How to spot bad advice and shady dealers when selling your car
Thinking of selling your car? Timing matters—but knowing who (and what) to trust does too. Whether it’s a well-meaning spouse (or their father) or a pushy dealer, bad advice can cost you thousands. Here’s how to avoid the common traps and sell with confidence.
Now let’s go back to the 3 common car-selling traps that will hinder you from getting your best price.
Trap #1: Mistaking noise for advice
Sometimes, the loudest voices are the least informed. While they mean well, they may not have the necessary information and facts. Or in the worst case, they may be trying to con you outright.
Trusting the wrong voices (even if they’re your trusted aide!) can lead you straight into a pit of poor decisions. Here’s how to avoid the traps, the drama, and the shady deals.
How to tell if your car is worth more than they say:
Still runs smooth? That’s value.
A well-maintained engine, clean gear shifts, and no mystery noises under the hood? That tells buyers (and platforms like Carro) your car’s still in good condition and roadworthy, which keeps its value up. Engine still whirring fine? Carro will take your car.
Regular service records
Even better. Regular oil changes, part replacements, and check-ups show that you’ve taken care of your car, and that builds buyer confidence. It’s like showing your report card when selling your car.
“But my tyres are bald!”
Sure, maybe $1,000 off – not $10,000. Some dealers will use minor wear and tear to slash your car’s value dramatically. But realistically, tyres, a light scratch, or a faded seatbelt shouldn’t destroy your resale price. At Carro, you can confidently bring in your car for an inspection and rest assured that you’ll get a fair price. Knicks and dents do not bring down your car’s resale value – as long as your car’s engine is working fine, you will get a fair valuation.
Market demand > Uncle’s opinion
Just because your uncle says your car’s “not worth much” doesn’t make it true. Always trust facts, not feelings. Do your research and make sure you have a grasp of what your car is selling for in the market.
Carro’s offer is based on data, not drama
Data-driven platforms like Carro look at real-time market demand and pricing trends, not hearsay or outdated assumptions.
Trap #2: Shady, pushy dealers making decisions for you
Some dealers may try to:
- Undervalue your car for minor flaws.
They’ll point out every little imperfection—tiny paint chips, a chipped rim, slightly worn tyres—and use them as excuses to slash thousands off your car’s value. They might frame it as a “standard market deduction” or say things like, “Buyers won’t go for this unless we fix it.”
But here’s the truth: most of these are normal wear and tear, not dealbreakers. A well-maintained car with service records still holds strong value, and a small scratch doesn’t justify a massive price cut.
- Rush you into a deal before you can compare offers.
They’ll use urgency as a tactic: “This offer is only valid today,” or “We’ve got another buyer lined up.” The goal? To pressure you into making a quick decision before you can compare offers or check your car’s real value.
A reputable buyer won’t push you to act fast—they’ll give you time to make an informed decision. If someone’s rushing you, it’s usually because they know you could do better elsewhere.
- Promise fast payment, then delay.
One of the oldest tricks in the book—dealers who say you’ll get your money immediately or within hours, then disappear or come up with excuses: “Finance is processing,” “Boss not around,” or “Give us one more day.”
Delays like this are not just frustrating—they’re a red flag. Always work with platforms or dealers who have a clear, documented payment process. At Carro, for example, payment is fast, tracked, and reliable—no ghosting and no unnecessary delays.
How to protect yourself:
- Set a budget and try to stick to it – if you’ve done your research and know your car’s worth, then make sure to repeat that offer.
- Get multiple offers – Don’t rely on one source.
- Don’t fall for “limited time” offers – Pushy salesmen often use this to pressure you into dealing fast!
- Bring family or friends – They can be there to remind you what you’re here for: selling your car for the highest price possible!
- Read reviews – If you’re going to a dealership, see what people say about the company and their people.
Trap #3: Failing to research your car’s true value
Knowledge is power. Knowing your car’s market value can be immensely helpful when it comes to selling your car. If you price it too high, people might not show interest. If you price it too low, people might think there’s something wrong with it or worse, you end up making a loss on what was your prized possession.
While knowing your car’s true value can be difficult, you can always do research by going on to forums and checking out what the market value is at used car dealerships.
How to get the best price guaranteed for your car
At Carro, we offer instant payment and the best price guaranteed when you sell your car. No drama, just our best price for you.
We also offer:
- Free, no-obligation inspections
- Data-based offers
- Same-day payments
- Help with loan settlements and ownership transfer
And that’s how we make car selling with us a breeze!
One last royal advice and offer
Trust your intuition – if something feels off, it probably is. But you should also use facts, not fear, to guide your decision. Like the King, you deserve a fair price for your car.
