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Selling your car can be a time consuming and headache inducing experience, yet it can also be financially rewarding. You are likely to get a higher price for your car if you sell it yourself, than you would if you used it as a trade in.

• If you are still paying for the car, check with your lending institution before putting your car on the market. There may be extra steps required to transfer the car's title to the new owner.
• Before selling your car, check with the DMV to see if there are any special regulations regarding private sales in your state.

There is no 'set' price for a used car, although used car price guides such as the NADA guide and the Kelly Blue Book do offer a basis from which to work. These guides offer suggested values for used cars based upon national averages and on the condition of the car.

See what comparable cars are selling for in your area. Pricing your car above the local 'going' rate may make in unsellable, unless it is in pristine condition.

• Check the ads in you local newspaper and used car trader magazines.
• See what your 'make and model' are selling for at local car lots.
• Don't forget to check out the online used car markets, such as Stoneage and Autoweb.

By making a comparison of the selling prices of similar cars, you will become familiar with the price range that cars of your type are currently selling for. Set you price somewhere within this range, based upon the condition of your car.

• Advertise a price that is slightly above your desired price. This will give you some 'wiggle room' during the negotiation process.

To increase the salability of your car, have on hand all maintenance records and consider investing in a car history report so that you can prove that the car is not a lemon and has never been in an accident. Such reports are available from companies such as Carfax.

1. Make sure your car shines inside and out. No matter how well it runs, if it's dirty it will turn customers off. Don't forget to clean the engine off with a degreaser.
2. Don't bother making any major repairs, simply lower the price accordingly.
3. Repair easily fixed visual defects.
4. If your oil is dirty, change it.
5. Make sure that all your 'fluids' are filled.
6. Fix squeaky breaks.
7. Make sure the lights work.
8. Take all of your old junk out the car!

Advertising your car is the easy part as many venues exist for you to advertise in.

• Local newspapers and car 'traders'.
• At online used car marts.
• Place ads on community bulletin boards.
• Place a notice on the car.

Most likely your initial contact with a potential buyer will be over the telephone. You may want to use an answering machine to screen out crank calls.

• Many buyers will ask personal questions, if you don't want to answer them - don't.
• If possible, show the car at a neutral location such as a mall parking lot – while the stores are open. There are many strange people at loose in the world and you may not want them knowing where you live. It can also be unwise to meet them in a lonely place.
• Always take a buddy with you when showing the car.
• Have your title and registration handy, to prove you own the car.

Check with your insurance agent to make sure that you, and your car, will be covered if there is an accident while someone is test driving the car, or if it is stolen.

• Make sure that the 'test' driver has a valid driver's license and insurance.
• Always accompany the buyer on the test drive.

Insist on cash, a cashier's check, or a money order.

• Never accept a personal check or a payment-over-time arrangement.

Private sales are automatically considered 'as is'; nonetheless have the buyer sign an agreement stating that they are accepting the car as is.

• Don't sign the title over to the new owner until you have been paid. Once you sign the title, they own it!

• Provide a receipt, and keep a copy for yourself.

• Be sure to remove your car tags before the buyer leaves.