But it’s still a five-figure decision, so you want to ensure you buy a car from someone you trust. 

Here’s what Dylan says: “Find someone that you know isn’t going to pressure you to make a knee-jerk decision to buy a vehicle you don’t want or can’t afford.”

Search dealerships in your area that carry the models you’re interested in and have good reputations. Consider which ones have highly-rated service departments, especially if you’re buying a car new. 

6. Research Trims and Add-Ons Ahead of Time

Most sellers will try to get every dollar they can for extra investments they’ve made in the car. And they should. But don’t take their word for how much you should pay. 

Before you go to the dealership, you should know that each model has a variety of add-ons and features that can create $20,000+ differences in how much a car costs. 

For instance, an entry-level F150 is about $33,000, while the fully-maxed-out F150 Limited costs $5,000. Figure out where your needs fall within that range. 

And then there are added warranties, floor mats, and better wheels or tires. Most of those things can be purchased later. Make sure you know how much those things cost before buying a car. You’ll probably be overwhelmed with decisions and paperwork that day. You don’t want a stressful decision to be the difference of a few hundred extra dollars on your monthly payment. 

7. Read the Vehicle History Before Buying a Car

If you’re buying a car that’s been used before, it’s key to check the vehicle’s history report. Carfax is the most common vehicle history report brand. 

It will show you if the previous owners have maintained the vehicle over the years and note any wrecks or damage. 

8. Sell Your Old Car

When you’re trying to figure out how to buy a car, you’re usually trying to figure out how to sell a car too. The hardest part about buying a new car is selling your old one.

Yes. You can absolutely sell your car to a dealership. In fact, it’s one of the easiest ways to sell your car. But (and this is a big but), dealership trade-ins often fetch the lowest price.

The extensive network of buyers with diverse vehicle needs on the Carmigo Marketplace means you can get multiple offers from buyers all over the country in as little as one business day.

So if you’re considering selling, think about listing your car on the Carmigo marketplace for a day before accepting a trade-in offer.

You can complete a virtual inspection of your car in 15 minutes using the camera on your phone, and we’ll create a vehicle listing and distribute it with the inspection to our network. 

You can do it from anywhere, and we’ll handle the paperwork when it sells. Plus, we’ll pick it up—all for a flat rate of $350, which comes from the final sale price. 

Start Getting Offers on Your Car Today

Try Carmigo for Free Today
Back to Green Light

How to Buy a Car: Carmigo’s Q&A With an Industry Insider

by andrewin Auto, Green Light, Tips & TricksLeave a Comment on How to Buy a Car: Carmigo’s Q&A With an Industry Insider

How to Buy a Car: Carmigo’s Q&A With an Industry Insider

  • How to Buy a Car
Carmigo's Inside Sales Representative knows how to buy a car because he's seen car sales from all sides. Here’s how an insider shops for cars.

Dylan Richey has seen car sales from all sides. Here’s how he shops for cars

Table of Contents

Carmigo’s Inside Sales Representative Dylan Richey has been in and around dealerships his whole career, so he’s seen the process from just about every angle process. 

We sat down with him this week to talk about how to buy a car as we head into this holiday season. 

learn how to buy a car like these hipsters

How to buy a car.

JB: What are the questions you need to be thinking about when shopping for a new car?

Dylan:  Well, really, you need to know what your need is for the car. 

  • Are you traveling for work? 
  • Do you need a truck to pull horse trailers or something like that? 

Then, I would say your budget would be the most important thing. Depending on your budget that’s also going to determine if you would want to buy a new or used car. 

How Important is the Dealership?

JB: And then how important is the dealership? Like, can you go to anyone? Are they about the same?

Dylan: So you want to find a dealer that’s got a good reputation. And you can do that by looking at Facebook and Google reviews. Or just word of mouth — asking around to friends and stuff. But you want to go to one that you can trust. You don’t want to go to a dealership you’re unsure about.

JB: Yeah, I mean it’s usually a five-figure decision, right? 

Dylan:  Well, for sure.

the individual sales person has some impact on how to buy a car

Does the individual salesperson make a difference in how to buy a car?

JB:  What about the individual salesperson when you get there? Do they have control over the sale or are they sort of a go-between?

Dylan: So the salesperson, they’re kind of the go-between with you and the sales managers. Which, obviously the sales managers are the ones that are setting prices. But your salesperson is going to be an important part of the process.  So you want someone you trust will take care of you.

Someone that you know isn’t going to pressure you to make a knee-jerk decision to buy a vehicle you don’t want or can’t afford. 

What if you show up to a lot and the dealership doesn’t feel like the right fit?

Dylan:  You may just mention something to the salesperson because sometimes the salesperson can kind of break the ice between you and the managers. But if it’s still not the right fit — if you have a feeling that it’s not right — I would suggest that you maybe look for a different dealership or do some more research to see if you know anyone that’s bought from that dealership and see how they felt about it.

Are most dealerships pretty willing to check with other dealerships to try and help you get the best deal?

