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How to Sell a Car Privately in California

Tiny car with coins and finance paperwork

 

The used car market is sizzling hot right now in California, with prices and demand much higher than in years past. If you’re ready to upgrade to a new Kia and want to sell or trade in your current vehicle, you may have wondered if it’s better to sell a car privately or to a dealership like Hello Kia of Valencia in Valencia. It’s much easier to sell to a dealership because we take the hassle out of it by handling the details for you. Still, if you want to know how to sell a car privately in California, follow the steps below, and contact us if we can be of service.

 

Get Your Paperwork Together

Before selling your vehicle, ensure your paperwork is in order. Selling a car privately in California has more steps than in many other states. You’ll need to have the following documents on hand:

  • Your current vehicle title
  • The buyer’s signature
  • The seller’s signature, and the lienholder, if applicable

If you don’t have your title, head to the DMV to get one. You will need to fill out an Application for Duplicate or Transfer of Title (REG 227). If you see any errors in the title, use form Reg 101 Statement of Error or Erasure to resolve the issue.

Go Through Emissions and Get Proof of Passing the Smog Test

Santa Clarita drivers need a valid smog certification to transfer title. Visit a STAR station, which handles the smog certification standards in California. The smog certification is only valid for 90 days. Good news! If you drive an electric vehicle, your car is less than eight years old or is a classic vehicle (older than 1975), you’re exempt from the smog requirement.

Get an Approximate Value of Your Vehicle

The next step when selling a car privately in California is to research the current value of your vehicle. Hello Kia of Valencia makes this easy with our convenient online trade-in valuation tool. Just enter your vehicle’s basic info, such as the year, make, and model, and some information about the vehicle’s condition, and you’ll instantly get an estimated value of your car. You can also use other online trade-in value tools such as Edmunds True Market Value® or Kelley Blue Book® Value.

Post Your Car For Sale

Now that you have your paperwork, went through smog testing and set a price range, it’s time to post your listing for your car. Be sure it’s clean, and then take quality interior and exterior photos. Popular websites for listing your car for sale include Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and AutoTrader.

Show Your Car to Potential Buyers

Potential buyers will want to arrange a time to see your vehicle and take it for a test drive. Make sure you take a photo of their driver’s license and proof of insurance before allowing them to drive around Valencia in your car.

Fill Out Paperwork with the New Owner

Once you agree on a price and have a buyer, collect payment and complete the necessary paperwork with them to make it official. You must fill out form REG 262, the Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment from the DMV. If you have a loan on the vehicle, you will need proof of release from the lienholder.

Remove the License Plates

Don’t forget to remove your license plates from your car as the new owner will need to get new ones. This will protect you from unauthorized usage.

Submit All of Your Paperwork to the DMV

Submit the transfer documents to the DMV, including the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability within five days of the sale. Both you and the buyer must submit documents and pay any required fees to make it official. Also, don’t forget to cancel your auto insurance.

Trade-In Your Car to Hello Kia of Valencia Today

Now that you understand how to sell a car privately in California, you might feel a little overwhelmed with the process. There is an easy solution. Sell your car to us at Hello Kia of Valencia instead! We serve the entire San Fernando area and take all the hassle out of selling your car. What’s more, we off a variety of car buying tips to ensure you get a great price on your next vehicle, no matter if you’re buying or leasing!

 

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