Mr. and Mrs. Schweizer change their car on average after 6 years or when the mileage is between 62'000 and 100'000 kilometers. It has also been shown that with a higher speedometer reading you can no longer make as much money, then you can also drive the car to the end. In any case, it is worthwhile taking good care of the car and offering a fit, functioning car for sale. We answer the questions you should ask yourself when selling privately:
What is the condition of my car?
To sell, your car should be in perfect technical condition. You can get the technical condition certified in your garage or at TCS. Small blemishes such as scratches in the paint, which would only lower the price unnecessarily, can also be repaired right away in your garage. Do you have comprehensive insurance? Then it should be covered. In addition, the last service should not have been too long ago and as a seller, you are obliged to mention it should the car have an accident damage.
How and where would I like to sell my car?
There are many ways to sell your car yourself. In Switzerland, there are various online platforms that make it easy to post an ad, or even a classic attack in the supermarket can work. Another or additional option would be a notice with all the most important key data that you can stick to your car window. This allows passers-by to see that your car is for sale while it's on the street anyway.
How much should I charge for my car?
Similar used cars, which are also comparable in terms of engine, year of construction, mileage and equipment, are a good clue.
autoSense customers can determine the value of their vehicle even more easily and more accurately: Together with auto-i-dat AG, we calculate the Vehicle value, based on currently available vehicle information. The basis of the evaluation is the brand, the model, the year of construction of your vehicle and the actual mileage. In addition, the new value of additional equipment can be specified.
What must be included in the ad?
Apart from the make, model and year of manufacture, the equipment of the car should be specified as precisely as possible. Make sure to list the advantages, e.g. well maintained, a few kilometers, extensive equipment, special rims, non-smoking vehicle, no pet owner, etc.
As already mentioned, defects must also be reported, especially if the car was involved in an accident. For most buyers, the last MFK is also decisive, so you should definitely specify the date for this. If you were in service shortly before the sale, then also state that, for example, the brakes were replaced.
The more pictures put your car in a good light, the higher the chances are that potential buyers will get in touch with you. A clean car looks great, a well-kept interior is a plus. Make sure that the lighting conditions are good and that the photos have a good resolution. You can also take detailed pictures of the interior, as well as high-quality equipment details and mileage. If the car has defects, they should also be photographed. This is honest and creates trust with the buyer.
How can the sale proceed?
You've found a buyer, now it's time for administration. With TCS, you can have a personalized contract created for your vehicle free of charge.
The contract will list all important vehicle data such as the chassis number, mileage, etc. in the purchase contract. However, so that there are no legal disputes later on, it is also crucial that you, as the seller, list all known defects of the vehicle. A correctly kept service book is an additional plus for the successful sale of your car.
Only hand over your vehicle and the corresponding documents when you have received the full purchase price, so you can be sure that there is no fraud. You should not accept promissory notes or installment payments.
The following documents should be handed over to the new owner when selling:
- Sales contract signed by both parties
- vehicle registration document
- Service booklet, maintenance and repair invoices
- Pictures and reports in case of accidental damage
- keys or code cards for the vehicle
- instruction manual
If the car is still redeemed, cancel your vehicle registration document after signing the contract and send it to the buyer. With this document, the buyer can redeem the car at the road traffic office. With the new license plates, he then picks up the car. In some cantons, if the buyer already has proof of insurance, they can pick up the car with their license plates, provided that they have a new vehicle registration document issued by the road traffic office on the same day. It gets more complicated when a sale is made across cantonal borders. But you should contact the relevant road traffic office for more information.
You must also report your sale or possible new purchase to your car insurance company. If you tend to drive less but own a car to stay flexible and mobile, then take a look at our partner service simpego FlexDrive or Zurich MyWay in the app. With innovative pay-per-kilometer insurance, you only pay for insurance for what you drive.
And don't forget: Your autoSense adapter can easily be unplugged and installed in your new car in the OBD port! Just reconfigure in the app (--> menu/vehicle account/install in another vehicle) and you're ready to go. And the best thing about it: without losing your trips and history from the old car.
We wish you every success selling cars and, of course, as always, a safe journey.
