Selling Your Vehicle in Arizona
Selling your vehicle in Arizona is a process that requires following specific steps to ensure everything is handled properly. Whether you’re selling to a private buyer, a dealership, a junkyard, or through an online buyer, understanding Arizona’s rules and best practices can help you avoid potential problems down the road.
Step 1: Get Your Vehicle Ready for Sale
Before you start the selling process, taking some time to prepare your vehicle can help you get a better price and make the sale smoother.
- Detail your vehicle: Cleaning your vehicle, both inside and out, is an easy way to make it more appealing to buyers. A well-maintained car looks more valuable and can help it sell faster.
- Fix small issues: While you don’t need to invest in major repairs, fixing things like broken lights, flat tires, or malfunctioning windshield wipers can boost the vehicle’s appeal.
- Check the fluids: Make sure the oil, brake fluid, coolant, and other essential fluids are at proper levels. This shows the buyer that the vehicle has been cared for.
- Gather all documents: Have your vehicle’s title, registration, and maintenance records ready. If there’s an outstanding loan on the vehicle, contact your lender for instructions on paying off the loan and getting the title.
Step 2: Decide How to Sell Your Vehicle
Arizona offers several methods for selling a vehicle, each with different benefits. Let’s go over each option to help you choose the best one for your situation.
Selling Your Vehicle Privately
Selling your vehicle privately often results in the highest selling price, but it does require more effort and time. Here’s how you can make the process easier:
- Determine your price: Research the market value of your vehicle using online tools like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds. Consider your car’s make, model, year, condition, mileage, and the current market demand.
- Advertise effectively: Use popular listing sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Autotrader to reach potential buyers. Include clear, high-quality photos and a detailed description of the vehicle’s features, condition, and any repairs or maintenance you’ve done.
- Arrange safe meetings: Always meet potential buyers in public locations to protect your safety. Bringing a friend along is a good idea. When meeting in person, be prepared to answer questions about the vehicle and its history.
- Negotiate the price: Know your bottom price before negotiations start. Be prepared for bargaining, but stick to a price range you’re comfortable with.
Selling Your Vehicle to a Dealership
Selling to a dealership is fast and simple, though you may not get as much money as you would by selling privately. Here’s what to expect:
- Get offers from multiple dealerships: Visit several local dealerships in Arizona to get quotes. Make sure to compare offers before deciding which one to accept.
- Review the offer: Dealerships will offer less than the market value of your vehicle because they need to resell it at a profit. However, the process is quick and straightforward.
- Finalizing the sale: Once you agree on a price, the dealership will take care of the paperwork for you, including transferring the title and reporting the sale to the Arizona DMV.
- Payment: Expect payment via check or bank transfer, depending on the dealership’s policy.
Selling Your Vehicle to a Junkyard
If your vehicle is in poor condition or doesn’t run, selling it to a junkyard or salvage yard might be your best option. Here’s how you can proceed:
- Contact several junkyards: Reach out to junkyards in your area to get price estimates. Junkyards may offer more money if the vehicle has parts that can be recycled or resold.
- Ask about towing services: Many junkyards in Arizona will tow your vehicle for free if it’s not drivable, saving you the cost and effort of arranging transportation.
- Provide necessary documentation: You’ll need to present the vehicle title to prove ownership. If you’ve lost the title, you can request a replacement from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).
Selling Your Vehicle to an Online Car Buyer
For those looking for a quick and convenient sale, online car buyers offer a simple solution. Here’s how to sell your vehicle through an online buyer:
- Get an online quote: Use websites like RunBidSell in Arizona to get an instant quote for your vehicle.
- Schedule the pickup: Once you accept the quote, the online buyer will arrange for free pickup of the vehicle at a time that works for you.
- Complete the paperwork: After the pickup, you’ll need to sign over the title and provide any other necessary documents to finalize the sale.
Step 3: Transfer the Title
Transferring the title of the vehicle to the new owner is one of the most critical parts of the sale in Arizona. Here’s what to do:
- Sign the title: As the seller, you must sign the vehicle’s title. Be sure to fill out all necessary information, including the buyer’s name, sale price, and odometer reading.
- Consider a bill of sale: While Arizona doesn’t require a bill of sale, it’s a good idea to create one. This serves as an extra proof of the transaction for both you and the buyer.
- Remove license plates: In Arizona, license plates remain with the seller. Be sure to remove your plates before handing over the vehicle.
Step 4: Notify the Arizona MVD
After the sale, you must notify the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) of the transfer of ownership.
- Submit a Notice of Sale: This can be done online through the MVD’s website, or you can mail a paper form. The Notice of Sale protects you from any future liability related to the vehicle.
Step 5: Cancel Your Insurance
Once the vehicle is sold, be sure to cancel your insurance policy or transfer it to your new vehicle. Your insurance company will need proof of the sale to update your coverage.
Step 6: Pay Off Any Loans
If you still owe money on your vehicle, you’ll need to pay off the loan before you can transfer the title.
- Contact your lender: Reach out to your lender to find out how much is remaining on your loan.
- Pay off the loan: Once the loan is paid, the lender will release the lien and send you the title.
Step 7: Sales Tax in Arizona
Arizona doesn’t charge sales tax for the seller in a private sale, but the buyer will need to pay sales tax when registering the vehicle with the MVD.
Step 8: Selling a Leased Vehicle
If you’re leasing the vehicle, selling it is a bit more complicated.
- Contact the leasing company: Find out if you’re allowed to sell the vehicle before the lease term ends.
- Pay off the lease: In many cases, you’ll need to buy out the lease before selling the vehicle to a new buyer.
Step 9: Final Steps
Once the sale is complete, don’t forget to:
- Keep copies of all paperwork: Save the signed title, bill of sale, and any other documents related to the sale for your records.
- Cancel your insurance: Be sure to update your insurance provider to reflect the sale.
Popular Places to Sell Your Car in Arizona
Selling your vehicle in Arizona can be a smooth process if you target the right cities. In Phoenix, the market for vehicles is consistently strong, as the city’s large population and car-dependent culture create plenty of demand. In Tucson is another great option, with a diverse range of buyers looking for used cars, from students to retirees. The city of Glendale offers competitive prices for vehicles, especially given its proximity to Phoenix and its growing suburban market. Mesa is a busy market where buyers are eager to purchase cars, with a rising population and expanding commercial sectors. Over in Chandler has a steady demand for reliable cars, driven by its thriving economy and diverse community. In the northern part of the state, Flagstaff offers a steady demand for vehicles, particularly as more people move to this scenic area for its quality of life. Smaller towns like Surprise are becoming more popular, with increasing suburban growth leading to more car-buying activity. Finally, Yuma’s market is steadily growing, with an increasing need for dependable vehicles in the area.