Services - Let Us Help You
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We provide a non-commission venue for selling and buying private vehicles. We are not a dealer or consignment lot.
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We have 4th generation customers from the first families who bought and sold vehicles in the early days.
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We don’t require a reservation. Our policy is first-come, first served.
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There are ALWAYS friendly, expert people to answer any questions at the desk during hours of operation.
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We are happy to help you contact potential sellers by phone
Frequently Asked Questions
What days are you open?
Carmart Office is open normally on Saturday, 7:30 am - 4 pm, and Sunday, 7:30 am - 3 pm.
**Gates Open from 7:30 AM to Sunset**
We will close at certain times of the year for holidays and special fairground events.
See the Hours page for details and last-minute updates.
Do you have Financing?
Northbay CarMart does not have financing.
Can I get financing or purchase the vehicle from me?
No
What do I need to bring with me to sell my car?
Your vehicle, current registration, and smog certificate, if available.
Although not required to show proof of current smog or a pink slip to bring your car to the CarMart, both are required at the time of sale for ownership transfer.
How long is my Smog Certificate good for?
A smog certificate is good for 90 days from the date of the testing being done.
Do I need to make an appointment or reservation to sell my car?
No appointment necessary — first come, first served (don’t worry, we have plenty of spaces!)
Can I pay with a Credit Card or ATM to sell my vehicle?
NO, it is CASH ONLY
Cash payment only. Sorry, but we do not accept personal checks, money orders, cashier checks, credit cards, or debit/ATM cards.
There are no multiple-car discounts. Sorry, but spaces paid for are not refundable whether or not you sell your vehicle.
Do I need to stay in my car on the lot?
You are welcome to stay with your vehicle, but it isn’t required. For those who wish to stay on the lot, we have “Owner On Lot” signs that may be placed on your car to alert prospective buyers that you are nearby. You will leave a description of your car with your asking price on the inside of the window and “tear-offs” on the outside with your phone number — people will view your car, take your phone number from the tear-off, and if interested, will call for more information and a test drive. It is highly recommended that you give a phone number where you can be easily reached, such as a cell phone.
Can I leave my car overnight?
You are welcome to leave your car overnight on Saturday. We have ROAMING SECURITY on Saturday night. Regardless of you park at your own risk. Please remember to lock your car, take your keys and put up the top on convertibles anytime you park and leave it for the day or overnight. We will do our best to look after your vehicle during normal operating hours but can’t be responsible for unforeseen circumstances; sellers park at their own risk. Because the lot is without oversight on Sunday after 3 pm, please drive your car off the lot.
The gate will be locked at Sunset. This is the Sonoma County Fairgrounds policy.
NOTE: Early birds cannot leave cars on the lot before Saturday opening hours. Please note that any vehicles on the lot Sunday night after hours and later are subject to ticket and towing!
Do you charge a percentage of my sale price?
No, this is not a consignment lot, and there is no commission. CarMart staff do not show your vehicle for you.
I haven’t sold a car before. Can you help me?
We are always here to help! There are friendly and knowledgeable people at the desk ready to be of assistance. We have some DMV forms if you need them and helpful advice to assist with completing your sale. If you have regular maintenance and repair records, these should be available to prospective buyers as any other history, like a CarFax report.
Can you do a CarFax for me if I buy or sell a car?
Yes, we can run a CarFax for you at a minimal cost.
How should I prepare my car to sell?
To present your car in its best possible condition, spend some time on details. This can include: Washing and waxing the exterior, cleaning the windows inside and out, detailing the interior (don’t forget the ashtrays and glove box!), cleaning the engine compartment and trunk, and removing all personal and valuable items. Most don't realize how a faded headlight can make your vehicle older than it is. Here are some simple ways to do this. We are ONLY suggesting, NOT instructing you to do so. ALWAYS do your own research.
The fastest possible way to restore HEADLIGHTS - YouTube
The BEST Guide to Restore Headlights PERMANENTLY! - YouTube
What else do you suggest?
When prospective buyers take your car for a test drive, of which you do not have to always be sure to ask to see a valid driver's license and insurance.
What’s not allowed?
We strive to make Carmart a clean, safe, and pleasant place for everyone. We hope our patrons and visitors will help us do just that. Absolutely no alcoholic beverage consumption or drug use is allowed on the premises. Please control your pets and be aware of where your children are — there are cars driving in the rows. Be sure not to lean on or disturb the vehicles on our lot. Please keep your food scraps and trash in hand until you find a trash container to deposit them in. We appreciate your cooperation with keeping the CarMart a great place to visit!