How do I safely sell my van?

[jmbar2]

I have a nice Ford Econoline van that I've camped in for a couple of years.

Now, I've got "vanlife" out of my system and would like to sell it.

As a female, I don't feel safe posting on Craiglist, meeting strangers and going on test drives. Selling to a used car lot is out of the question - they want to give me a fraction of its street market value.

Duers, do you have any advice? Thanks in advance.

[lagomorph777]

1. Got any male friend/relative who can help with meetings?

Also, meet in a well-lit place away from your home. Have another car there.

[SheltieLover]

2. Here, police recommend meeting at their station

You could call & ask what they recommend. Be safe!

[hlthe2b]

3. Well, if you live in a community that is amenable to it, you could advertise and meet at police dept

for the look-over. Some departments will allow their desk person to take your contact information and that of the buyer and to notify whoever is on duty should you fail to return in the specified amount of time. Of course, you need to arrange that in advance and large city PDs probably won't accommodate you, but I'd bet a lot of suburban and smaller town departments still will.

Other than that, arrange for them to come to your home when a neighbor will be present and might serve the same function. (They will likewise record the buyer's driver's license and vehicle tag).

As for payment, you probably need to arrange to meet at their bank in order for the bank to issue a cashier's check in real-time.

Oh, and I never go anywhere without my little disguised cylinder of pepper spray on my keychain...

[Mosby]

4. Post wherever, but use a work address or a bank for a meet up.

meet them there.

Don't go on a test drive, just ask for their license to hold.

[Phoenix61]

5. This is where bars and churches come in handy.

Both have large social groups who are happy to help a fellow group member out. Ask any friends you may have who are part of one of those groups to ask around.

[Zeitghost]

6. Around here

They have public exchange locations. They are intended for child custody exchanges and online sales exchanges. They are in well lit and videotaped locations in very public areas. That and a friend coming along would make things safer. For test drives, exchange keys for their license or at least a photo of it on your phone.

To be honest, I have found the online sales thing to be a complete hassle and not worth the extra money. You will spend half of your time dismissing scam artists and the rest dealing with lowballers who have no intention of paying a fair price and just want to waste your time for their personal enjoyment and the slim chance you're just tired of dealing with it and accept their offer.

[ecstatic]

7. I've used carmax in the past. I think they're fair

if you're willing to consider them. Just know the worth of your vehicle before stepping inside. Kelly Blue Book online should help.

[pstokely]

32. carmax doesn't haggle, you might get more if you're willing to haggle

nt

[ZonkerHarris]

8. CarMax or a dealer like that if you want to avoid random people wasting your time

[Bantamfancier]

9. Don't blame you for not wanting

to use Craigslist. Between the lookie-loos and the low ballers, it can be a hassle to sell a vehicle there. Are there any online auction houses you could consign it to? They do all the advertising and handle the questions. The buyer pays the commission.

Edited to add.

I would give a dealer a chance right now. It’s insane what they are offering for used vehicles right now. I have a 2017 tacoma that they want to give me a thousand more than what I paid for it 2 years ago. Problem is there aren’t any new ones on the lot to buy to replace it with.

[jmbar2]

14. Never heard of this - great suggestion

Checking it out. Makes a lot of sense, particularly in this market where used cars are getting better prices, and folks want vans.

[Bantamfancier]

17. Yeah, it could work for you.

All you need is 2 or 3 people that really want it and a mild case of auction fever.

[empedocles]

10. And, get cash buyers

[GemDigger]

11. Auto Dealers are also looking for buys.

Around here they are paying good money for real junkers.

[blm]

12. Police recommend meeting at their stations.

[Delphinus]

13. I was watching

a football game the other day and saw Vroom.com - I've had no dealings, but maybe it's a look into? Good luck.

[jmbar2]

15. I got estimates from vroom and a couple of others

They offered $800 for a great van with low miles. No way.

[Delphinus]

16. Good to know!

[gay texan]

18. Fellow custom van afficiando checking in

Theres a lot of van specific groups on Facebook that you will probably have good luck with.

Out of curiosity what year is it?

[jmbar2]

24. Some deets...

1998 Ford Econoline E150, D’Elegant Conversion Van. 88,693 miles.
• Triton V8, automatic trans, AC, Michelin tires
• VIN# 1FDRE1461WHB50086 Clean autofax – no accidents.
• Missing one wheel cover.

I'll post pics later - gotta run to the airport.

[padfun]

30. According to Edmonds...

based on the VIN number, mileage, and depending on what shape the car is in, here are the values:
Note: the first number is the trade in value

Rough $1,103 --- Private Party $1,646
Average $1,434 --- Private Party $2,140
Clean $1,765 --- Private Party $2,634
Outstanding $1,931 --- Private Party $2,881

I did get the message that CarMax was interested in this model

[jmbar2]

34. Did a quick search on Carfax selling prices

Not cheap

https://www.carfax.com/Used-1998-Ford-Econoline_z1480

[Shermann]

19. If it's a 1979 Chevrolet 'A-Team' Van....SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!

Otherwise I'd settle for wholesale at a dealer during a red-hot used car market.

[MineralMan]

20. What year? Describe it better, and we may have ideas.

I understand your concerns, but there are ways to protect yourself. However, if your van is older, it can be more difficult.

[jmbar2]

26. See below - good suggestion.

[Tomconroy]

21. I would second the Carmax recommendation if there is one near you

They make the process easy. A maybe 10 minute inspection. Then they give you the offer in writing and it's good for a week. So you don't have to rush a decision. At least that's how it worked several years ago when I traded in mine.

[Celerity]

22. possible buyer

[jmbar2]

27. HAHAHAHA!

That's what I told everyone when I bought it, that I was going to live down by the river.

[Celerity]

31. lolol

[mnhtnbb]

23. Unless the van is in prime condition, it may not be worth the hassle of trying to

sell it yourself, especially if test drives are involved.

I've used Carmax and been satisfied with it, but for a sedan.

You might try this: https://www.cashforcars.com/ford/econoline/

[jmbar2]

28. I checked with them

Extreme lowball offers, way below Kelly.

[jmbar2]

25. Here are more details, for those that asked

1998 Ford Econoline E150, D’Elegant Conversion Van. 88,693 miles.
• Triton V8, automatic trans, AC, Michelin tires
• VIN# 1FDRE1461WHB50086 Clean autofax – no accidents.
• Missing one wheel cover.


Camping gear available if interested

- Jackery portable power system
- Heavy duty ext cord
-coffee pot
-futon couch/bed frame
-small table
-levelling blocks
-tarps and sun umbrellas
-stove/cooking gear
-solar lamp
-blackout curtains
-winter fleece insulating curtains/underbedding
- portable heaters (extension cord to hookup)

Will post pics later - gotta run to the airport now.

Thanks everyone for your responses!

[MineralMan]

29. Vehicles over 20 years old aren't of much interest to

Used car dealers, unfortunately. You'll probably have to sell it yourself to got anything close to its value. Some have offered safety suggestions. Most are good. I also suggest Facebook Marketplace. Just arrange meetings at safe places. Don't go on test drives with potential buyers, and complete the transaction at a vehicle registration facility in your state. Have someone with you at all meetings with potential buyers.

[jmbar2]

33. Here's what CarMax is asking for them

https://www.carfax.com/Used-1998-Ford-Econoline_z1480

Can't find my pics yet.

[MineralMan]

35. Hmm...those seem to be mostly commercial vans, not conversion vans.

You said that yours is set up as a sort of live-in van. That may not be what the market is looking for. I don't know.