How to Sell a Car

Man and wife at a car dealership
 
Do you have a vehicle that’s just sitting in your garage? Or maybe you’re looking for a way to save money on your next car purchase. No matter the reasons, if you have a car that needs to go, you need to know how to sell a car. At Lafayette Volkswagen we would love it if you would sell us your car. We’re always looking for pre-owned cars of all types to add to our pre-owned inventory. Plus, when you sell to us, you avoid the hassle and risk of selling your car on your own. Skip placing ads and dealing with strangers—just take a minute to learn how to sell a car in Indianapolis, then make an appointment to sell it to Lafayette Volkswagen!

How to Sell a Car in Indianapolis

Since car sales are overseen on the state level, it generally doesn’t matter if you’re selling a car in Indianapolis or Avon: the process will be the same everywhere in Indiana. Here’s how to sell a car in Indianapolis or Noblesville:

What You Need to Include When You Sell Your Car

The first thing you want to do when you decide it’s time to sell a car is gather all the documents you’ll need. You should have some of them in your possession. Some of them you can get from the nearest Secretary of State office or Lafayette Volkswagen. They include:

  • Vehicle certificate of title—If you’ve paid off your car, this should be in your possession. If you still owe on your car’s loan, you’ll need to pay it off before the lender will give you the title. Our finance department can help if you’re still paying off a car loan. If you’ve lost your title, contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to order a duplicate.
  • Application for Certificate of Title (Form 205)—The buyer is responsible for this document.
  • Bill of Sale (Form 44237)—We’ll provide this when you sell a vehicle to us. If you conduct a private sale you’ll still need an official Bill of Sale. It doesn’t have to be notarized unless you or the buyer want to have it notarized.
  • Certificate of Gross Retail Tax Exemption, if applicable (Form 48841)—This is rarely applicable in private or dealership car sales.
  • Odometer Disclosure (Form 43230), if applicable—This is located on the back of the Certificate of Title. It’s not necessary for vehicles made before 2010.

You should also bring all of your keys, maintenance records, and any vehicle history reports that have been run on your vehicle.

How to Sell a Car in Indianapolis to Lafayette Volkswagen

The first thing you’ll want to do is get an estimate of your car’s value. Start with our trade valuation tool. Then follow these steps:

  1. Make an appointment with us. While you’re welcome to come in without an appointment, if you schedule ahead that allows us to gather our paperwork and assign your sale to an associate.
  2. Car inspection—The sales associate or a service technician will inspect your vehicle.
  3. We’ll make you an offer—Based on our inspection and inventory, we’ll offer you a price for your vehicle. You can accept or decline, or even negotiate this price.

If you accept our offer, or we reach an agreement during negotiations, we’ll complete the paperwork and financial details. Once this has been completed, you can remove your license plates. They don’t have to be returned to the BMV.

Trade or Sell Your Car to Lafayette Volkswagen!

It’s easy to sell a car when you work with Lafayette Volkswagen! If you have a vehicle that needs to go, contact us for an appointment to get your car inspected. We look forward to making a deal with you that puts money in your pocket!

 

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