Dylan: Yes. Most salespeople know everybody at the other local dealerships. So there’s something that they may not have you can get at another lot. 

They may say, “Hey go see so-and-so across the street, they’ll take care of you.” Obviously, they want to make the sale. But if they can’t make the sale they can refer you to someone that they know who will take care of you and help you find what you want.

what does MSRP have to do with how to buy a car

What about MSRP? Why is that a thing that we should know about? 

Dylan:  So the MSRP is the manufacturer-suggested retail price. So Toyota may recommend that the price should be twenty thousand dollars. Right now it’s kind of important. Because of the car market, most dealers are adding an addendum to that. So they’re not going off the MSRP. They’re adding an additional cost. It’s very important to look at that. To make sure you’re getting a good deal.

JB: I know this summer part of the reason that cars were above MSRP wasn’t necessarily because the dealership was trying to make more money but it was because it was costing $5,000 more to get the car to the lot. So is it important to not just know the number, but to know why the price you’re being offered is what it is?

Dylan: Yeah for sure it’s important to know that. When it was hard to get inventory or it costs more to transport the vehicle, whatever the reason was, they were marking it up to adjust to the market price at that time.

But take for instance trucks: The dealers might put some different wheels, tires, and lift kits on there. So having an addendum for that may not necessarily be a market adjustment. It may just be for those accessories they put on the vehicle. 

JB:  And so if you’re in a market where people aren’t buying as many cars, you might get a car under MSRP, Yeah.

Dylan:  They don’t have to make as much if they’re selling 40 versus 10.

How much does the dealership make?

JB:  A lot of folks are worried the dealers are making all kinds of money with a big markup. But to me, it kind of seems like there’s not a ton of margin.

Dylan: Most reputable dealers are not there to make a ton of money off of you. Obviously, they’re gonna want to make a little bit of money, but the average is gonna be around $1,500 to $2,000. They’re not there to make 10-15 thousand dollars like people think. But they still have to pay for the vehicle.

Dylan: And the way that the market is right now, they’re having to overpay for the vehicles on their lots. 

How to buy a car privately.

JB: So a lot of people are kind of nervous about going to the dealership. What are the benefits and risks of just buying a car privately?

Dylan: A private party sale has some benefits. The main benefit is that you could possibly get the vehicle a little cheaper just because a private party is not gonna have the overhead that a dealership has. 

But you take a lot of risk with a private party. They may not be truthful about the condition of the vehicle mechanically or cosmetically. You may not be able to ask for a carfax history report — see if they take the vehicle has been in a wreck. How can you verify that? If you ask for a dealership, a dealership can provide that for you. 

And then you’re taking the risk of just simply meeting a stranger. That can be unsafe. 

Plus then there’s the aspect of titles. If you don’t buy and sell cars every day, you may not know how to handle titles and loan paperwork and all that. When you go to a dealership, they’re taking care of all the paperwork for you versus a private party where you’re gonna have to call around and jump through hoops to try to get that title corrected or to even hope that you get the title.

JB:  I think one thing that kind of worries me about private is that these are people who probably wanted more money than what a dealer was willing to pay for it. And also maybe the dealership didn’t want it because it has issues. 

Dylan: People can go to the local parts stores and get them to turn a check engine light off. So, you don’t know. 

But a dealership, once they get the car in, they run them through the service department, and they fix the issues that are wrong with the vehicle before they put it out on the lot to resell it.

How to buy a car the expert way.

JB:  All right, so you’re buying a car. Walk us through — beginning to end. What do you do?

Dylan:  

  1. The first thing I do is figure out my need for the vehicle. Right now my need for a vehicle is to have something that gets good gas mileage since I’m traveling for work. So, My initial reaction would be to look at fuel-efficient vehicles. 
  2. I’ll do a little research on that to find out what specific makes or models I may want to look at.
  3. Then I would research the dealership. If I know that I want a Honda Accord. I’m gonna look for a Honda dealer. I’m gonna read reviews. I’m gonna look at their inventory. 
  4. Next, I’ll go by their lots just to see how they keep their vehicles looking. 
  5. Finally, once I figure out the vehicle and the dealership I want to use, I would go to the dealership to try to work a deal out with them.

JB: What about if I’m trying to decide between an Accord and a Camry? 

Dylan: If you want a new vehicle, you would have to go to a Toyota or Honda dealership, but if you’re looking at the used market, you can go to the used dealership. And most used dealerships are going to have tons of different makes and models that you can test drive. 

But a good suggestion, if you’re not sure, is to go to the used dealership test drive, a few — Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Lexus, whatever — and then decide. If you want to go with something newer, then you can go back to that new dealership. That way, you don’t have to travel so much and go in between so many dealerships.

JB: And I guess the dealerships that have more makes and models probably have some opinions based on what they sell and what they see come back to the service department.

Dylan: Right, most of them know of any common issues. So that’s good to ask about as well. You can learn a lot by doing that. 

JB:  All right. Well, thanks for sharing some expertise with us, man.

