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How to Sell a Car in Illinois?
There are three main ways to sell your car in Illinois:
Jump to: Sell Car Privately
Jump to: Sell Car to Car Buying Website
Jump to: Sell Car to Dealership
| Privately | Car Buying Website | Dealership | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turnaround | 7-14 days | 24-72 hours | 7-10 days |
| Effort needed | Most | Fill online form | Visit office |
| Best for | Used cars | Junk and old cars | Mostly new cars |
Sell Car Privately in Illinois
While selling a car privately may seem like a hassle, it doesn’t have to be that way. Let’s go through the step-by-step process of selling your car to a private buyer in Illinois.
Step 1: Prepare Your Car for a Sale
To begin selling a vehicle in Illinois, follow these steps to prepare it for sale:
- Take out all of the trash from the car
- Get your car washed
- Remove any scratches with a soft cloth
- Remove all of your personal items
- Take enticing photos of your vehicle from various angles
These procedures will assist you in getting the vehicle ready to sell and for potential buyers to assess it.
People want to envision themselves as the new owner, which is difficult to accomplish if you still have your personal belongings there. So get rid of everything and make it clean and tidy, ready for a new owner.
Step 2: List Your Car for Sale on Various Platforms
Once you’ve taken images of your car, it’s time to set up online listings on marketplaces like eBay Motors and Facebook Marketplace, and AutoTrader.
Pro tip: To increase the chances of selling your car, make sure to list it on as many relevant platforms as possible.
While listing your car for sale, you should create a detailed description of the automobile, including all the details, such as:
- Brand
- Model
- Year
- Mileage
- Condition
- Specifications
Be honest in the description to avoid any inconveniences with consumers.
Step 3: Agree to an Inspection if Asked
In Illinois, selling an automobile entails a game of messaging ping pong with potential customers. Some individuals seem unconcerned, while others are determined and eager to move on.
Serious purchasers would usually request a vehicle inspection to ensure that the automobile is in good condition and exactly as you described it.
Accept the buyer’s request for a car inspection and work with them to make it happen. You don’t have to worry about it because buyers normally pay for it, but you should be prepared to participate if the buyer wants to take the next step and have the car inspected.
Step 4: Collect Paperwork
When the selling process advances and the sale gets serious, you’ll want to make sure all documents are in order.
According to the Illinois Secretary of State, you’ll need the following paperwork when selling an automobile in Illinois:
When selling a car privately in Ilinois, you want to make sure you have all the necessary paperwork in order for a smooth experience.
Step 5: Accept Payment and Transfer the Title
Once you’ve found a serious buyer and agreed on a final price, it’s time to accept payment and transfer the vehicle title.
Get your money and sign and date the title of your automobile. The buyer will also be required to sign and date the contract.
You should also obtain the buyer’s information, such as complete name, address, and contact information, in case there are any issues later on.
As part of the title transfer, you’ll need to provide an odometer disclosure. Give a Bill of Sale to the buyer and save one for your records.
Step 6: Remove Your Plates
Finally, before turning over the car to the new owner, you should remove the license plates. Your plates will remain with you.
Removing plates will avoid you becoming responsible for any fines a new owner may receive.
Step 7: Mail the Notice of Sale Form
You should notify the state of Illinois once the automobile is no longer legally yours so that you are no longer responsible for it.
You may use the Notice of Sale at the bottom of your title or the Seller’s Report of Sale form, which you should mail to the following address:
Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Record Inquiry Section 501 S. Second St., Rm. 408
Springfield, IL 62756
Step 8: Complete the Sale
Your component will be completed, however, keep in mind that the buyer must transmit title and tax information to the state of Illinois within 20 days. The entire procedure of selling an automobile will be completed when the buyer does that.
Sell Car to Car Buying Website
Selling your car to car-buying sites like Peddle and Wheelzy is quick and convenient as the companies will buy your car within 72 hours without you having to leave your house.
They will provide you with an instant quote after you submit an online application. You have 7 days to consider the offer a car buying company provides for your vehicle and either accept it or decline it.
If the offer works for you, you’ll schedule a pickup with the company representative, which typically takes place within the next 48 hours. The rep will pick up or tow your car for free and hand you the check on the spot.
What’s best, these platforms accept a wide range of vehicles in various conditions, including damaged or non-running cars.
However, these companies have one drawback – they typically offer a lower price for your car compared to a private sale.
Peddle
Peddle Summary
- Buys used, damaged or junk car nationwide
- Get instant quote on (855) 925 4302
- Free towing within 48 hours after offer
- Receive payment upon car collection
How Much Peddle Will Pay for Your Car in Illinois
The table below shows a few of the cars Peddle has recently purchased in Illinois:
| Model | Year | Offer value |
|---|---|---|
| Ford (Taurus) | 1994 | $485 |
| Chevrolet (Geo Prizm) | 2001 | $515 |
| Honda (Fit) | 2008 | $535 |
Wheelzy
Wheelzy Summary
- Wheelzy stores are open 7 days a week
- Get offer in minutes – (855) 510-1108
- Free towing of your car from your location
- Instant payment via cash or check
How Much Wheelzy Will Pay for Your Car in Illinois?
Here are a few examples of Wheelzy’s recent purchases in Illinois:
| Make | Year | Mileage | Offer value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki (SX4 Sedan) | 2008 | Under 100,000 | $300 |
| Nissan (Murano) | 2007 | Under 250,000 | $700 |
| Ford (F350 Crew Cab (4 doors)) | 2008 | Under 200,000 | $3,900 |
Sell Car to Dealership
When you need to sell a relatively new car, selling it to a dealer is the most convenient option. All you need to do to sell your car is visit the nearest dealership in your area and ask for a quote. The dealership will inspect your car for free and give you a price offer. If you’re good with the price, you’ll drop off your car and leave with your payment.
Best dealerships in Illinois:
Sell Car in Illinois FAQ
What is the California smog certificate?
In California, you must do a smog check every other year for a vehicle that’s more than eight years old. You’ll also need to do a mandatory smog check if you’re selling a car that’s more than four years old.
Who pays sales tax when selling a car privately in Illinois?
The buyer pays sales tax in Illinois, which is 7.25%.
Can you transfer a title online in Illinois?
The Illinois online system presently does not allow you to perform a title transfer online.
How much is a title transfer in Illinois?
Title transfer costs $95 in Illinois. The buyer is responsible for paying this fee.
Do I have to notify DMV when I sell my car in Illinois?
Yes, you must notify DMV when you sell your car and transfer the vehicle’s ownership by submitting a Notice of Sale. You can find this document attached to the bottom of the Illinois title, but if your title doesn’t include this form, you can download one.
