We're downsizing our fleet of three vehicles and wondering what is the best way to unload a late model vehicle in excellent condition without having to give it away. It's a 2005 Audi A6 Quattro fully-loaded. I've tried Auto Trader but not a single inquiry. Should I try selling it on a delaer's lot on consignment? If so, which are the best dealers for that? Thanks.
It may be different there, but. . .I have sold several cars in the recent past.
Craigslist is only good for really bad beaters where you hope to get a few hundred, because that's all people want to pay.
Autotrader gets very few responses, and the people never show up after they call
Dealer consignments will work but cuts way into the profit
The website of a large local newspaper does seem to result in lots of local
calls and even sales but is more expensive than Autotrader.
My best luck was signs in the windows and leaving it in a high-traffic area.
Just make sure there is nothing posted there like "No cars for sale, violators towed."
+2 on the sign in the window. I've found that to just be stupid easy. It never hurts to stick the thing on Craigslist since it's free. I've been able to move some motorcycles at pretty high prices there, but that was before the economy really tanked. If you decide to go with Craiglist I would post it in Phoenix. I'm guessing that you'll have better luck with that.
I haven't had any success with the Trader since the early 2000s.
The bottom line though, is that selling a used car in Tucson often ends with you walking away feeling upset about the deal. Maybe you should try trading it for something irresponsible like a boat.
I absolutely disagree that Craig's List is only for beaters. Compare the recent listings in Tucson with the listings in the paper. I have sold two late model cars on Craig's List (a BMW convert and a Chrysler T&C) and got good prices for them. I have also purchased two cars from Craig's List. The most recent is a really clean Jeep Rubicon. I went up to Phoenix and had a choice of three that were exactly what I wanted. The seller got a lot more than he could have gotten from the dealer, I paid a lot less than the dealers were asking, and saved a bundle on the sales tax.
A sign in the window may work -- never tried it -- but your market is limited. People who are looking for it can't find it. I personally would never make the call without more information that is available from a sign.
My only experience in selling a car is craigslist, I listed my Dad's Prius, $500.00 over 'good' condition bluebook. sold in two days, had 15 or 20 phone calls on it.
Carmax will quote you a purchase price based on condition of vehicle and the auction prices for them in the area.