SELLING

This is the typical process for selling a private party car on Built for Backroads. The transfer of funds, title, and ownership are handled between the buyer and seller.

1. List Your Car

Review how listing works and then submit your car to be listed on Built for Backroads.

2. Buyers Contact You Directly

Respond promptly and be transparent, as this builds credibility with buyers and saves time in the long run. After a few message exchanges, it’s important to move the conversation to a phone call or in person

3. Don’t Feel Rushed
Be cautious if a buyer tries to rush the transaction or avoids answering basic questions, or if they don’t seem to have genuine interest in the car. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. The majority of transactions happen in person, so use extra caution when dealing with remote buyers. We suggest avoiding international buyers.

Read our Seller Safety Guide for tips on avoiding common scams.

4. Learn About the Buyer
Ask where the buyer is located and whether they plan to complete the sale in person. Confirm if they’re paying in full or securing a loan, and agree on the payment method ahead of time. Clear communication up front helps avoid confusion and reduces the risk of scams.

5. Meet Up In Person
Always meet in a public place during daylight hours, and bring a friend if possible. It is common to first take the buyer for a ride as a passenger. If a buyer wants to drive after you provide them with a ride, ride along with them and ask for proof of a valid drivers license and insurance. It is reasonable to snap a photo of their ID for peace of mind.

6. Pre-Purchase Inspection
Most serious buyers will ask for a PPI (Pre-Purchase Inspection) at a local mechanic or dealer. It’s usually paid for by the buyer, and you’ll schedule it together. The seller drops off the car with the inspector, and the inspection takes about an hour. The shop should provide a copy of the report to both the buyer and seller.

7. Negotiate Fairly
Know your car’s market value and your bottom line before the negotiation begins. If your car is clean and priced fairly, don’t be afraid to hold your ground, but stay flexible within reason. Everyone wants a fair deal, so a little back-and-forth is normal.

8. Smog Check
In many states, a smog check is required before the sale is completed, and in most states it is legally the seller’s responsibility. Be sure to complete this ahead of time.

9. Finalize Payment
Agree on a payment method ahead of time and be aware of common scams involving payment by reading our seller safety guide.

• Escrow Services (recommended) – A third-party escrow service securely holds the buyer’s payment until the car is either delivered or picked up in person and accepted. Once everything checks out, the funds are released to the seller. This protects both parties throughout the transaction. Use a trusted service like KeySavvy.com or Escrow.com. There is a small fee (around $200), but it’s well worth it, especially when the buyer isn’t physically present.
• Cash – Simple and immediate, but best done at the seller’s bank for safety.
• Cashier’s Check – IMPORTANT: Only accept if you’re at the issuing bank with the buyer. Watch and listen as they request the check from a teller, then deposit it immediately at your own bank. Fraudulent cashier’s checks can initially be deposited and then bounce days later. 
• Wire Transfer – Fast and secure when done correctly. Always confirm the funds have cleared with your bank before handing over the title or the car. Most banks charge a small fee to the buyer.

10. Transfer the Title
The Certificate of Title, commonly known as the pink slip, is the official document used to transfer ownership of the car from the seller to the buyer. The process for transferring the title varies based on your state.

• DMV – You and the buyer can complete the title transfer at your local DMV.
• AAA – If both parties are members, AAA can quickly handle the title transfer, registration, and sometimes even the release of liability on the spot. Call your local branch to verify they have the service. Memberships are approximately $65 for a year.
• Paperwork exchange – If you choose to just hand over the Certificate of Title then you’ll sign the front of the title in two places. The buyer fills out their information on the detachable portion (the release of liability), which you keep and submit to the DMV. This is a critical step and each state has a strict timeframe by which this must be completed. Never extend this timeframe.

11. Finalizing the Sale
Complete the sale by signing a bill of sale and submitting the release of liability. This officially transfers ownership and protects you from any responsibility for the car after it’s sold. Search online for your state DMV paperwork to see if these forms can be submitted online. Example for California: Bill of Sale and Release of Liability

Check your state’s laws regarding whether you need to remove the license plates before handing over the car, and don’t forget to remove the vehicle from your insurance policy.

12. Mark It Sold
Once your car has sold, just send us an email directly at support@builtforbackroads.com with the listing link. We’ll mark it accordingly on our website.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Note: Our guides are meant to provide general guidance for buying and selling on Built for Backroads. While we aim to keep them accurate, they may not cover all scenarios or legal requirements.