Should I Sell My Car If I Hardly Drive It?
3 Answers
If you hardly drive your car, it is recommended that you sell it. Here are some considerations when selling a used car: 1. Prepare the necessary documents: including the purchase invoice, vehicle license, vehicle and vessel usage tax, vehicle purchase tax, and proof of insurance and other relevant tax payments. Once both parties agree on the transaction, proceed to the vehicle management office as soon as possible to complete the transfer of ownership. 2. Sign a sales agreement: The seller must clearly state in the agreement that any traffic violations or accidents after the sale will be the responsibility of the new owner. Any verbal agreements between the buyer and seller should also be included in the written terms of the sales agreement. 3. Complete all transfer procedures: When buying or selling a used car, it is essential to promptly complete the transfer of vehicle documents and insurance to avoid future complications for both parties. The transfer procedures can be handled at a professional used car company or a 4S shop to ensure the ownership and related responsibilities are properly transferred.
Last year I sold that idle car because the math just didn't add up. The vehicle depreciates at least a few hundred monthly, with thousands wasted annually on compulsory insurance and road tax - all for nothing. I even had to spend money on car covers to prevent dust accumulation. The battery would die after six months of disuse, requiring an 800-yuan replacement, and tires were prone to deformation from prolonged unilateral pressure. The biggest loss? A car bought for 180,000 five years ago could only fetch 60,000 now - a net loss of 120,000 over five years, equivalent to ten years' worth of taxi fares. If worried about emergency use, keeping a 30,000-yuan ride-hailing fund makes more financial sense. Nowadays with on-demand car services available instantly, there's no need to stress about parking spaces either.
My SUV had been gathering dust in the garage for two years before I finally realized it was time to get rid of it. At first, I thought I might use it occasionally, but last year I only drove it three times—twice just to take it for a spin to prevent it from deteriorating. The mechanic told me that leaving a car unused causes more damage over time, as the oil settles and forms sludge, leading to clogged fuel lines that cost three times more to repair than regular maintenance. When I renewed my insurance last year, I found the premium had increased by 15%, and the insurance agent quietly mentioned that cars with long-term zero mileage pose higher claims risks. Last month, my residential parking fee rose to 800 yuan, and I realized that even putting the money from selling the car into Yu'ebao would be better than paying for unused parking. The used car dealer also pointed out that prolonged parking had caused severe paint oxidation, slashing the offer price by 5,000 yuan.
