How to Sell Your Vehicle in Vermont • RunBidSell

Selling Your Vehicle in Vermont

Selling a vehicle in Vermont can be a smooth process when you understand the steps involved. Whether you’re in the vibrant city of Burlington, the scenic town of Stowe, or a quieter rural area, selling your car in Vermont requires a few simple steps. From setting the right price to transferring the title, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to sell your vehicle in the Green Mountain State.

Vermont may not have the largest population, but it offers plenty of opportunities for selling your car. The state’s smaller cities and towns have a tight-knit community, so selling to a private buyer can be an efficient option. However, there are still key aspects to know before you put your vehicle on the market.

1. Understand the Value of Your Vehicle

Before you start the selling process, it’s crucial to determine the right price for your vehicle. Whether you’re in the bustling Burlington area or a more rural town like Montpelier, understanding your vehicle’s value is key to attracting buyers.

Here’s how you can figure out your car’s value:

Use Online Tools: Platforms like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and NADA provide accurate estimates based on your vehicle’s make, model, year, mileage, and condition. These tools are widely used and trusted in Vermont, so they will give you a solid starting point for your pricing.
Look at Local Listings: It’s helpful to see what similar vehicles are being sold for in Vermont. Check listings on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or local dealerships to get a feel for the local market and how your car compares to others.
Consider Your Vehicle’s Condition: The condition of your vehicle plays a major role in its price. A car in excellent condition will attract a higher price. On the other hand, if your car has mechanical issues or cosmetic damage, you may need to adjust the price accordingly.

Understanding the value of your car ensures you won’t overprice or underprice it. You’ll have a better chance of selling it faster and for a fair price.

2. Clean and Prepare Your Vehicle

A clean and well-maintained car will attract more buyers, whether you’re selling in a larger town like Burlington or a more rural area. Buyers appreciate a vehicle that looks cared for, so taking time to clean and prepare your car can help you sell it faster.

Here’s how you can get your vehicle ready for sale:

Wash and Detail the Car: Wash the exterior, clean the windows, and vacuum the interior. A car that’s clean inside and out makes a positive impression. You might also want to detail the car to make it look even better. This is especially important in Vermont’s larger cities where buyers expect well-kept vehicles.
Fix Minor Problems: If there are small issues, such as a broken tail light or worn-out tires, it’s a good idea to get them fixed. While repairs can be costly, they might improve your car’s value and make it more attractive to buyers.
Take Quality Photos: When creating your online listing, high-quality photos are essential. Take clear pictures from multiple angles, showing both the inside and outside of the car. A well-lit, well-composed photo will give potential buyers a better idea of the vehicle’s condition.
Get a Mechanic’s Inspection (Optional): If your vehicle is older or has some mechanical issues, it might be worth getting a mechanic’s inspection. This shows buyers that the car has been well-maintained and can help build trust.

By cleaning your car, fixing minor issues, and taking good photos, you’ll have a much better chance of getting your vehicle sold quickly.

3. Gather the Required Documents

In Vermont, you’ll need to have the correct documents in order to complete the sale legally. Whether you’re selling in Burlington or another part of the state, these documents are essential to make the process go smoothly.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Title of the Vehicle: The title proves you are the legal owner of the vehicle. If you still owe money on the car, you’ll need to pay off the loan before selling it. Make sure the title is in your name, and if there are any liens, they must be cleared before you can transfer ownership.
Odometer Disclosure: If your vehicle is less than 10 years old, you must provide the buyer with an odometer disclosure. This document records the mileage of the car at the time of sale. It helps protect both parties from fraud.
Bill of Sale: While not legally required in Vermont, creating a bill of sale is a good idea. This document should include the buyer’s and seller’s names, the sale price, and the car’s details (like the VIN, make, and model). This serves as proof of the transaction and can be helpful if any issues arise later.
Emissions Test (If Required): If you live in an emissions testing zone, such as Burlington, you will need to provide proof that the vehicle has passed the emissions test before you can sell it. Check with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to see if this applies to your area.

Having all the necessary documents ready will make the sale process easier and faster. It’s better to prepare everything in advance so you don’t run into any issues later.

4. Transfer the Title

Once you’ve agreed on a sale, the next step is to transfer the title to the buyer. This is a critical step that makes the transaction official. In Vermont, the title transfer process is relatively simple, but it’s important to follow the procedure correctly.

Here’s how to transfer the title:

Sign the Title: On the back of the title, you will need to sign in the seller section. Make sure to fill in the buyer’s name, the sale price, and the odometer reading. If the car is less than 10 years old, you will need to include an odometer disclosure.
Remove Your License Plates: In Vermont, sellers must remove their license plates before completing the sale. You can either transfer the plates to another vehicle or return them to the DMV.
Provide a Bill of Sale: Although not required, providing a bill of sale is a good idea. This document should outline the transaction details, such as the sale price and the buyer’s and seller’s information.
File a Notice of Sale: After completing the sale, you should file a Notice of Sale with the Vermont DMV. This is important because it officially informs the state that you no longer own the car. This helps protect you from any future liability.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure that the title transfer is handled properly and that you’re no longer responsible for the car.