Dylan: Yeah, anytime

If You Buying, You’re Probably Selling

When you’re trying to figure out how to buy a car, you’re usually trying to figure out how to sell a car too. The hardest part about buying a new car is selling your old one. 

Yes. You can absolutely sell your car to a dealership. In fact, it’s one of the easiest ways to sell your car. But (and this is a big but), dealership trade-ins often fetch the lowest price. 

The large network of buyers with diverse vehicle needs on the Carmigo Marketplace means you can get multiple offers from buyers all over the country in as little as one business day.
 
So if you’re thinking about selling, think about listing your car on the Carmigo marketplace for a day before accepting a trade-in offer.
 
You can complete a virtual inspection of your car in 15 minutes using the camera on your phone, and we’ll create a vehicle listing and distribute it with the inspection to our network. 

You can do it from anywhere, and when it sells, we’ll handle the paperwork. Plus, we’ll pick it up. All for a flat rate of $350, which comes out of the final sale price. 

Start Getting Offers

Try Carmigo for Free Today
Back to Green Light

A Clean Car Sells for More

by andrewin Auto, Green Light, Tips & TricksLeave a Comment on A Clean Car Sells for More

A Clean Car Sells for More

  • Tips from Troyal's Garage
Carmigo’s in-house mechanic, Troyal, is here to help you keep your car’s value up by keeping it clean and protecting it from the elements.

Keep Your Car Clean to Keep Your Car’s Value Up

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Carmigo’s in-house mechanic, Troyal, is here to help you keep your car’s value up by keeping it clean and protecting it from the elements.

Keep Your Car Clean

First thing first, a clean car sells for more. 

People like what they buy to be clean. That’s just the way it is. 

But a clean car also shows a potential buyer that your car has been well cared for. 

People who regularly wash and vacuum their cars also have them regularly serviced. Car owners who fix cosmetic issues also tend to fix mechanical problems. A clean car isn’t necessarily a better working or more valuable car, but it’s an assumption buyers are often willing to make.

Dirt Damage

Mother nature can do some actual damage to your car over time, so keeping a clean car not only maintains the car’s value but also prevents the negative financial impact of nature-caused damage. 

Dirt, pollen, and sap buildup can damage your car’s paint. Paint is more than cosmetic. It also serves as an additional protective layer for the car’s structural and mechanical materials. 

Additionally, the buildup of organic material like leaves, pine straw, and sap can ruin the rubber seals around your windows, doors, and sunroof.

What If I Don’t Have a Garage?

You can protect your car from most elements without a garage. 

The first step is to begin cleaning your car regularly, whether that means you spend a little time sudsing it up yourself and enjoying the sunshine or take it for a rinse at your local car wash. 

If you’re serious about keeping your car clean and protected, you can purchase a car cover at most auto parts stores to protect your car.

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Why Maintaining Service Records Increases Your Car’s Value

by andrewin Auto, Green Light, Tips & TricksLeave a Comment on Why Maintaining Service Records Increases Your Car’s Value

Why Maintaining Service Records Increases Your Car’s Value

  • Tips from Troyal's Garage
Our resident mechanic has tips for keeping value in your used car. Service records could be worth thousands of dollars when it’s time to sell.

Taking notes could be worth thousands of dollars when it’s time to sell your car.

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What Are Service Records?

Your car’s service record is simply an accounting of the history of your vehicle. In industry terms, your car’s service record typically refers to the information that would show up on a report like the ones issued by Carfax. 

The Carfax report includes an accounting of previous owners, accidents, major damage, repairs, and regular maintenance. 

But service records could also refer to that mess of mechanic receipts in your glove box (though that probably isn’t the best way to maintain your car’s service record, but more on that later).

How Do Service Records Raise Vehicle Value? 

It’s as simple as showing potential buyers that your car has been well taken care of over its lifespan. 

Which would you rather buy, a 2016 Toyota Corolla with 100,000 miles on it and zero oil changes, or a 2016 Toyota Corolla with 100,000 miles on it and quarterly oil changes? 

Can I Add Personal Maintenance to the Service Records?

If you’ve had regular maintenance (oil changes, tire rotations, realignment, etc.) performed at your local dealership, your vehicle history report will show it. Potential buyers like to see the car they are purchasing is well taken care of. 

Think about it like your credit score, but for your car. It’s real, it matters, and you can certainly find out what it probably is. 

Maintenance at other mechanics or maintenance you perform yourself won’t show up on that report. So it’s important to be sure to bring your car to a dealership at regular intervals. 

You can upload your own service records to Carfax. But buyers tend to lend more weight to maintenance performed at dealerships than in your own garage. 

Similarly, you can hand over all the receipts in your glove compartment (but straighten them out and put them in a folder first 😉). But a folder of wrinkled paper receipts is less effective since most buyers will want to pull an official report anyway. 

Can I Access My Car Service Records? 

You certainly can. Some places charge and some places don’t, but there are plenty of options online for pulling your vehicle’s service records. Carfax is the industry leader for vehicle history reports (and they allow you to update your records), but it’ll cost at least $40 to get a report. 

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