After 30+ years in the automotive industry, we’ve heard just about everything when it comes to ways a vehicle seller can be scammed. Most of the time, we hear complaints about hidden fees for used cars. Hidden fees can range from $20-$500, which if you get caught up in them, can make quite an impact on your profits.
Hidden fees in fine print are not how we conduct our business at CashforCars.ca, and, although we cannot control how other companies conduct their business, we can help shed light on some things you need to be aware of when you go to sell your vehicle.
Towing Costs
When selling your vehicle, towing can be the largest cost in the transaction, but this cost can be easily avoided. If a company, dealer, or private buyer expects you to pay for the towing of the vehicle, especially if your vehicle is not running, we suggest you find a new buyer. Now, if your vehicle is running, delivery could work in your favour when negotiating the sale price with the buyer. You may be able to get an additional $100-$150 if you deliver the vehicle to the buyer and have someone pick you up.
Paperwork Fees
Some companies may claim they “do the paperwork for you” but when they come to pick up the vehicle and hand you a cheque, there is a small ‘document transfer’ fee taken off your agreed upon offer. The best way to avoid the surprise is to get a guarantee that the company purchasing your vehicle will do all the paperwork and that no fees will be taken from your quote.
Liquids Left
Scrap vehicle buyers may require you to empty the gas tank before they will pick up your vehicle or they will charge you a fee to remove it. Be sure to ask if there are requirements for removing vehicle liquids before you accept an offer. Removing vehicle liquids can be time-consuming and dangerous, so it's best to avoid.
Honesty is the best policy when selling your vehicle. If you feel like you are not getting the full and honest picture when selling your vehicle, we suggest getting everything in writing via email before confirming the sale. A paper trail leaves you will a point of reference that you will be able to use later in the case of a dispute or complaint.
It's important to remember, the sale isn’t complete until the vehicle has left your possession and all the paperwork has been signed and handed off. So, if the cheque you receive is lower than what you were expecting, hand the cheque back and tell them to release your vehicle.
If you are looking to sell your vehicle in a Fast. Safe. Easy. Way, visit CashforCars.ca or speak to one of our expert car buyers at (800) 261 – 9854.
