Need advice selling my car.

[cathal]

The car is a 2002 Nissan Altima.

I have a car in great shape except for 2 things: first is the driver's side front tire. The air seal is weak and it tends to go flat within a week if I don't keep filling it. I suppose that the new rim would cost about $100. The second is that it needs a front pipe for the exhaust. Its the part that goes from the engine's exhaust that follows under the engine to the exhaust pipe. That part costs $600 from the dealer and $650 from the mechanic (who will just purchase from the dealer and add $50 fro the trouble.)

I have been unable to find the part from an exhaust shop that can even build exhaust pieces. This one is too convoluted in shape for hem to build. I've tried U-Pick companies and they don't have one that can fit.

I've decided I've put too much money into the car already and it'll be better to just sell it. But how would I go about selling a car that needs work? If I sell privately I seriously doubt I'll get the money the car's worth.

What advice do you have?

[chiliphil1]

If selling privately in need of repair you would certainly take a hit on the price. You could look at the KBB value and sell it around the "fair" condition price or possibly a little lower.

I would check to see what other similar cars are selling for in your area and see if it may be worth it to repair it before selling, sometimes people will jump on a car that needs work because they can save a little money which translates to money lost for you.

Also, check your state laws as well, here in Georgia if your car will not pass emissions, which your's may not with the exhaust issue, you cannot sell the car. The government has passed a law that if a car either does not have a current emissions certification or will not pass a test it cannot be sold regardless. You could face heavy fines for selling the car.

Be sure to check into all of that. The last thing I would recommend would be to trade it in, you will lose tons of money trading in, be patient and do research on what the cars sell for and go from there, good luck!

[cathal]

That pretty much sums it up. Thanks chiliphil1