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How to Sell a Car in Colorado?
There are three main ways to sell your car in Colorado:
Jump to: Sell Car Privately
Jump to: Sell Car to Car Buying Website
Jump to: Sell Car to Dealership
TurnaroudEffort neededBest forPrivately7-14 daysMostUsed carsCar Buying Website24-72 hoursFill online formJunk and old carsDealership7-10 daysVisit officeMostly new cars
Sell Car Privately in Colorado
When you’re planning to sell a vehicle in Colorado, selling privately is usually a better option. Compared to the dealer, selling the car alone will save you money and time. If you wish to sell your car in Colorado, here’s an overview of the steps necessary to transfer ownership.
What You Require to Sell a Car Privately in Colorado
To sell a car in Colorado, you’ll need to gather the following forms and information;
Colorado Certificate of Title. If you don’t have one, you can apply by filling out form DR 2539A and pay $8.20 for a duplicate
Bill of sale
Your signature
Buyer’s signature
Emissions inspection certificates in some areas
Valid odometer reading for cars less than ten years old
You’ll need to pay the loan in full if your title has a lien before selling your vehicle. You can pay the loan yourself, have the buyer pay it, or use an escrow service to complete the transaction.
Step 1: Pre-Sale Inspection
Before purchasing the car, the buyer should arrange for the car to be inspected by a third party. Unless one buys a car from a big brand certified car, they should have the vehicle inspected.
Once the buyer arranges for the inspection, you should work with them throughout the process. You should also keep a report of the inspection if any issue is found.
If the buyer lives in Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson, you’ll need to complete an emissions test. For more information on where to get the test go to the Colorado DMV website.
Depending on the car’s age, the test can cost you $15 to $25.
Step 2: Clean the Car
After the inspection, you need to prepare the vehicle for sale by cleaning it. The best approach is to clean it well before advertising.
Apart from removing your personal effects from the vehicle, you need to
Remove and clean the floor mat, cup holders, and even cargo nets.
Clean the upholstery, wipe the seats and remove the stains
Clean both sides of the windows-not just the outside
Top up the oil, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid
Make sure you clean the tires especially if they are covered in dust
Step 3: List the Car for Sale
After cleaning and preparing your vehicle for sale, it’s important to post it on popular listing sites, so you can increase your chances of selling it. Make sure you create a perfect ad that contains the year, make, price and model.
If there’s something about the car, such as a recent upgrade or changed title, do not forget to include them. If the platform allows you to add lots of information, ensure that description is clear without overwhelming the buyer.
You should also take various car pictures while focusing on the exterior, interior, back and trunk. If there is a feature you’ve highlighted, you can include it to draw more attention. Once you are ready, you can post your car on free marketplaces such as Facebook, Craigslist or eBay Motors.
Step 4: Remove the License Plates
Since license plates are registered in your name, you’ll want to remove and keep them when selling your car. According to Colorado state law, you must remove your vehicle plates before the new owner drives off with the car.
Step 5: Document the Sale
While the bill of sale is not necessary for Colorado, completing one is advisable. Acting as the receipt of the transaction, a bill of sale should include the following information
Name of the seller and buyer
Addresses of seller and buyer
Signature of the buyer and seller
Phone number of seller and buyer
Driver’s license number of seller and buyer
The vehicles make model and year
The car’s VIN, color, and date of sale
Odometer readout at time of sale
Date of sale/ purchase date
Signatures of seller and buyer
Step 6: Collect the Payment
Before signing the title over, it’s best to collect the payment. This will allow you to proceed with the selling process without any hitch.
Step 7: Sign the Title Over
To transfer the vehicle to the new owner, you need to fill out and sign the appropriate areas of your vehicle title. Since this certifies the sale and releases you from any liability, it’s essential to avoid making any mistakes.
First, you should enter the odometer reading before printing your name to match the ones of the title. If you co-own the vehicle, you should print both names and include the purchase date and price.
If you have a rebuild from the salvage title, you are required to fill out a rebuild and salvage Disclosure. You must also search to determine the reason why the vehicle is in that condition.
You need to know that buying a car with such a title might make it challenging for you to purchase insurance. Additionally, you require an odometer reading for any vehicle transfer from January 2021 to December 2030.
Step 8: Report the Sale
Once you’ve completed the sale and transferred the ownership, you must report the sale within 5 days. You can visit your local DMV or do it online using the Report Release of Liability option. You need to provide your license number, the vehicle identification number, or the verification code.
While it’s optional to report a sale in Colorado, it’s a good way to release yourself from any liability for the buyer’s actions after they drive away.
