Corwin Honda Kalispell’s Guide to Selling Your Car in Montana
Selling your car can seem pretty overwhelming, especially with all the things to think about. You might be wondering how to get a fair price, how to stay safe while meeting potential buyers, and how to manage all the paperwork. But don’t worry, this guide will help. Here are the steps to selling a car in the state of Montana.
1. Know your car’s value.
First things first: you need to know what your car is worth. It’s important to have a realistic expectation about your car’s value before you start. Online tools like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and NADA Guides are fantastic resources for this. Just enter your car’s make, model, year, and condition, and you’ll get a ballpark figure of what it’s worth.
2. Gather the necessary paperwork.
Montana has specific legal requirements when it comes to selling a car, including:
Ownership and Registration: You can only sell a vehicle in Montana if it's titled and registered in your name. This means you must be listed as the owner on the Montana Certificate of Title.
Title Transfer: Both the buyer and seller must sign the title in front of a notary public to transfer ownership legally. An exception exists for companies signing off on a Montana title; in that case, a notary isn't required.
Bill of Sale: Montana requires a Bill of Sale (form MV24) for private party vehicle sales. This document serves as a record of the sale and needs to be filled out by both the seller and buyer. It should include details like:
Year, make, and model of the vehicle
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Odometer reading
Sale price
Printed names and addresses of both seller and buyer
Signatures from both parties with a notary present (except for companies)
Disclosure: As the seller, you have a responsibility to disclose any known mechanical issues with the car. It's also a good idea to provide the buyer with a vehicle history report if you have one.
Release of Lien: If you have a lien on the title because of a loan, you'll need a Release of Security Interest form (form MV37A) from your lender before selling the car. Once the loan is paid off, they’ll give you this document, which lets you transfer ownership with a clear title. Visit the Montana Motor Vehicle Division’s website for more information.
3. Get your car ready.
Before you list your car, it’s important to make it look as appealing as possible. A clean, well-maintained car is much more attractive to buyers. Start with a thorough cleaning inside and out. A detailed wash, wax, and interior vacuum can make a big difference.
Next, take care of any necessary repairs and maintenance. Fix minor issues like replacing burnt-out lights, topping off fluids, or repairing small dents to increase your car’s value. Gather all relevant documents, including service records and any warranties. These will reassure buyers that the car has been well cared for.
4. Set the right price.
If you want to sell your car quickly, you’ll have to set an attractive price. Start by checking the local market. Look at listings for similar cars in your area to see what they’re going for. Consider factors like mileage, condition, and any extra features your car might have.
It’s important to be realistic about your car’s value. Pricing it too high can scare off buyers, while pricing it too low might make them suspicious about its condition. A fair price, based on thorough research, will attract serious buyers and help you sell your car faster.
5. Advertise your car.
Once your car is ready and you’ve set a price, it’s time to get the word out. You can list your car on several platforms, including online marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, local classifieds, and even at dealerships.
When creating your ad, write a detailed description of your car. Highlight its best features, like low mileage, recent maintenance, and any upgrades or extras. Be honest about its condition to build trust with potential buyers. High-quality photos are essential; take clear, well-lit pictures of the exterior, interior, and any special features.
6. Handle inquiries and test drives.
Once your ad is live, you’ll start getting inquiries from potential buyers. It’s important to screen these to make sure they’re serious. Ask about their interest and if they’ve researched similar cars.
Be sure to keep yourself safe at all times during test drives. Meet buyers in a public place and consider bringing a friend. Check their driver’s license and make sure your insurance covers test drives. Be ready to answer questions about the car’s history, performance, and any issues it might have had.
7. Be prepared to negotiate.
Negotiating can be one of the trickiest parts of selling your car. Buyers will often try to haggle to get a better deal, so it’s important to be prepared. Know your bottom line – the lowest price you’re willing to accept – and be ready to counteroffer if necessary.
When negotiating, stay calm and polite. Highlight the positives of your car and the research you’ve done to set a fair price. Be willing to compromise, but don’t feel pressured to accept a lowball offer. Remember, it’s okay to walk away if the buyer isn’t willing to meet your price.
8. Finalize the sale.
Once you’ve agreed on a price, it’s time to finalize the sale. Complete the bill of sale with all the necessary information, and make sure it’s notarized. Both you and the buyer should keep a copy for your records.
Ensure the title is properly signed and notarized, transferring ownership to the new buyer. It’s important to handle payment securely. Accepting cash or a cashier’s check is usually the safest option. If you’re dealing with a personal check, wait for it to clear before handing over the keys.
What To Do After the Sale
After the sale, there are a few final steps. Report the sale to the Montana Department of Justice Motor Vehicle Division to make sure the car is no longer registered in your name, protecting you from future liability.
Then, cancel your insurance policy for the sold car to save money and avoid confusion. Finally, remove all personal information from the car, like your home address in the GPS or any documents in the glove box.
Why Sell Your Car to a Dealership
Selling your car can be a hassle, but one way to simplify the process is by selling it to a dealership. Here are some reasons why you should consider selling your car to a dealer in Montana:
Convenience
Selling to a dealership is usually much easier than selling privately. Dealerships take care of most of the paperwork, saving you time and effort. You won’t need to worry about advertising your car, taking photos, or meeting with lots of potential buyers.
Speed
If you need to sell your car quickly, a dealership can be the fastest option. You can often get an offer and complete the sale in a single day, whereas selling privately can take weeks or even months.
Guaranteed Sale
With a dealership, you’re almost guaranteed a sale as long as your car is in decent condition. Private buyers can be unpredictable and might back out at the last minute, but dealerships buy and sell cars regularly, so they’re more likely to follow through.
Trade-In Options
Many dealerships offer trade-in options, allowing you to use the value of your old car as a down payment on a new one. This can simplify the process even further if you’re planning to buy another vehicle.
Professional Evaluation
Dealerships provide a professional evaluation of your car’s value. They have experience and access to the latest market data, which can result in a fair and accurate appraisal.
Less Stress
Dealing with multiple inquiries, negotiating prices, and handling test drives can be overwhelming. Selling to a dealership eliminates these stressors, making the process smoother and more straightforward.
Safe Transaction
When you sell to a dealership, you avoid the risks associated with meeting strangers and handling large sums of cash. Dealerships provide a safe, secure environment for transactions.
Related article: Are Used Car Dealerships Reliable?
Sell Your Vehicle at Corwin Honda Kalispell.
If you’re looking for car dealerships in Kalispell, MT to sell your vehicle, consider selling it at Corwin Honda Kalispell. We will buy your car even if you don’t buy from us. Call or visit us to get an instant cash offer on your used car today.
We serve customers in Butte, Bozeman, Great Fall, Helena, Havre, Cut Bank, Libby, Ronan, Polson, Flathead County, Lake County, Mineral County, Lincoln County, Glacier Park, Idaho, Spokane, and the Greater Spokane Area.