[DETRoadster]

Well, I just paid off the M2, got my title in hand, and I think it's time to move on. Love the car but I hardly drive it and could use the funds for other endeavors.

Has anyone sold a used car in this crazy hot market recently? I'm looking for any tips, tricks, or advice to maximize ease of transition and of course sale price.

I have an appointment with Carmax, just for the heck of it, on Sunday. Doesnt hurt to get an offer. Was also thinking of going through KBB as they have a service that nets you a couple internet offers on the spot.

Selling private party doesnt interest me on a transaction of this value as I just dont want to deal with tire kickers, scammers, fake bank checks, people knowing where I live, COVID, morons, assholes, etc.

Would love some advice if anyone has it on maximizing selling price when selling to a place like Carmax or a dealer. For example:

1) Should I spend the time detailing it that one would normally spend when selling private party or will these guys not give a shit about that?

2) Should I remove my HRE FF04s and put the OEM wheels back on for the sale?

3) Will my Fabspeed cat give the buying dealer any issues? Should I take the time to swap the OWM cat back in?

Thanks all!

[________]

Check out my enthusiast website for modern cars, cars and bids dot com

[DanG]

I would take off the fabspeed. Also check what Carvana will give you. They give you a price over the internet.

I would wash the car before you take it to Carmax.

Also check with BMW Seattle on what they would buy it for.

You could also consign your car to Elliott Bay Aito Brokers.

[ByByCop]

I think it's best to sell in excellent condition, leave the rest to the buyers imagination, sell off your add on mods prior, let the buyer imagine how they will modify this stock car (the car which they will paythe premium $ range for).

So many tricks if the trade… once upon a time, I quit my corporate job to go work at a car dealer in the hood, 4yrs, my dream was to own a dealership - I loved buying cars (had some amazing cars), washing cars, getting cars repaired, selling them.. this is a profitable game. I learned some amazing things.

Don't get me started. Awesome topic tho.

[spectrumphoto]

A buddy of mine just sold his Honda in SoCal.
He priced out Carvana, AutoNation, ect. and ended up selling it to SHIFT. Apparently they paid just over $2k more than any other place.

If you end up selling on your own, have fun.... its become a pain in the ass last time I did it a few years ago. These days I'd take a bit less to save the hassle.

[DETRoadster]

Originally Posted by DanG

I would take off the fabspeed. Also check what Carvana will give you. They give you a price over the internet.

I would wash the car before you take it to Carmax.

Also check with BMW Seattle on what they would buy it for.

You could also consign your car to Elliott Bay Aito Brokers.

Yeah, it's seeming like pulling that cat is in my future this weekend. The more I think about it the more that seems like the right move.

I'll definitely also check Carvana and BMW of Seattle.

[DETRoadster]

Originally Posted by spectrumphoto

A buddy of mine just sold his Honda in SoCal.
He priced out Carvana, AutoNation, ect. and ended up selling it to SHIFT. Apparently they paid just over $2k more than any other place.

If you end up selling on your own, have fun.... its become a pain in the ass last time I did it a few years ago. These days I'd take a bit less to save the hassle.

No way I'm selling on my own. 100% I'll take the hit to save the hassle of selling private party. I'll check out Shift. Never heard of them. Thanks for the tip!

[gqgambler]

Take off your HREs, pricey wheels that you won't get the value for when selling your car. Post them on the forum for someone to buy.

[Sy1616]

BAT imho

[VisualEcho]

1. Return it as close to stock as possible.
2. Have a professional take pictures and advertise it in multiple places.

[DETRoadster]

Originally Posted by Sy1616

BAT imho

I hadn't even considered BAT. I guess I just dont feel like the car is that unique. I'll have to take a look at their past M2 auctions and see what the history looks like. Thanks for the idea.

[Bimmer Pleaser]

if you are selling private party take off the license plate before handing it over.

[F32Fleet]

Use an escrow agent if private party bothers you. IIRC Ebaymotors etc will offer this service if you sell online.

Enthusiast forums are okay but these guys are always looking for a deal.