5. Selling to a Private Buyer

Selling to a private buyer can be a good option, especially in Vermont where many buyers prefer the personal touch. Whether you’re in Burlington or another town, selling privately can often get you a better price than trading in at a dealership.

Here’s what you need to do when selling to a private buyer:

Advertise Your Vehicle: To reach potential buyers, post your vehicle on platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or local listings. Include clear photos and an honest description of the car’s condition. Be upfront about any issues to avoid surprises later on.
Negotiate the Price: Be prepared for negotiation. Buyers may try to lower the price, so know your car’s value and be ready to discuss the details. In Vermont’s smaller cities and rural areas, buyers may be more open to negotiation.
Show the Car: Arrange a time and place to meet the buyer. A public location is usually best for safety. Allow the buyer to inspect the car and take it for a test drive. Be transparent about any problems with the car.
Complete the Sale: Once you and the buyer have agreed on a price, sign the title, provide a bill of sale, and remove your license plates. Don’t forget to file the Notice of Sale with the Vermont DMV.

Selling to a private buyer might take longer, but it can also yield a higher sale price, especially if your car is in good condition.

6. Selling to a Dealership

Selling your car to a dealership in Vermont is a quicker and easier option, though it may not get you as much money as selling to a private buyer. If you’re in a city like Burlington, where dealerships are abundant, this might be a convenient route for you.

Here’s how to sell to a dealership:

Get an Offer: Visit a local dealership or get an online quote to find out what they’ll offer for your car. Dealerships will inspect the car and make an offer based on its condition, mileage, and the current market.
Negotiate: The price offered by the dealership might not be flexible, but it’s still worth asking if they can offer you more money for your vehicle.
Complete the Sale: Once you accept the offer, the dealership will handle all the paperwork, including the title transfer. You’ll receive payment immediately, either by check or, in some cases, cash.

Selling to a dealership is a fast and easy process, but you might get less for your car compared to selling privately.

7. Selling to an Online Car Buyer

Selling your car to an online car buyer, such as RunBidSell in Vermont, is a simple and hassle-free option. This method is ideal for those who don’t want to deal with negotiations or in-person showings. It’s especially convenient if you’re in a larger city like Burlington.

Here’s how it works:

Get an Instant Offer: Visit the RunBidSell website and enter your vehicle details. You’ll receive an instant offer based on your car’s make, model, year, and condition.
Accept the Offer: If you like the offer, you can accept it and arrange for a convenient time to have the car picked up.
Complete the Sale: When the buyer arrives, they will inspect the car, complete the necessary paperwork, and provide payment on the spot.

8. Selling to a Junkyard

If your car is no longer in working condition, selling it to a junkyard in Vermont is another option. Junkyards will buy vehicles in any condition, including those that are no longer running. This can be a quick way to get rid of an old or damaged car.

Some well-known junkyards in Vermont include:

Chapin Auto Parts: Located in Montpelier, Chapin Auto Parts is a trusted junkyard that buys vehicles in all conditions. They offer competitive prices and can often provide same-day pick-up.
Vermont Auto Recycling: Based in Swanton, Vermont Auto Recycling specializes in buying junk cars and trucks. They offer cash for cars and provide free towing for vehicles that are no longer drivable.

Here’s how selling to a junkyard works:

Get a Quote: Contact the junkyard and provide them with details about your vehicle, including its make, model, and condition. They will give you a quote for the car.
Arrange for Pick-Up: Once you accept the offer, the junkyard will arrange for pick-up of the vehicle. If your car is not drivable, they will often provide free towing.
Complete the Sale: When the junkyard arrives, they will inspect the vehicle, finalize the paperwork, and give you cash or a check on the spot.

Selling to a junkyard is a good option if your car is no longer running or has significant damage. Though the payout might be lower than selling to a private buyer or dealership, it’s a quick and easy way to get rid of a vehicle that’s no longer usable.

Popular Places to Sell Your Car in Vermont

Vermont offers a variety of locations to sell your vehicle, whether it’s a used car or a junk car. In Burlington, cash for junk cars is in high demand, making it a top spot for car buyers. Essex offers a competitive market for used vehicles, where buyers are always ready to make offers.

Selling your vehicle in Vermont doesn’t need to be complicated. By understanding the market value of your car, preparing it for sale, gathering the right documents, and following the steps to transfer the title, you can have a smooth transaction. Whether you’re in Burlington, Stowe, or another part of Vermont, taking your time to do it right will ensure a successful sale.