How to sell a car that is currently financed and by an online-only lender?

cwrighta70cwrighta70 Member Posts: 0
edited January 2015 in General
I am looking to sell my car, and it is currently financed through Santander Consumer which is an online-only lender. Generally speaking, when someone buys a financed car from a private party, they can accompany the seller to the bank to pay off the note, then receive the title. Unfortunately, I won't be able to offer that luxury which, I'm sure, will scare away many potential buyers.

I have contacted the lender, and they will only release the title 20 days after the balance has been paid off. I can't imagine a buyer being okay with paying thousands of dollars, then waiting 20 days to take possession. And I can't imagine turning the car over to someone without a title and before the payment has officially processed. How can I safely and securely facilitate the sale while making the buyer as comfortable as possible?

Comments

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 269,525
    The short answer: Find other funds to pay off the loan, then market the car with a clear title.

    Realizing that not everyone has the resources to make that possible.

    Edmunds Price Checker
    Edmunds Lease Calculator
    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!

    Edmunds Moderator

Sign In or Register to comment.

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.