I am going to be selling my 2008 Altima after I get a few minor scratches and dents fixed and have it detailed. It has 144k miles. It has recently had a full tune up and the brake pads on the front are about 6 months old, on the back about 2 months. I thnk that should go in. I also replaced the radiator about 6 months ago, and the catalytic converter and oxygen sensor about 3 years ago. Should I put that in? I’m wondering if some potential buyers may think the car is prone to expensive repairs. But I’ve read on a couple of places online that those parts on average need replacement every 10 years or so. And a 14 year old car with 144k miles is going to have had some repairs or parts replaced.
Will sell for $6k firm, I’ve seen Altimas with that mileage online and at a local dealer for $7k. Maybe I should ask that and possibly come down.
Oh just remembered the left front axle and right front sway bar were replaced about a year and a half to 2 years ago, I don’t think I’ll mention that
I wouldn’t put the repair stuff in an ad. You can mention that to any potential buyers. I would put year/make/model, mileage, any options/features above base, and price. That’s it.
If the car was in an accident, best to disclose. You might want to invest in a CarFax or similar report so that you know what any potential buyer is going to see if they run one.
You don’t mention the grade of vehicle, is a an S, Se or SL grade? There is a wide range of options between the grades that will impact your selling price. This car should last another 150-200k miles, so its not a dead horse yet and people buying old cars know to expect to do some repairs. You could mention that it was well maintained.
Does it come with a Bose stereo system? That would add value to many people as it indicates a higher grade. Is the interior clean and without rips or stains? Leather seats? Sunroof? Basically anything that indicates a higher grade vehicle should be mentioned.
Look at the other used car ads wherever you’re posting yours. Within reason match their style. If they’re real minimal, you be that too. If they’re more detail-filled, mimic that.
Separately to the above, I would mention “well-maintained” or “full maintenance records available”. That’s a cue to the buyer, without getting bogged down in the weeds, that you actually cared for the car, rather than just putting gas in it for 15 years while it still has the factory original oil in the crankcase.
There are a lot of the latter kind of car owners and therefore used cars out there. You’re not that, but buyers have come to expect those are common and will make discounting assumptions unless you forestall that.
This is what I have, except mine is 2008, and with a sunroof. Used it once, don’t get the appeal. Good stereo but not Bose. Will look pretty much brand new after detailing. I’m the 2nd owner, only have records for the past 3 years. It might be possible to look that up. I will recommend to buyers that they have a mechanic check it out, rather than having them ask.
Having sold a metric fuck-ton of used cars private party to private party, albeit not for ~25 years now …
I sure would not put that in an ad. Neither would I recommend something like that to a buyer. Your job is to sell the car. No lies, but the less you volunteer the better. Even if you think it’s favorable info, your counterparty will be suspicious and looking for a way to either misunderstand what you say, or use it against you.
Most used car byers are clueless dummies. Better to leave them in their sleepwalking state than to wake them up to scary possibilities they would never have thought of on their own.
For sure, have an answer ready if somebody asks “Can I take it to a/my mechanic for an inspection.” Don’t get caught flat-footed on any reasonably predictable question.
Bottom line:
Be open, friendly, and seemingly forthcoming, not even slightly evasive. But don’t answer any question they didn’t ask.
I always buy used cars & if I saw an ad with those repairs listed I would absolutely scroll on by because those are a lot of expensive repairs. So omit those in the ad. An exception would be any repairs related to standard/expected problems for that model or recalls – for example, if 2008 Altimas are prone to radiator leaks, mention that and the replacement in the ad. But I would like to know about them if I were seriously interested in the car so those are something to mention when they come to see the car. Although telling a buyer all of it may cost you a sale, decent used cars are in such demand that’s not going to be much of a problem. A mechanic will be able to tell what’s been replaced/repaired & I would much rather hear that list from you because if I first hear it from the mechanic I’ll wonder what else you haven’t mentioned so that could also cost you a sale.
In the ad I look for age, mileage, condition including how much rust, was it garage kept, any repairs currently needed, recent servicing (mention the tune up & brake pad replacement), how are the tires, valid inspection/environmental stickers. Lots of photos are helpful for answering minor questions a potential buyer might have.