Selling Your Car on Facebook Marketplace: Get Top Dollar

Why Facebook Marketplace Sells Cars Fast

Facebook Marketplace has become the dominant platform for private car sales. Over 800 million users access Marketplace monthly. Your listing reaches local buyers with verified identities, and FB's algorithm shows your car to people actively searching for vehicles in your area.

Photo Strategy: 25+ Gets Results

Photos sell cars. Listings with 25+ photos receive 47% more inquiries than those with fewer than 10. Buyers want to see everything before messaging—give them that confidence.

Essential Photo List

• Exterior: Front, rear, both sides, 3/4 angles (8 minimum)
• Interior: Driver/passenger seats, back seats, dashboard, all controls (6 minimum)
• Details: Odometer, VIN plate, tire tread with penny, engine bay
• Flaws: Any damage, wear, or issues. Hiding them loses trust
• Features: Moonroof, infotainment screen, cargo area, special equipment

Pricing Your Vehicle

Research before listing. Check FB Marketplace, Craigslist, AutoTrader, and KBB for comparable vehicles in your area. Note: private party value, not dealer retail. List 10-12% above your walk-away price to create negotiation room.

If overpriced: Few inquiries after 7 days means you're too high. Reduce 5% and renew listing.

If underpriced: Flooded with messages within hours suggests you left money on table. Consider re-listing higher.

Writing the Description

Your description should answer every reasonable question. Include:

• Year, make, model, trim level
• Exact mileage (match odometer photo)
• Title status (clean, rebuilt, salvage)
• Number of owners ("2 owner, bought at 45K miles")
• Maintenance done ("oil every 5K, new brakes at 55K")
• Recent repairs ("new alternator, timing belt done")
• Any issues, no matter how minor
• Reason for selling

Handling Inquiries

Response time matters: Reply within 1 hour for best results. Buyers message multiple sellers—first response often gets the sale.

Filter tire-kickers: Ask qualifying questions: "When are you available to see it?" and "Are you financing or paying cash?" Serious buyers have answers ready.

Lowball offers: Never ignore them. Counter with: "I'm priced based on comps. I could do $X if you're ready today." Some lowballers negotiate up $1,000+.

Safe Transaction Process

1. Meet at public location (police station "safe trade" spots ideal)
2. Bring a friend or family member
3. Let buyer inspect thoroughly—rushing creates suspicion
4. Test drive together (you drive first to demonstrate, they drive to evaluate)
5. Accept cash (counted at bank) or cashier's check verified at issuing bank
6. Sign title and bill of sale simultaneously
7. File release of liability with DMV immediately