Selling A Car
How to Sell Car in Missouri
How to sell car online safely and fast in Missouri
If you decide to sell your car, you should consider several important factors, such as the necessary documentation, the optimal method, and the accurate valuation. This comprehensive article provides a step-by-step walkthrough of the entire online selling process, serving as a reliable guide.
If you want to sell your vehicle in Missouri, it opens up a world of possibilities. Here, we cover all the essential aspects from understanding the necessary documentation to selecting the suitable selling method and effectively advertising your automobile. We also guide you how to sell car online, and suggest the best platforms. With our step-by-step instructions, you'll gain a deep understanding of the state's unique requirements.
Methods of selling a car
Naturally, your objective is to secure the highest possible automobile’s price. You may be eager to purchase a new vehicle promptly and require the funds for a down payment. However, you must first decide the best way to sell your auto. For example, if you want to sell car online in Missouri, harness the power of internet platforms for a seamless selling experience.
Trade-In
This method represents the simplest way to sell your automobile fast. By offering your auto as a trade-in to a dealership, you can exchange it for a new or used model while providing an additional payment. Although this option may yield a lower price, it offers advantages in terms of time efficiency and sales tax savings. Moreover, you can avoid expenses associated with listing on various websites. Additionally, you can circumvent the time-consuming process of meeting potential buyers and responding to inquiries. If you reside in St.Charles, Florissant or St.Louis,MO and wish to sell your auto online, Clement Pre-Owned is renowned for providing favorable deals and an extensive selection of approximately 1000 models.
Instant cash offer
Obtaining an instant cash offer presents a convenient method for selling your automobile. You can accomplish this online, over the phone, or at a dealership. All required is providing your VIN or license plate number. You will also need to describe the vehicle, including its condition and mileage comprehensively. Subsequently, you will receive an instant cash offer (ICO). Providing faithful and detailed information about the auto is crucial to ensure an accurate valuation. While you may not obtain the retail value, this method guarantees a quick sale and immediate access to funds.
Selling the car on your own
When you sell a car on your own, you decide the price and how much of a discount you can give. But trading privately takes a lot of time: you have to put together a good ad, spend time on showing the auto to each potential buyer, and close the deal yourself.
Sell car online
When you sell online, it provides you with a broader reach, connecting you with potential purchasers beyond your local area. Pursuing an independent sale online, you can list your vehicle on one of the platforms:
- AutoTrader enjoys popularity among both sellers and buyers. It offers various listing packages, including a money-back guarantee, eliminating charges if your auto wouldn’t sell;
- Cars.com provides both paid and free sell listing options;
- eBay Motors, as one of the largest marketplaces;
- Facebook Marketplace represents a viable choice if you prefer to sell your auto locally.
Nuances of selling your car online
When you sell a car online, you should take into account the following points:
- Commission: legitimate and trustworthy resources may charge a fee for their services upon completing the deal, either as a separate charge or included in the price. However, such actions require the explicit consent of the auto owner. Additionally, the completion of all paperwork necessitates your direct involvement.
- Detailed description: the online data entry forms on different websites will require to enter your vehicle’s color, VIN, year, mileage, number of owners, price, and contact details.
- Illustrative photos: strive to capture at least 20 high-quality, well-lit photos of the automobile. Ensure that the car is clean inside and out.
- Pre-sale preparation: presenting your auto in a clean and technically sound condition is essential. Some repairs may require more time and money than initially anticipated. It would be best if you decided whether to undertake such repairs, depending on the extent of the damage and your negotiation abilities. You should be ready to offer a proportional discount or discuss potential solutions for defects.
Selling vehicle in Missouri
The process differs across states. The following outlines the steps for a quick and profitable deal in Missouri.
Vehicle ownership constitutes a legal document in most U.S. states. Use both parties' legal names. Errors, misspellings, or correction fluid can invalidate the document.
Gather the essential documentation
Locate all pertinent vehicle records, including maintenance history (whether in paper or electronic format), owner's manuals, and associated documents. Providing the buyer with comprehensive and detailed maintenance records instills confidence in the vehicle's proper upkeep. Furthermore, if the automobile has undergone a biennial safety inspection within the last 60 days, it is essential to furnish the buyer with a certificate of inspection. Residents of Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles, or St. Louis counties must supply an emissions certificate if the auto has undergone an emissions inspection within the last 60 days. A notarized lien release (form 4809) must also be provided, if applicable. Exemptions from emissions inspections apply to specific vehicle types.
Auto inspection
In most cases, buyers interested in privately purchasing a vehicle will opt for an inspection performed by a licensed and qualified mechanic of their choosing. Although the buyer incurs the inspection costs, both parties must mutually agree on the time and location for the inspection. As the seller, you should retain a copy of the inspection report for your records if any issues are identified during the inspection.
Bill of Sale
Under Missouri law, sellers must file either a notice of sale (Form 5049) or a bill of sale (DOR-1957) with the state's Department of Revenue within 30 days of the sale date. The bill of sale must contain the following details and must be notarized:
- A year and make of the vehicle
- Title number
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Date of the deal
- Price
- Printed legal names and addresses of the seller and purchaser
- Signatures of the seller and buyer
If the vehicle is gifted, the seller should indicate the "GIFT" price on the bill of sale and complete a general affidavit (Form 768). Gifted autos are exempt from sales tax and must be reported to the Missouri Department of Revenue within 30 days.
Transfer of ownership
If the automobile title has been misplaced, stolen, or severely damaged, the seller must apply for a Missouri title and license (Form 108) and pay the corresponding fees before selling. This form must be notarized, and if a duplicate title is requested due to damage to the original, the damaged title must be returned along with the application to any Missouri licensing office. Moreover, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration updated the odometer disclosure requirements in December 2020, impacting private deals in Missouri. For vehicle transfers between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2030, all vehicles from the 2011 model year or later (2012, 2013, etc.) necessitate an odometer disclosure. Private auto sellers are required to fill out the following sections on the title:
- Legal name and address of at least one buyer
- Date of deal
- Price
- Model
- Odometer reading (depending on the vehicle's model year)
- Signature of at least one buyer
Each seller and buyer must be documented accordingly in cases involving multiple people. All individuals listed as sellers on the title must print and sign their names.
If applicable, the lien holder must be recorded in the designated space.
Remove license plates
Before handing over the vehicle to the buyer, remove the license plates, even if they have expired. It is important not to transfer the license plates to the purchaser, even if the auto is being gifted. If the seller does not transfer the license plates to another vehicle, they must be destroyed, disposed of, or returned to the state licensing office.
File a notice of sale
Since January 1, 2006, all private sellers are required to report the sale to the Missouri Department of Revenue within 30 days, using either a Notice of Sale or Bill of Sale form. Failure to report may result in a fine of up to $300. Sellers are not obligated to submit both forms, but only the Notice of Sale or Bill of Sale is necessary. After completing the deal, cancel your insurance coverage.Visit the Missouri Department of Revenue official website to get more information.
Selling a Car to a Dealership in Missouri
If you want to sell a car online, we will make the process hassle-free, providing a fair value and the option to trade in toward a quality used auto from our vast inventory. With Clement Auto Group, you get:
- Fast and free evaluations;
- Up to $500 back with a trade-in tax credit.
- Guaranteed auto financing and convenient online pre-approval regardless of your credit background.
Get approved for a car loan now.
Clement Pre-Owned dealership offers a great selection of high-quality used vehicles in Missouri. We buy any auto within reason, even if you don’t buy anything from us. Feel free to stop by one of our Clement Pre-owned locations in Florissant, St. Charles, and St. Louis, MO, or call us today.
