With a detailed description, the right keywords, and good photos, a thorough ad helps ensure that you’ll draw in potential buyers who will most likely be interested in your make, model, price, and features.
Keep reading for helpful tips on creating excellent classified car ads that sell.
- Classified Car Ad Writing Tips
- Important: Use Plenty of Photos
- Avoid Common Pitfalls
- Place Your Ad on Kelley Blue Book
- Bottom Line on Good Car Classified Ads
Classified Car Ad Writing Tips
The best-written classified car ads we’ve found are honest and include plenty of details along with the right keywords. The writing of your ad is where you get to focus on your car’s unique selling points and remember why you bought the car in the first place. To earn a buyer’s trust and save time in the long run, be sure to include the good and the bad, including any accidents or problems.
MORE: 7 Ways to Protect Yourself When Selling a Car Privately
Facts to Include in Your Classified Car Ad
- Provide a detailed description. The more information you include about your car’s features and condition, the more effective your ad will be — and the less time you’ll spend answering individual questions. Every car ad should begin with the basics, beginning with the year, make, model, mileage, and body style (also known as “category”). 2016 Chevrolet Equinox LTZ — all-wheel drive (AWD) compact SUV — 82,000 miles — Purchased new
- Include the trim level or version of your model, as it makes a difference in the value. The trim level is the package of exterior and interior options that car manufacturers add to a model. In the example above, “LTZ” denotes the Equinox’s trim level. Higher trims often have upgraded wheels, premium upholstery, better engine performance, and specific safety features.
- List the asking price. State the asking price at the beginning of the classified car ad, along with the basic specs. Begin by posting the Kelley Blue Book Value followed by your asking price, and add an explanation as to why you’re asking for more or less than the Blue Book Value. Set your negotiating terms by stating whether the price is “firm,” “negotiable,” or “best offer” — as this will help you target the right buyers for you.
- Explain why you’re selling the car. One of the most common buyer questions is, “Why are you selling your vehicle?” So be sure to answer this in your ad. It gives buyers a sense of the car’s condition.
- Show off good gas mileage. If your car gets a high number of miles per gallon (MPG), be sure to mention the excellent fuel economy in your description. Fuel-efficient vehicles are in demand.
How to Address Modifications and Warranty Status
- Highlight modifications. If you’ve added features to your car that aren’t part of its standard options, be sure to mention them in your description. A new audio system, an alarm, or specialty tires can attract buyers searching for those extras. But also remember that not all modifications add value. Sometimes that custom orange paint job or the raised suspension you love might limit the number of buyers.
- Include any warranty information. Include any remaining warranty coverage, whether the warranty is transferable, and if you have the paperwork. List what type of coverage your car has and for how long. For example:
- Three months left on the powertrain warranty
- 5,000 miles remain on the bumper-to-bumper warranty
- Manufacturer warranty available for a $50 transfer fee. If your warranty requires a transfer fee, you may also want to mention whether you are paying for it or not. Some manufacturers don’t offer the same warranty coverage for second owners, so be sure to check your documents.
How to Write About the Condition of Your Vehicle
- Provide an honest assessment of the car’s condition. It’s essential to honestly assess the condition of your vehicle when writing a classified ad. It would also be wise to include your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN). A VIN allows the potential buyer to run it through a vehicle history report to see if it has been totaled or flooded in the past.
- Disclose issues that might need fixing. You don’t want to wait for prospective buyers to find something in an AutoCheck or Carfax vehicle history report — or in a pre-buy inspection — as it will just sour the deal and waste everyone’s time.
- Mention maintenance and service records. A well-maintained vehicle is a sought-after vehicle. Give prospective buyers added peace of mind by letting them know you took good care of your car, including regular oil changes. If you kept good maintenance records, mention this, as it can back up your claim that you have cared for the vehicle.
- Electric vehicle (EV) battery health. Include any battery health reports you have when selling your EV, or other helpful information about the car’s battery. Kelley Blue Book provides VIN-specific battery health scores for most electric car listings.
Sample Classified Car Ad
Below is an example of a good description for a higher-mileage car that isn’t in perfect condition but is in excellent mechanical shape:
2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE Hatchback Sedan 4D 63,500 miles — Selling to get a family sedan — just had first child. 33 mpg on highway, handles well, and runs like brand new. All scheduled maintenance and service at the same VW shop, including regular oil changes. Maintenance records and mechanical inspection report available. Highway miles. Ice cold A/C, heated front seats. Non-smoker. Normal wear in clean interior. Cosmetic 4-inch scratch on rear passenger door from a parking lot mishap. No frame damage. New tires 18 months ago with regular rotation. Perfect first car. Priced to sell.
MORE: How to Sell a Car Online
Important: Use Plenty of Photos
Because ads with a gallery of photos typically get a much greater response than ads with few images, it’s important to include a thorough collection of clear pictures from multiple angles. Photos help buyers become familiar with the car so they can imagine owning it. Review photo galleries on dealership listings to get a sense of the shots to include in your ad.
Don’t limit yourself to exterior shots. Interior photos, including the instrument cluster, infotainment screen, rear sets, and cargo area, are a must. Buyers want to see what it’s like to be inside your car.
Use quality photos after you’ve cleaned your vehicle inside and out. Photos taken on a cloudy day tend to work better, as there’s less glare. Avoid frustrating buyers with pictures that are blurry or lack detail. Make sure your photos are close and clear enough to show the vehicle’s condition accurately.
RELATED: How to Sell a Car: 10 Steps for Success
Avoid Common Pitfalls
Now that you know what to do when you create an ad, here’s what not to do:
- Don’t list your car for two different prices in two places. If buyers see the price difference, they may become distrustful of you.
- Don’t forget to post quality photos. Search engines view ads with pictures and place them high on the search engine listing.
- Don’t overprice your car and expect it to sell right away.
- Don’t change your price too often. Buyers will think you’re not serious or your ad isn’t legitimate. Many buyers watch ads for several days or weeks.
- Don’t neglect your car’s desirable options and safety features, such as lane departure warning, backup camera, or automatic emergency braking.
- Don’t list your car in multiple places if you do not have time to manage the calls or update your classified car ad.
- Don’t ignore inquiries. Respond to questions from potential buyers promptly.
Place an Ad With Kelley Blue Book
When you place an ad to sell your car through Kelley Blue Book listings, it also appears on our sister site, Autotrader, as part of the Private Seller Exchange (PSX). The streamlined service is a safe process for peer-to-peer car sales. PSX is the go-between for verified buyers and sellers and secures certain aspects of the transaction, like vetting the participants, safeguarding the exchange of funds, and transferring the title.
The PSX platform also provides car shoppers with an AutoCheck vehicle history report that outlines the chain of ownership, odometer records, crash history, title status, and more. Buyers may use PSX financing options or submit their payment online via ACH, wire transfer, debit, or credit card. Sellers receive payment the same day or the next business day, depending on when the sale is final.
MORE: 7 Ways to Protect Yourself When Selling a Car Privately
Bottom Line on Good Car Classified Ads
Creating an effective classified car ad involves providing clear details like year, make, model, mileage, trim level, and a justified asking price. Include an honest description of your vehicle to highlight its selling points, such as fuel efficiency, modifications, features, warranty status, and battery health for EVs. Provide a vehicle history report and disclose any past issues, accidents, and repairs. Use plenty of clear photos that show the good parts and flaws. A well-crafted ad balances transparency with appeal, attracting buyers and boosting your chances of a quick sale.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since its initial publication.
