DollarBreak is reader-supported, when you sign up through links on this post, we may receive compensation. Disclosure.
The content is for informational purposes only. Conduct your own research and seek advice of a licensed financial advisor. Terms.
How to Sell a Car in Iowa?
There are three main ways to sell your car in Iowa:
Jump to: Sell Car Privately
Jump to: Sell Car to Car Buying Website
Jump to: Sell Car to Dealership
| Turnaroud | Effort Needed | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Privately | 7-14 days | Most | Used cars |
| Car Buying Website | 24-72 hours | Fill online form | Junk and old cars |
| Dealership | 7-10 days | Visit office | Mostly new cars |
Sell Car Privately in Iowa
If you are looking to sell your car in Iowa, one of the options you have is to sell it privately. While private sales might seem daunting, it’s straightforward if you follow the guidelines. Here is a step by step guide on how to sell your car privately in Iowa.
What You Need to Sell Your Car in Iowa
- Iowa Certificate of Title
- Your name and signature
- Signature of any lienholder, if applicable
- Buyer’s signature
- Proof of Sale
- Odometer statement and damage disclosure statement
Step 1: Prepare the Car for Sale
One of the most important steps to selling your car in Iowa is to get it ready by cleaning it. You can therefore
Wash the car well. If you wash and detail your car well, it shows that you always take good care of your used car. You should also professionally detail it.
Repair minor issues. If your car has minor issues, you need to have them fixed before putting your car for sale. Your buyer can even help you fix it if you are honest with them.
Replace worn-out parts. You can also replace the oil filter, hoses, and belts to make your car ready for sale.
Step 2: List Your Car for Sale
The next step after preparing your car for sale is to list it. Make sure you take photos that describe it. You can look for a nice location and photograph the car while focusing on angles like the driver’s seat, the trunk, and the back seat.
You should also write a brief and detailed description of the car, including details such as the make, model mileage, and other features. Once you are done, you can post on free marketplaces such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Autotrader, and eBay Motors.
Step 3: Allow Third Party Inspection
Once you’ve prepared the car for sale, allowing the buyer to organize a third-party inspection is important. Although the buyer caters to the inspections, it’s a good idea to work without throughout the process.
You should also keep a record if any issues are found with the vehicle. While this is not a legal requirement in Iowa, it’s recommended that you do it before you can complete the sale.
Besides third party inspection, the state of Iowa required you to provide a damage disclosure statement for;
- Cars that are less than 7 years old
- Vehicles with true mileage of 1001 miles
- New vehicles with 1000 or more miles
Step 4: Gather All the Relevant Documents
Next, you need to collect all the relevant information related to the vehicle, including the owner’s manual, vehicle history report and maintenance records, and any additional paperwork. By providing that, you can help build confidence with the buyer that you’ve taken good care of the car.
Suppose the certificate of title has a lien, you need to ask the lien holder to provide you with a lien release letter. You may also pay off the car to pave the way for a smooth transaction. While Iowa does not require a bill of sale, having one is always advisable.
Your bill of sale should include the following information;
- Vehicle VIN
- The make, model, and year of the vehicle
- Sale price and date
- Your name and signature
- Buyers name and signature
To download a bill of sale template, go to the Iowa DMV website. You may also be required to provide odometer readings for vehicles that were transferred from January 2021 to December 2030 and cars that are less than 20 years old.
Step 5: Sign the Title Over
To transfer the ownership of the vehicle to the buyer you need to sign over the title. Make sure you write your name the way it appears on the title. Once you’ve signed the title, the buyer can take it to the DMV to complete the registration of the vehicle.
If you can’t accompany the buyer, they should give you a receipt stating that they’ve bought the vehicle and accepted the delivery of both the vehicle and title.
If your title is badly damaged or stolen, you can apply for one by filling out form 411 033 and paying a fee of $25 to get a duplicate. By completing the form accurately and legibly you’ll make it for the buyer to get a replacement.
If you jointly own the vehicle both of you should complete the title. Although gifting a car to a relative follows the same process, if you are inheriting a car you need documentation of inheritance with your county.
Step 6: Remove the Plates and Cancel the Insurance
Before handing over the vehicle’s ownership to the new owner, removing the license plates is very important. If you fail to do so, you may be held liable for any violations committed by the new buyer.
You can transfer the plates to another vehicle or take them to your local county treasurer’s office within 30 days of the sale date.
Once you remove the plates, make sure you cancel the insurance so you can avoid paying insurance premiums for a vehicle you no longer own. You may even get a refund if you’ve paid insurance yearly.