[VisualEcho]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Pleaser

if you are selling private party take off the license plate before handing it over.

And remove the plates completely before any pictures are taken.

[DanG]

Originally Posted by VisualEcho

And remove the plates completely before any pictures are taken.

Plates go with the car in Washington.

I just got an email from CarFax offering me $51,270 for my 2018 M2.

[________]

Originally Posted by DETRoadster

I hadn't even considered BAT. I guess I just dont feel like the car is that unique. I'll have to take a look at their past M2 auctions and see what the history looks like. Thanks for the idea.

How did you not consider it? I suggested it by means of the free-ad competitor…

[DETRoadster]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Pleaser

if you are selling private party take off the license plate before handing it over.

Not selling private party.

Originally Posted by F32Fleet

Use an escrow agent if private party bothers you. IIRC Ebaymotors etc will offer this service if you sell online.

Enthusiast forums are okay but these guys are always looking for a deal.

Yeah that was my thought as well. Was considering posting here but everyone here already pretty much has the car they want and those looking for an M2 are probably looking for a track car.

Didnt know about the escrow agent option. That makes sense given I cant be the only one who doesnt want to deal the tire kickers and scammers.

[DETRoadster]

Originally Posted by Onesie

How did you not consider it? I suggested it by means of the free-ad competitor…

I think you're misunderstanding. I'm saying that posting it on BAT had not crossed my mind until you mentioned it. It's a good suggestion that you made and thank you for bringing it to my attention.

[Opie55]

It seems that most every thread about selling a car talks about the hassle of selling it privately. I have sold every car I have ever owned in 40 years privately and have never dealt with a single tire kicker or jerk. Not one. I must just be living right or something.

[________]

Originally Posted by DETRoadster

I think you're misunderstanding. I'm saying that posting it on BAT had not crossed my mind until you mentioned it. It's a good suggestion that you made and thank you for bringing it to my attention.

Got it. No I mean, we're not the same person lol
I suggested you have a look at carsandbids, because advertising is free (think you pay a % of sale). Not sure bat is totally free or how it compares.

I like the idea of these because you may not think your car is special, but I think it really is. They're rare in the market now and dealers are commanding a high price for them due to the lack of availability. Trouble is, they don't pay YOU for that. It'd be a shame to get 40 from a dealer to see it being listed for 70.
And, at the same time, you could cut the middle man to have someone who's looking for this car to pay you 55. Both parties win.

[DETRoadster]

Originally Posted by Opie55

It seems that most every thread about selling a car talks about the hassle of selling it privately. I have sold every car I have ever owned in 40 years privately and have never dealt with a single tire kicker or jerk. Not one. I must just be living right or something.

I think it comes down to the demographics of what you are selling. An M2, a WRX, Mitsu Evo, etc. are going to attract a certain number of late 20s kids and somewhat sketchy types. I dunno, I just don't want them poking around my house, my garage, driving my car, etc. The last car I sold private party was my 2004 Acura TSX. A kid showed up with 2 of his friends, all kinda sketchy looking. He had paper bags filled with $12,000 worth of $100 bills. It all ended up fine but it just felt weird. For a car that's going to command north of $40k I just dont want the risk of a fake cashiers check, dealing with cash, etc. It's admittedly part paranoia and part laziness on my part.

[DETRoadster]

Originally Posted by Onesie

Got it. No I mean, we're not the same person lol
I suggested you have a look at carsandbids, because advertising is free (think you pay a % of sale). Not sure bat is totally free or how it compares.

I like the idea of these because you may not think your car is special, but I think it really is. They're rare in the market now and dealers are commanding a high price for them due to the lack of availability. Trouble is, they don't pay YOU for that. It'd be a shame to get 40 from a dealer to see it being listed for 70.
And, at the same time, you could cut the middle man to have someone who's looking for this car to pay you 55. Both parties win.

Yeah, totally agree. Cutting out the middle man is always good!

it seems most of these places like Carvana and Carmax give you an offer that's good for a week so I figure I can shop it around and see if I like what I get. If I dont then I can try the next step which would be the auctions like BAT or cars & bids.