Top 7 Mistakes Indian Sellers Make When Quoting a Car Resale Price

Selling your used car should feel rewarding and not frustrating. But if you get the resale price wrong, the process can drag on, and you might not get the value you truly deserve. Many car sellers in India, especially in urban areas, tend to quote prices that either scare buyers away or leave money on the table. This guide will walk you through the most common pricing mistakes and how to avoid them.

Here are the Mistakes while Quoting Used Car Price

1. Skipping Research on Your Car’s Real Market Value

Before you quote a price, it’s important to know what your car is really worth. Don’t just guess or go by what your neighbour got for their car two years ago. Use trusted car valuation tools like the one on the CARS24 website or app. These tools use real-time market data to give you a fair estimate of your car’s value based on brand, model, age, condition and kilometres driven.

2. Letting Emotions Decide the Price

We get it, you’ve made memories with your car. But emotional value isn’t the same as market value. Just because your car helped you through college or several road trips doesn’t mean buyers will pay extra for the sentiment. It’s better to look at your car from a buyer’s point of view and price it based on features, condition, and age, not nostalgia.

3. Expecting Too Much for Aftermarket Modifications

While you may love the new alloy wheels or fancy sound system you added, not every buyer will. Some buyers actually prefer stock cars, as they’re easier to insure and service. Modifications rarely increase a car’s value and, in some cases, can reduce its appeal. If you’re quoting a higher price due to accessories, be realistic about how much they actually add.

4. Ignoring Wear and Tear

Every scratch, dent, and stain can affect your resale value. If your car has had heavy usage or missed regular servicing, quoting a price as if it’s in mint condition can drive buyers away. It’s a good idea to get your car inspected before listing it. You can also book a free doorstep evaluation from CARS24, where an expert can give you a fair price on the spot.

5. Not Factoring in the Brand and Model’s Resale Reputation

Not all cars depreciate the same way. Some brands, like Maruti Suzuki and Toyota, hold their value better due to strong service networks and easy availability of spare parts. Others might lose value faster. Do a little digging to understand where your car stands in terms of resale strength before setting a price.

6. Being Too Rigid During Negotiations

Buyers in India love to bargain, it’s part of the culture. If you quote a price with no room to negotiate, you might not get many offers. A smart strategy is to quote slightly above your minimum acceptable price, so you can still end up happy even after a bit of haggling. Just remember to stay polite and flexible.

7. Comparing with Unrealistic Online Listings

Sometimes sellers see very high prices listed on online marketplaces and assume their car should fetch the same. But not every listing reflects actual selling prices. Many of them go unsold for weeks. Instead, look at recently sold cars that match your make, model, and condition. This gives a better picture of the actual market.

Avoid Price Mistakes with CARS24

At CARS24, we understand how tricky pricing can be. That’s why we offer:

• A free AI-powered car valuation tool
• Expert doorstep inspections to evaluate your car's condition
• Access to verified buyers across India for better offers
• Instant payment and zero paperwork hassle

Our goal is to help you get a fair, fast, and frustration-free sale.

Final Thoughts

Quoting the right resale price isn’t about aiming high or low, it’s about being smart, informed, and a little flexible. With a bit of preparation and support from CARS24, you can avoid these common mistakes and sell your car with confidence. Ready to find out what your car’s really worth? Try the CARS24 valuation tool today!