Car for sale

[in-parentheses.livejournal.com]

Do any of you need a car? I have a 1996 Subaru Legacy station wagon that I've finally, after much agonizing, decided to sell. She has a little over 93,000 miles, is fantastic in the snow, and is in really good shape - new tires, regular maintenance, etc. - except for the small problem of a busted catalytic converter. I can't afford to replace it, which is why I'm selling the car. The replacement cost for the catalytic converter is $1600, which I've subtracted from the Blue Book value of the car, so I'm asking $3300 (or best offer).

I know it's kind of a long shot that any of you might be interested, but if you have any advice about how to go about selling a car, that would be really helpful. I've never done this before.

Thanks so much!

Comments

[bwilder.livejournal.com]

I think the standard thing to do in car-selling is to lie. That's my understanding, but I've never really sold a car.

[snarkyman.livejournal.com]

I take it that the Subaru dealer quoted you the $1600 price tag for the catalytic converter.

I seriously suggest that you try to get quotes from others like Midas and Speedy Muffler before you sell the car.

When the catalytic converter went on my 1992 Saturn, the dealer in Medford wanted $800+ installation to replace it. I called around and found that Midas in Burlington would replace the catalytic converter for $255 complete (catalytic converter, installation and tax) including a multi-year (lifetime?) warranty.

Please check you options before you sell the car. You may be able to afford the repair.

Good Luck.

Re:

[bikergeek.livejournal.com]

yeah. the problem is that the OEM converter needs to last 80,000 miles per Federal regulations that apply to emissions systems. That's why buying the exact same converter that went into your car at the factory is such an expensive proposition compared to buying a generic replacement at a non-dealer mechanic.

I am not a lawyer and the following is not legal advice:
In regards to selling the car:
The Mass. "Lemon Law" applies to private-party sales of used cars in Mass., which makes it essentially impossible to sell a used car that requires substantial repairs to pass inspection. If someone buys it and it fails inspection, they have the right to return it to you and get their money back.
http://www.state.ma.us/consumer/Pubs/lemonaid.htm

[antimony.livejournal.com]

There's also boston.craigslist.com -- posting this there will probably reach more people.