How do you write a good used car description?

Avoid using industry jargon, but do use buzzwords buyers understand. Always write honest descriptions. The most important vehicle qualities to include are its make, model, and year. If you visit a car search website, such as CarFax, these qualities are always three of the search parameters.

How do you write a good car review?

Generally, you'll start with a summary of your experience and end with a final evaluation . The middle parts of the review are highly customizable. A car review might have sections on safety features, style and design, engine specifications, technological innovations, or the car's ability to drive on rough surfaces.

What are good things to say when selling a car?

Include details about the engine, transmission, and any options or modifications on the vehicle . Also, make note of the year, make and model, mileage, and vehicle identification number. Report any issues or accidents, so potential buyers know what to expect before coming for a test drive.

What mileage is good for a used car?

There's no rule to how many miles on a used car is too much, but by attempting to stick to the 12,000 miles per year rule is a great place to start. Find out how old the car is, multiple the number of years by 12,000, and if the number on the odometer is significantly higher than that, some concern might be warranted.

What year used car is best?

The Best Time to Buy a Used Car Purchasing a used vehicle that is 2-3 years old means that you are getting a relatively new car in good condition without being affected heavily by depreciation.

What is the best time to buy a used car?

Summer & Winter —During the hottest and coldest seasons, it's always a great time to buy a used car. It's typically slower during those months, so not only can you expedite your experience, but there won't be as many people shopping for a car. You may even be able to find some great discounts.

What is an example of selling a car description?

Here's an example of a good car description for a higher mileage car that isn't in perfect condition, but is in excellent mechanical shape: Selling to get family car – just had first child. 33 mpg and runs great. All scheduled maintenance, including regular oil changes.

How do I write a car description on Facebook Marketplace?

Start by stating the basics: make, model, year, trim, color, and mileage . Then, move on to the more specific details about your car that will help the buyer make a decision. Here are some things you should include in your description: The car's condition — whether it's mint, fair, or needs work.

What pictures to post when selling a car?

Photograph all the details a buyer will want to see inside the vehicle . Make sure to photograph the seats, dashboard, and any optional equipment (such as a stereo), floor carpets, backseat, or other interior angles. Also include any items that help identify optional equipment, such as trim level and condition.

How do you describe a car example?

For example: A black, late model Plymouth, four-door sedan; Florida license number ABC 333; large dent on rear passenger door; and Florida Marlins decal on rear window . In the event of a moving vehicle, do your best to make note of as much information as possible, including the direction of travel.

What is the short description of a car?

A car is a vehicle that has wheels, carries a small number of passengers, and is moved by an engine or a motor . Cars are also called automobiles or motor vehicles. Trucks and buses are motor vehicles as well. However, trucks and buses are larger than cars, and they carry heavier loads.

How to Write the Perfect Used Car Ad | Capital One Auto Navigator (2024)

Capital One

Article QuickTakes:

As someone who has been in the business of buying and selling used cars longer than I care to admit, my experience says people buy with their eyes. Whether they are shopping for the rolling embodiment of automotive perfection, or just a loveless daily driver that gets them from Point A to Point B, car buyers can make one of the most significant financial decisions in their life based solely on a car listing's photos. This is why it's so important to take the time to craft a compelling used vehicle listing.

1. Begin with the Truth

Here’s a shocker: You get far more money and sell your car faster by being truthful. Start by offering a free Carfax report and mentioning that in the ad. Take several close-up pictures of any major blemishes on the body and interior. Also, feel free to outline why you are selling your car to eliminate any uncertainty for customers. By being honest with your car’s faults, you’re giving potential buyers confidence that you’re not hiding a major mechanical problem. This tactic also gives buyers less leverage for negotiation. If you priced your car fairly at $10,000 and disclosed a cosmetic scrape on the front bumper, the buyer is less likely to use that damage as a reason for offering less money.

2. Provide Maintenance Records

If your car was maintained at the original selling dealer, mention it. Do you have the majority of the maintenance records, or can you get a copy from the garages where it was serviced? Noting complete service records, and taking a picture or two showing all that paperwork, lets buyers know that you correctly maintained your vehicle.

3. Write Your Used Car Ad with Mutual Respect

Nothing kills an ad quicker than using all capital letters—the internet version of SHOUTING. There is also no need to razzle-dazzle your car by declaring it “the best,” “the greatest,” or “a fantastic deal.” Instead, to consummate a mutually trustworthy transaction, be respectful and honest with potential buyers.

4. Make Sure Buyers Find Your Ad When Searching

You want your ad to show up when people use a website’s search function, so make sure that your listing includes common search terms that are applicable to your vehicle, such as “SUV,” “three rows,” “all-wheel drive,” or “leather seats.” It’s also smart to include different variations of names, such as “Chevrolet” and “Chevy.” It also may make sense to include a similar model as a keyword, but keeping Rule 3 in mind, don’t turn your ad into spam with irrelevant models. It’s okay to write, “This GMC Sierra is mechanically identical to the Chevy Silverado.” It’s not cool to insert the name of every pickup model sold in the last century into your ad.

5. Offer Links from Experts and Prior Owners

If you search for the year, make, and model (i.e., 2007 Honda Accord), you will likely see a small army of websites that reviewed the vehicle when new. If you add the word “owners,” you will see reviews from previous buyers. Copy and paste these web addresses into your listing so buyers can read reviews and testimonials that make your car stand out for the right reasons.

6. Emphasize the Car’s Greatest Strengths in the Description

Avoid simply writing your car is “very safe” or “really reliable.” Prove it has an excellent safety record by presenting the evidence. For example, if you say “The 2012 Chevy Malibu is a Top Safety Pick according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety”, underneath that copy, post a link to validate this from the IIHS, or a YouTube video that shows how it performs in a crash. Featuring experts and respected sources will put your car and your professionalism at a higher level.

7. Don’t Forget to Make the Most of your Presentation

When photographing your used vehicle, the background should always be appealing, such as a nice house or a park that is clean and well kept. It’s also no crime to say a vehicle has “minor dings or dents (see pictures).” This lets customers see exactly the condition of your vehicle instead of thinking about worst-case scenarios.

In the end, mutual respect and honesty will ensure your perfect used car ad achieves the highest visibility possible and yields the best financial return.

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