Trying to sell car - what kind of stuff should I do?

Ryan

Lifer
Oct 31, 2000
27,519
2
81
I'm trying to sell this car - a 1998 Nissan 200sx SE.

The KB private party for the car is $4770, and I'd like to sell it for that much. I owe $3750 on it, but I would like to make a little profit off of it. In the past year I've bought SE-R rims for it, installed a 400 dollar set of tires two weeks ago, added mudguards, just replaced the CV joints and had the transmission serviced when the tires were done. Some little stuff that it's got is a full sized spare, sunroof, spoiler, fog lights, and a set of new floor mats. I've also performed most of the maintenance myself, with full documentation of all work done, including receipts and work orders from the dealership. Total amount put into the car over the past year: $2011 :Q

I don't have any paperwork from before my ownership, but I am aware that it has been in a fender bender with the first owner that required the front bumper to be repainted. I went to the body shop that did the work, and they said there was no damage other than a cracked bumper.

Cosmetically, the interior is nearly perfect, the only defect being that one of the side bolsters in the drivers seat has been flattened from my fat ass. The outside is in great condition, only with normal wear and tear from years of driving - nothing a few waxes can't solve. Mechanically, I'd say it's nearly perfect - I've never had any problems with it after 84K miles.

Today I listed it in the classified ads in my local paper, and detailed the the vehicle (spent about 7 hours shampooing to upholstery, waxing in, and degreased the engine). I'm trying to get the owner of an office complex to let my park the car out in front of their office parking lot since it's located on one of the busiest corners in town.

What other stuff should I do to sell it? I'm thinking about starting the asking price out around the low $5Ks so that I have some leeway to be talked down. Any suggestions?

Thanks! :D
 

Ketteringo

Banned
Feb 2, 2002
4,302
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Ask $2k more than what you want for it, and then bargain down to $500-1k more than what you want for it :) Just make sure you put 'OBO' or 'flexible' in the ad :)
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
8
81
I was going to suggest detailing it, but it sounds like you've pretty much got it covered.
 

Ryan

Lifer
Oct 31, 2000
27,519
2
81
Originally posted by: ANY5546
Ask $2k more than what you want for it, and then bargain down to $500-1k more than what you want for it :) Just make sure you put 'OBO' or 'flexible' in the ad :)

2K more?!?!? I think that might jsut scare buyers away before they even consider it......:Q
 

OS

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
15,581
1
76
that is a pretty cool car, why are you selling it for a scion?? Isn't that generation sentra engine good for like 400 HP?
 

boyRacer

Lifer
Oct 1, 2001
18,569
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edmunds.com has a pretty nice book for buying/selling cars... just did a quick skim at my local bookstore... they had a list of what to do to sell your car. its $14 though.
 

NutBucket

Lifer
Aug 30, 2000
27,152
635
126
Originally posted by: OS
that is a pretty cool car, why are you selling it for a scion?? Isn't that generation sentra engine good for like 400 HP?

Then why aren't you buying one?:p;)
 

OS

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
15,581
1
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Originally posted by: NutBucket
Originally posted by: OS
that is a pretty cool car, why are you selling it for a scion?? Isn't that generation sentra engine good for like 400 HP?

Then why aren't you buying one?:p;)

You know, if this guy was in CA and I had the money, I'd seriously check it out. Buy it, strap on a 75 shot and call it a day.

 

OS

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
15,581
1
76
seriously, I think I saw a teardown of some mid 90s sentra engine in some import rag and the stock connecting rods looked wider than many aftermarket ones. :Q
 

Ryan

Lifer
Oct 31, 2000
27,519
2
81
Originally posted by: OS
that is a pretty cool car, why are you selling it for a scion?? Isn't that generation sentra engine good for like 400 HP?

HAHA - good laugh :p

 

OS

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
15,581
1
76
Originally posted by: rbloedow
Originally posted by: OS
that is a pretty cool car, why are you selling it for a scion?? Isn't that generation sentra engine good for like 400 HP?

HAHA - good laugh :p

Is this your car??

Internally, the engine remains stock (for now) with the exception of Jim Wolf Technology's billet street grind cams. . .
With 340 hp on tap and only a 2400-lb curb weight, the acceleration is mind blowing


Is this the engine in your car?

Everything in the SR20 is stout (especially the rods) because the powerplant is turbocharged in Japan where the engine powers the Silvia sport coupe.

look here too

I estimate that his car is putting out over 400 hp with the stock bottom end!
 

Joker81

Golden Member
Aug 9, 2000
1,281
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0
Whatever you do DON'T kill two pigs and put them into the car for 2 months and then try to clean it ala MYTHBUSTERS.
 

Ryan

Lifer
Oct 31, 2000
27,519
2
81
Originally posted by: OS
Originally posted by: rbloedow
Originally posted by: OS
that is a pretty cool car, why are you selling it for a scion?? Isn't that generation sentra engine good for like 400 HP?

HAHA - good laugh :p

Is this your car??

Internally, the engine remains stock (for now) with the exception of Jim Wolf Technology's billet street grind cams. . .
With 340 hp on tap and only a 2400-lb curb weight, the acceleration is mind blowing


Is this the engine in your car?

Everything in the SR20 is stout (especially the rods) because the powerplant is turbocharged in Japan where the engine powers the Silvia sport coupe.

look here too

I estimate that his car is putting out over 400 hp with the stock bottom end!

No,I have a 1.6l engine :p

 

Hoober

Diamond Member
Feb 9, 2001
4,417
62
91
Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
:( because you're selling a 200SX for an xB

- M4H

Yeah, I really don't know what they were thinking when they designed that thing.