Step 9: Cancel the Insurance
After you’ve transferred the ownership, make sure you cancel the insurance and other subscriptions associated with the vehicle. Failure to do this may result in you paying insurance for a vehicle you no longer own.
If you want to get the highest price for your car, improve its curb appeal by spending a few hundred dollars on car detail, oil change, and if need be, an updated or new inspection sticker.
Sell Car to Car Buying Website in Colorado
Peddle
Get your free offer instantly via online form or call on (855) 925 4302
$0 fees + you don’t have to pay for towing – Peddle will take care of it
Get paid in check during the pick up for any car (damaged, junk, wrecked)
CarBrain
Get an offer within 2 minutes and sell your damaged car within 24 hours
Free vehicle towing and no fees to getting rid of your damaged car
The tow truck driver will arrive with your check (nationwide service)
Wheelzy
Quick car evaluation without the hassle – sell your car within 30 min
Choose a convenient date and time for free pick-up, as soon as next day
Get cash in hand the same day the Wheelzy agent picks up your car
You can choose Wheelzy, CarBrain or Peddle if you are looking to sell your car fast.
First, you need to fill out a form and include the details of your vehicle, such as the year, make & model, potential damage, and trim. Once you are done, they will provide you with a free offer that you can either accept or decline.
Once you accept it, companies work with a nationwide network of partners to pick up your vehicle and pay you within 24-72 hours. They accept almost any type of vehicle, regardless of condition, and is dedicated to recycling and reusing parts when possible.
Peddle
Peddle Summary
Sell used, damaged or junk car nationwideGet instant quote on (855) 925 4302Free towing within 48 hours after offerReceive payment upon car collection
How Much Peddle Will Pay for Your Car in Colorado?
The table below shows few of the cars Peddle has recently purchased in Colorado
Make
Year
Offer Value
Mazda (MPV)
2005
$400
Nissan (Murano)
2006
$350
Chevrolet (Impala)
2010
$400
Wheelzy
Wheelzy Summary
Wheelzy stores are open 7 days a weekGet offer in minutes – (855) 510-1108Free towing of your car from your locationInstant payment via cash or check
How Much Wheelzy Will Pay for Your Car in Colorado?
Here are a few examples of Wheelzy’s recent purchases:
MakeMileageYearOffer ValueChevrolet (Trailblazer)Under 250,0002002$305Toyota (4Runner)Over 300,0001997$225Nissan (Exterra)Under 200,0002002$300
CarBrain
CarBrain Summary
Get an online offer within 2 minutesGet cash for your car in under 48 hoursCarBrain buys cars in over 7 conditionsUp to 7 days to accept CarBrain’s offer
How Much CarBrain Will Pay for Your Car in Colorado?
The table below shows few of the cars CarBrain has recently purchased in Colorado
MakeMileageYearConditionOffer ValueToyota (Tundra)12,0002016It starts and drive.$25,000Porsche (911)70,0002006Mechanical Damage: Engine, Collision Damage: Front$11,000Subaru (WRX)83,0002015Mechanical Damage: Engine$5,200.29
Sell Car to Dealership
Tips to Sell Your Car to Dealership
Get personal with the process
Don’t prejudge the buyers
Learn what type of vehicle they are buying
Don’t be too pushy
Don’t waste a lot of time negotiating
Followup and make more leads
Finalize the process as fast as possible
While selling a car takes time, energy, and money, you can simplify the process by selling directly to dealerships. You won’t have to set prices, advertise, or deal with the back and forth processes with dealerships. If you value your time, then selling your car to the dealership makes a lot more sense.
While a dealer will offer a lower price, they can help you sell your car and get money fast. Once you know your vehicle’s worth, you need to advertise it and screen potential buyers. Next, you should negotiate and finalize the sale.
You should also remember to bring;
Your vehicle’s title
Valid registration verifying you as the owner
Government-issued photo ID
All keys and remotes
Maintenance records
By selling your car to a dealership, you can use it as a trade-in and save on taxes as you only pay the sales tax on the difference between the cost of the new vehicle and trade-in value.
Best dealerships in Colorado:
Sell Car in Colorado FAQ
Am I responsible for a car after I sell it in Colorado?
No. Once you’ve removed the plates and canceled the insurance, the new buyer is fully responsible for the vehicle.
Does Colorado require a title transfer notary?
While Older Colorado titles may require a notary, some don’t.
Do you have to return license plates in Colorado?
You may return the plates to your county DMV, recycle them, or use them on other vehicles.
How do I know the value of my car?
You can know your car’s value using resources like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book.
What are my responsibilities when selling a car in Colorado?
Your primary responsibility is to describe and represent the car as accurately as possible to the buyer.