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One of the most important things to do when selling a car is to prepare it for the sale - you wouldn't invite company over for dinner without cleaning and vacuuming before-hand, why would you do any different before trying to sell your car to a stranger. It's been documented that you can increase the value of the sale by taking the time to clean, wash, polish, and vacuum the car in advance. Try to think of the impression you would have of the car if you had never seen it before, and if there is anything that stands out as being a problem, either fix it (if it is something easy like a stain or a scratch that can be polished/buffed), or consider replacing or repairing problems if there is something broken, damaged, or in need of mechanical repair. If you don't have the time or skills to fix the problems yourself, take the car to get detailed by a professional, and/or bring it to a mechanic - a buyer will always prefer (and pay a premium for) a vehicle that is clean, looks good, and is free of any obvious problems.
For problems that require replacement or repair, you will also need to look at the cost - certainly identify any issues that would be requried to have the car certified as being safe to drive, as this is often a primary requirement for any buyer. Consider more closely any additional problems that are more functional or cosmetic, while buyers prefer a vehicle that is free from obvious blemishes, you need to think about what it costs to repair them, and if you will make that money back when selling the car (for example, if the air conditioning costs $1000 to repair, but will only increase the likely sale price by $100, it may not be worth it, but a noticeable tear in a convertible top may only cost $100 to repair, but may increase the value by $500 and allow you to sell the car more quickly).
Once you are ready to list your car, it is often a good idea to list it in multiple places - for example, a for sale sign in the window of the car might catch the attention of somebody local, listing it in the various online used car web sites such as Auto Trader will give you broader visibility (and often come with printed magazine listings), and you can supplement it with putting the listing on your own web site, the classified section of your local newspaper, or a bulletin board at work.
When dealing with a prospective buyer, it is often better to be prepared with information, and be thorough and up front with the buyer about the history of the vehicle, any outstanding liens, and the maintenance/accident history if you have it. Collect all available records, including service manuals and invoices from any mechanics that have worked on the vehicle, and be sure to be honest about any problems (as many countries/provinces/states have laws that protect the buyer in the event that the seller has knowingly tried to hide problems). For any used car, even one that you have grown out of, there is always a person willing to buy it, so while you always want to show the most positive side of your car, be sure to provide full disclosure up front, as it will help you figure out right away whether the seller is the right fit.
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