Writing Ads for Used Cars

Writing effective Ads for Selling your Used Car

Read the ads in newspapers and on the Web. Which ones catch your eye?

They provide a good model for the ad you should write. Notice how each publication has a different flavor. Some publications may have ads that deliver the information in a snazzier style, while others provide just the facts.

Familiarizing yourself with vehicle characteristics is important in your attempt to market and sell your car. You may want to include these in your ad, but at the very least, list the basics — the year, make, model and description of the car, including equipment. Mention the distinguishing characteristics that attracted you to the car in the first place. Emphasize its selling points — its low mileage, high reliability, fuel efficiency and so on, but be ready to back up your claims with your records. If it is winter, note that it has four-wheel drive. If it is summer, highlight that your vehicle has air conditioning. Abbreviations will save you space and allow you to say more, but don’t abbreviate to the point where your ad becomes unreadable.

Conclude the ad with a price and your contact information. List an asking price unless you are willing to be barraged with phone calls from people who want to know the price. If you list “best price,” be prepared to take a lot of phone calls from wheeler-dealers, some of whom may make outrageously low offers.

Things to describe (but don't abbreviate too much)

• Model and year- Body style: 4door sedan, station wagon, coupe, etc.
• Color
• Engine type: 4cyl, V6, V8, etc.If your car has diesel engine, indicate it.
• Transmission type: automatic or manual
• Some important features: power features (windows, locks, steering, etc.), air conditioner, sunroof, alarm system, CD player, etc
• Mileage (it's not necessarily to indicate it if the mileage is too high)
• Asking price ("13,300" or simply "to be negotiated" etc.)
• Any particular notes if needed: (e.g. "one owner" or "needs body job" or "needs new battery", etc.)
• Time when you can be reached. - Your phone number

Here is an example

99 Toyota Corolla, white, stnwgn., auto, p/w, p/l, a/c, 18,000 mi, $13,300 Mon-Fri. after 5 pm & all wkends. 416-000-0000.

Don't describe all the advantages of your car in an ad. Left some of them (like new tires, or high quality stereo or new battery, etc.) to be mentioned later when consumer will come to see your car. So, you may attract potential buyers.

Don't spend money on generic signs.
Customize your own professional
For Sale Sign to use in your vehicle window.