How to sell a car in the US?

Hi Marc,

I wanted to post this question on the forum by could not do so.
Can I sell my personal car in the US. I have recently lost a lot of money and this is the only asset I have.
Please let me know.


Thanks
Reena

Hi Reena, are you loacted in the US or are you talking about exporting to the US and if so, from what country?

Just out of interest, what make and model car is it?

Hi Mark,

The car is a Chevrolet Lumina 2011. Done 127,000kms. I am currently living in the United Arab Emirates. This car was purchased for my 19 year old son due to the immense safety features. Color is silver metallic.

Hope you can help.

Thanks.

Reena

Hi Reena,

That model was actually manufcatured in Australia and mostly imported to the Middle East, so it sounds like you purchased that locally in the UAE, it's not a personal import.

I couldn't see any value in exporting it to the US for sale personally. It is quite possible to do (providing that model is allowed into the US, which I am not sure about unfortunately), but the cost of the process and the drama involved in making the shipping and Custom clearance arrangements just wouldn't be worth it.

If the vehicle had some serious collectable value state side, then I would be suggesting exporting to the US for sure, but the value for doing so on your vehcile isn't there on yours would be my opion and you would end up losing money over just selling it locally.

That said, if you did want to look more closely at the option of exporting, then you should speak with a vehicle shipping company that ships from the UAE to the US, they'll be able to give you export prices so you will know your costs up front. If you do see value in exporting to the US, then the easiest option to find a sale would be to list on eBay or even Craigslist, unless you offered the vehicle to some brokerage services who can then try to sell for you. but they'll charge you for that service.

I would suggest having all the export arrangements covered so you know the al the cost and the process you need to follow upon making teh sale, so if you do find a buyer, then the transaction can be completed quickly and the car can be on the way as soon as possible :)

Cheers

Hi Mark,

I got the make wrong, the car is a Chevrolet Malibu. Couple of days ago while researching on the net a lady from one of the US companies started a chat with me. I have forgotten the company name now. The car was valued at $ 15,900. Hence my interest. I had no idea whether or not I could export my car and that is why I did not even write down the company details.

Anyway, as suggested by you, I will talk to a couple of companies who export and find out the pros and cons. Will keep you posted so that others can use this information in future.

I am not very clever at posting on Ebay, because of my research I realised that if the item is not posted correctly then the person listing can incur charges that he/she was not prepared for and that one could end up paying more than the selling price of the listed item.

Thanks for your support.

Hi Reena,

I'll send you this link so you can confirm the current US value on the 2011 Malibu Link hidden: Login to view

I would also suggest to look at the market value locally there in the UAE, I'm very confident that after you take export prices into consideration, the option to export won't stack up against a local sale.

Good luck with it :)

Hi Mark,

I am going to have to agree with you. I will look into the information provided by you later. Due to time difference wishing you all at Salehoo Good Night.

Reena

Hi Reena.

I live in the USA. Here is the link to Kelly Blue Book. Link hidden: Login to view You will need a zip code. Mine is 14225 or pick any five numbers.

It is for car values in the US. Malibu is not a popular car here. It was popular 40 years ago when we had muscle cars. I took a guess about the condition and style of the car. It showed $8000 USD. You may have a hard time selling it for so much. There is also the mileage. There are over 78 k miles. Here is is an old high mileage car. Plus you might be facing problems with emissions. They are vary strict and different from UAE.

People here do not buy a car sight unseen. We test drive it. We go over it. We look at everything about it.

In short you may want to try your efforts elsewhere.

Dale