Want to boost your car's selling price off the bat? Our first tip covers that.

Ready to start biking to work?  Or are you looking to upgrade to a new model?  Selling your car independently can be hard work, but you're more likely to get the money you're looking for that way, rather than trading it in at the dealership.  Follow these easy steps and you'll be handing over the keys in no time.

Clean Her Up

Just like when you're selling your house, your car should be in tip-top shape.  This means that you need to remove your personal effects (the stuff some people would call your "junk") and ensure that your car is clean inside and out.

If you're not into getting your hands dirty, find a local company that specializes in detailing cars.  Have the fabric and carpets washed, the leather treated, the windshield replaced (if it's cracked) and any minor dents or scratches dealt with.  Put your car's best foot forward and you'll increase your chances of a solid sale.

Don't forget to keep it in good shape throughout the time it's on the market.  You never want someone to see your car in less than ideal shape.  While you're keeping your car in soon-to-be-sold condition, consider keeping it in the garage and taking it to the car wash weekly.  Entice potential customers with a car that doesn't feel, smell or look used!

Advertise

Advertising is key to getting your car sold.  There are free ways to get the word out and there are methods that will cost you, but are generally worth every penny.

Go out to your local hardware store and buy a For Sale sign to hang in the back window.  Write your cell phone number on the sign and field calls.  Park your car in high visibility areas so that more people can be exposed to the sale sign.  The sign shouldn't cost you more than $5.  Or you can opt to make your own; just make sure it's eye-catching.

Put an ad in the local paper.  Advertising costs differ from paper to paper.  Your ad should be easy to read and include all of the important information, such as make, model, year, colour, price and a contact number.  Add a picture for more results.  Visual elements will help your ad stand out from others.

Use a car classifieds magazine, like Auto Trader Canada, for even more print (and online) media exposure.

Create a listing on Craigslist.org, facebook.com or ebay.com to generate more exposure and take advantage of online sales.
In fact, I would suggest attacking on all fronts.  The more people that see your car, the better chance you have of finding a buyer.

Hold the Proof

Have all the proof you'll need to back up your claims handy.  If your car has passed the emissions test (Ontario/BC) or you recently had the transmission replaced, have paperwork, certificates and bills of sale ready for your potential buyer to inspect.  Since you can't offer the buyer a warranty like dealerships and car retailers can, prove to them that your car is in good working order.

It's also important to have a list of any major repairs you've done and proof that you have performed regular maintenance on the vehicle over the time you've owned it.

Make sure your vehicle registration and any other important legal documents are ready to go for a smooth sale.

Negotiate Like a Pro

Practice your negotiating skills.  For the most part, in an independent sale, vehicle pricing is subject to some negotiation.  Your buyer may expect the price to change, or after inspecting the vehicle, may decide that you have overvalued it.  After all, they are looking to get a good car for the right price.

Before you put your car on the market, decide on your rock-bottom price.  It's important to know where you stand before you get into the heat of a sale.  That way, you won't lose money or back out of a sale without having thought about it first.

Going, going, gone!

Remember that your car can't sell itself.  Think of any fees you pay, the detailing bill, the car washes and advertisement fees as money invested into your sale.  After all, by selling independently, you'll make more money than if you were going to trade your car in at the dealership.

While you'll be investing a lot of time and a little money into the sale, the money you'll save in the long run can be put towards that new commuter bike or that hybrid you've had your eye on.

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