Step 7: Report the Sale
After completing the sale, you are required to notify your country about the vehicle transfer by filling out the Notice of Sale of Vehicle and Delivery of Title. Completing this form shows that you’ve already delivered the title of the car to the new buyer.
Iowa county will issue a 30-day transit plate for a fee of $3.00 for the non-Iowa residents who don’t have current license plates for the vehicles.
Sell Car to Car Buying Websites in Iowa
Peddle
Get your free offer instantly via online form or call on (855) 925 4302
$0 fees + you don’t have to pay for towing – Peddle will take care of it
Get paid in check during the pick up for any car (damaged, junk, wrecked)
CarBrain
Get an offer within 2 minutes and sell your damaged car within 24 hours
Free vehicle towing and no fees to getting rid of your damaged car
The tow truck driver will arrive with your check (nationwide service)
Rather than selling your car privately, car buying websites such as Peddle, Wheelzy and CarBrain. allow you to sell your car fast and get paid instantly.
They accept a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs., in any condition and provide a flexible, efficient, and fast service to customers.
To sell your car, you must visit one of the websites and provide details about your car, including make, model year, and mileage. After you’ve uploaded the vehicle’s details, the website’s representatives will call you and provide a free quote which you can accept or decline.
If you accept the offer, the company will schedule a pick-up, take your car and pay you in cash or check. The best part is that you can sell your car within one day.
Peddle
Peddle Summary
- Sell used, damaged or junk car nationwide
- Get instant quote on (855) 925 4302
- Free towing within 48 hours after offer
- Receive payment upon car collection
How Much Peddle Will Pay for Your Car in Iowa?
The table below shows few of the cars Peddle has recently purchased in Iowa
| Make | Year | Offer Value |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota (Camri) | 2002 | $420 |
| Ford (Escape) | 2005 | $435 |
| Acura (RSX) | 2005 | $1590 |
Wheelzy
Wheelzy Summary
- Wheelzy stores are open 7 days a week
- Get offer in minutes – (855) 510-1108
- Free towing of your car from your location
- Instant payment via cash or check
How Much Wheelzy Will Pay for Your Car in Iowa?
Here are a few examples of Wheelzy’s recent purchases:
| Make | Mileage | Year | Offer Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki (XL7) | Under 150,000 | 2008 | $450 |
| Mitsubishi (Endeavor) | Under 250,000 | 2004 | $400 |
| Pontiac (Vibe) | Under 150,000 | 2006 | $400 |
CarBrain
CarBrain Summary
- Get an online offer within 2 minutes
- Get cash for your car in under 48 hours
- CarBrain buys cars in over 7 conditions
- Up to 7 days to accept CarBrain’s offer
How Much CarBrain Will Pay for Your Car in Iowa?
The table below shows few of the cars CarBrain has recently purchased in Iowa
| Make | Mileage | Year | Condition | Offer Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz (M-Class) | 134,000 | 2014 | Mechanical Damage: Engine | $6,325 |
| BMW (5 series) | 120,000 | 2013 | Mechanical Damage: Engine | $3,060 |
| Ford (F-350 | Super Duty) | 202,000 | 2011 | Mechanical Damage: Other | $2,850 |
Sell Car to Dealership
If you don’t like to sell your car privately or use the website, selling directly to the dealer can be a viable option. Depending on the mileage and the general condition of your car, dealerships will always strive to offer the best price.
While selling to dealerships might not net you the price you are looking for, it’s a hassle-free, smooth process. To sell your car, you need to know its net worth and prepare all the paperwork. Next, be sure to search for the best dealer in your area and visit them for a free appraisal.
Best dealerships in Iowa:
Sell Car in Iowa FAQ
What should I do once I sell my car to Iowa?
To sell your car in Iowa, you need to provide the Notice of Sale of Vehicle and Delivery of Title”. This is to certify the transfer of ownership of the car.
Do I need to pay tax if I sell my car privately in Iowa?
Yes. Once you sell your car, you are subject to a new registration fee equaling 5% of the sales or lease price. This fee also applies when the transaction is taking place between private individuals.
Do I need to remove the plates after selling my car?
Yes. You need to return the license plates to the county treasurer’s office.
Do I need to notarize my bill of sale in Iowa?
Iowa state requires you to provide a notarized copy to the state of Iowa
Can I sell my car without documents in Iowa?
No. You cannot transfer ownership to the buyer without any papers. For the transfer to take place, you must provide the registration certificate and fill out a change of ownership form.
Source link
#Sell #Car #Iowa #StepbyStep #Guide