Classic car enthusiasts know that there is much more to our hobby than just having a garage queen… a car that might only be driven a couple of times a year. Many of us are into restoration: starting with a classic that has fallen into disrepair, fixing it, and then enjoying it, or maybe even selling it. Sometimes we sell one car to fund the purchase of another, or to make room for another one. And sadly, sometimes we just need the money for something else (I hate bills). If you’re ready to sell, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Research the market. This is always your first step. Get an idea of the pricing for similar cars. It’s as easy as a Google search: just look through the results and see what other people are asking (and receiving) for cars like yours. Compare the condition of the cars you find to yours to get an idea of what you might pocket from the sale. Personally, I like using Auto Trader Classics, eBay and Hagerty to get a realistic idea of car values.

Choose the ideal time to sell. If you need to sell your classic car to raise money in a hurry, you might not have the luxury of waiting. And you might not need to… you never know when someone is looking to buy the kind of car your selling. But, depending on what you’re selling, there may be good reasons to wait. For instance, you’ll have better luck in the spring and summer months if you’re selling a convertible. Think about it. Would you want to take the top down on a test drive on a cold January day? Well, I’m in Southern California so I just might, but you get the point. Likewise, the weeks leading up to Christmas aren’t ideal for selling because a lot of people are spending their cash on Christmas gifts. Who knows? Maybe you talk someone into buying your ’65 Mustang as a gift for their grandma.

Make minor repairs before selling. Taking the time to make minor repairs before putting your car on the market can help draw the best possible price. Don’t have the time or money for repairs? Well, you just might have to lower the selling price a little to make the deal more appealing. Still, take the time to make your car as attractive as possible to bring buyers in for a second look. A wash and wax can go a long way in making the car more attractive to potential buyers. Show them that you cared for and paid attention to the car.

If you’re ready to sell, check out our Pomona Classifieds, where you can advertise your car online for FREE. And, of course, the Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show remains the premier West Coast venue for buying and selling classic autos. With seven events each year, we’re always right around the corner!