How (and When) to Sell Your Car on Facebook Marketplace
- Heather Boyle
- Aug 18
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 24
If you’ve ever looked at a dealer’s trade-in offer and thought, “That’s it?” — you’re not alone. The truth is, your car could be worth a lot more to a private buyer. Facebook Marketplace is one of the simplest ways I've found to make that happen.
When your trade-in is older, has higher mileage, or isn't suitable for resale on a dealership lot, it typically gets sent to auction or sold to a wholesaler. The dealer's offer is based on the actual cash value (ACV), with each party involved (dealer, wholesaler, auction) expecting to make a profit.
So when you think, “They’re giving me way less than my car is worth,” you’re right! You can usually sell your car yourself for more cash. The real question is: is the extra effort worth it?
When It's Smart to Sell Your Car on Facebook Marketplace
Thinking about selling your car on your own? It might be a good idea if these sound like your situation:
Your car is older than 7 years.
Your car has over 100,000 miles on it.
You've paid off the car and have the title ready.
The title is in your name (no messy ownership stuff).
You're okay with disclosing major mechanical issues instead of fixing them first.
Your car's value is $10,000 or less.
You're already on Facebook and are comfortable with online transactions.
If you nodded along to most of these, here's how to kick things off:
Step 1: Research Pricing
Start by searching Facebook Marketplace for similar cars in your area. Compare prices, mileage, and condition to get a feel for the local market. Then, use Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds to find retail values for your vehicle.
Pro tip: Get instant cash offers from places like Carvana or CarMax while you’re at it. Even if you don’t take them, these offers give you a solid backup plan and extra negotiating power with dealers if you decide to trade instead. Sometimes, they’ll even beat what a private buyer will pay.
Step 2: Clean and Prep Your Car
Be sure to give your car a good wash or consider having it professionally detailed before taking photos or showing it to buyers. A clean car looks like a well-cared-for car, and every buyer wants a car that seems like its owner loved it! Your clean car will photograph better, sell more quickly, and even help you to get a higher price.
Pro tip: Remove personal items like photos and clean out a messy glove compartment or trunk. Vacuum and febreze the carpets and swiffer the dashboard. Fifteen minutes of effort can lead to more money in your pocket.
Step 3: Create Your Listing
To sell a car on Facebook Marketplace, go to Sell → Create Listing → Vehicle. For the description:
Stick to the facts and keep the tone neutral.
Avoid phrases like “great first car” or “lots of life left in this baby.” Buyers don't care what you think, sorry! 😉 I'd stick to specifics and not opinions.
Disclose any MAJOR mechanical issues right away (especially if it impacts safety or inspection).
Include a note that you will accept cash or a certified bank check only.
Photos matter! Take clear shots in daylight from multiple angles, plus the interior, odometer, and any major blemishes.
Step 4: Set the Price
I suggest listing at fair retail value, leaving up to $500 wiggle room. That way, you can negotiate without dipping below your target number.
Step 5: Protect Your Privacy
If you don’t want friends, family, or the people you went to high school with to know you’re selling, use the setting to 'hide from friends'.
Step 6: Screen Potential Buyers
Scammers are out there, but they’re easy to avoid if you:
Keep all messages in Facebook. Don’t give out your phone number. Ever.
Never send money or give bank account details (including Venmo).
Only negotiate in person—ignore lowball offers sent before they’ve even seen the car. And don't share your 'bottom line number' until someone has seen the car. I usually reply with, “I’m accepting offers from in-person buyers only.”
If anyone is unreasonable, has a bad attitude, shares a sob story, or is otherwise clearly a scammer (i.e., saying they will pay you in full if you provide your account info), you can simply, 'block messages from this sender'.
Step 7: Test Drive Safety
Expect some no-shows! It's normal. Don't rearrange your schedule too much for seemingly interested buyers.
When a prospective buyer does show up:
Meet outside your home or in a public place.
Take a photo of their driver’s license and, out of an abundance of caution, the car they arrived in, including the license plate. Text them to a friend if you'll be test-driving with them.
If you ride along, trust your instincts. If someone weirds you out, don't go on a test drive alone with them.
I prefer letting a prospective buyer drive solo, telling them, “Be back in 15 minutes. If you’re not back in 25, I’ll have to report it stolen.”
If a buyer wants to have a mechanic look at it for a pre-purchase inspection, it's fine to do this once you have a deposit and have agreed upon a price. Meet them at their mechanic's with the car, and limit the time you spend there to 30 minutes. Don't feel you need to discount the car more (unless you want to) and refund the deposit if they change their mind. There will be another buyer.
Step 8: Handling the Sale
When you agree on a price:
If they leave a deposit, write a simple receipt and give them a few days to bring the balance.
Keep the listing up until they pay in full.
Be clear: first person to pay in full gets the car.
For final payment:
Only accept cash or a certified bank check.
Count it in front of them.
Provide a bill of sale marked “as-is, no warranties expressed or implied.”
Sign over the title and take photos of both sides for your records.
Check your state’s DMV website for exact requirements.
Hand over all the keys you have and the owner’s manual - it’s good karma!
Step 9: Wrap It Up
When the car is gone and payment is in your hands, or the check has cleared, mark the listing as sold on Facebook Marketplace - they will alert interested parties. Then congratulate yourself. You just made more than the dealer offered.
Final Thoughts
I've never had a buyer reach out to me after a sale, but one time I had to contact a buyer because we accidentally left my husband's EZPass in the car. And you know what? He was incredibly kind and brought it back to us! If it seems like this post is more warnings about potential creeps than encouragement, let me assure you: Facebook Marketplace can be a very real way to put more money in your pocket and give your old car a fresh start with a good person.
Selling privately isn’t for everyone. It takes time, patience, and a little bit of street smarts. But if your car is paid off, worth less than $10,000, and you have the title, listing your car on Facebook Marketplace might just be the best way to do it.
The Power of Community
Selling your car can feel daunting, but remember, you’re not alone! There’s a whole community of women out there navigating the same journey. Share your experiences, tips, and even your worries. You might just find a friend who’s been through it all and can offer some great advice.
Have thoughts, questions, or a personal experience to share? Comment below!
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