Determine the outstanding balance on your car loan and assess the current value of your vehicle. If the loan balance is less than the vehicle’s value, the bank will be paid off first, and you’ll receive the car title. You can then keep the remaining funds or use them as a down payment for another vehicle. Selling to a dealer streamlines the process as they handle all paperwork.
However, if you owe more than the car’s value, you’ll need to cover the difference when selling. Selling to a private party entails additional steps.
To sell a financed car, start by understanding your remaining loan balance. Car loans often extend for up to 72 months, but even with shorter terms like 36 months, you might decide to sell before paying off the loan. Here’s how to navigate selling a car while still making loan payments.
Evaluate Your Equity
To initiate the sale of your car, start by assessing your loan situation. Determine whether you owe more than the car’s current value. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s termed as having “negative equity” or being “upside down” on the loan. In such cases, you’ll need to cover the shortfall when closing the loan by selling the car.
Basic financial logic suggests it’s preferable to sell a vehicle with positive equity, where its market worth exceeds the loan balance.
- To ascertain a fair selling price, our affiliated platform, taking into account factors like mileage, condition, and location.
- Contact your lender to obtain a 10-day payoff letter, specifying the amount required to settle the remaining loan balance.
- Compare these figures to determine your equity status, aiding your decision-making process regarding the sale.
Keep in mind, regardless of your equity status, the bank receives precedence in payment. Explore options such as trading in or selling to a dealership for a streamlined process.
Consider Trading the Car
If you find yourself in a situation where you owe more on your car loan than the vehicle is worth, trading it in for another car at a dealership might seem like an option. However, it’s essential to understand that the negative equity from your current vehicle will typically be rolled into the new financing agreement. While this approach allows you to get rid of your current car, it often leads to further negative equity with your new vehicle, making it less financially advantageous in the long run.
Selling a Car to a Dealer
Each circumstance varies. For instance, some sellers might be downsizing and not seeking another vehicle. Other situations, such as relocating overseas or to an area with robust public transportation, may prompt the desire to unload your car.
Regardless of the motive behind the sale, selling a financed car without fully paying it off typically entails certain concessions. As with any financial decision, carefully evaluate your alternatives and select the one that aligns best with your individual requirements.
While a dealer’s offer may not match the potential earnings from a private sale, opting for the latter entails a more intricate and time-consuming process (further details on this below).
Consider an Instant Cash Offer
Consider utilizing our Instant Cash Offer tool when you’re considering selling your car. Simply input the VIN and relevant criteria to evaluate the car’s condition, and within minutes, receive offers from participating dealers.
Just as you compare options when purchasing a vehicle, it’s prudent to do the same when selling a car with outstanding payments. Reach out to several dealers to gauge their interest and respective offers. Offers may vary based on the demand for your specific make and model.
Selling your car to a dealer typically offers a smoother and quicker process compared to selling privately. Dealerships often manage the transaction and paperwork, leveraging their expertise in liaising with lenders for loan closures and the DMV for title transfers.
In cases where you have positive equity, the dealer may delay issuing your payout until the transfer process concludes.
Upon settling the balance, your lender will release the title. If you owe more than the car’s value, the dealer will need to bridge the gap between their purchase offer and the amount specified in your 10-day payoff letter.
Selling a Car To a Private Buyer
When opting for a private sale of your vehicle, it’s essential to adhere to the various approaches available. Regardless of your chosen method, ensure you initially familiarize yourself with the legal requisites stipulated by your state’s DMV and gather all requisite documentation. Consider reaching out to your lender to inquire whether they offer assistance for private sales at their local branch. They might have established protocols to facilitate a smoother process for both you and the buyer.
Once again, if you find yourself in a situation where you owe more than the car’s value and are selling it at a fair price, you remain liable for the outstanding balance. The lender will retain the title until the loan is fully settled.
How to Transfer the Car Title
Once the initial loan balance is cleared, the title transfer process can commence. If you opt to sell to a dealer, the title will typically be directly sent to them. In the case of a private sale, the lender may dispatch the title to you, placing the responsibility on you to ensure its delivery to the new owner. For a detailed guide on how to navigate the transfer of car title and ownership, refer to our comprehensive resource.
Keep in mind that title transfer fees vary from state to state. Explore our article on Autotrader’s Private Seller Exchange to gain insights into how this marketplace service facilitates the secure exchange of money and title.