Close How to Sell Your Car in Des Moines, IA
At Kia of Des Moines, we know that selling a vehicle can feel overwhelming, especially if you've never done it before. However, you don't have to deal with online listings, no-show buyers, or test drives with strangers. Selling your car directly to us is a simple and stress-free option available to you, and we're here to walk you through exactly how it works.
Gather Your Documents
Before you come in, make sure you have the essentials ready. You'll need your car’s title, a valid government-issued ID, and any loan or lien information if you still owe money on the car. If your vehicle is paid off, the title should be in your name. Don't worry if you still have an outstanding loan, as we handle those situations regularly and can work with your lender directly to settle the balance.
Get a Valuation
Once you're ready, bring your vehicle to our location in Des Moines for a free appraisal. Our trained evaluators will inspect the car's condition, mileage, service history, and current market demand to arrive at a fair offer. This typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If you want a general ballpark figure beforehand, we offer online valuation tools where you can enter your vehicle's details and receive an estimated range before you start getting ready to cruise through I-35.
Review Our Offer
After the appraisal, we'll present you with a written offer. This offer is based on real-time market data, the condition of your vehicle, and what similar cars are selling for in our region. There's absolutely no obligation to accept — we want you to feel confident, not pressured. If you have questions about how we arrived at the number, just ask. A member of our sales team will be happy to walk you through it.
Negotiate and Accept
Like any transaction, there's often room for conversation. If you believe your vehicle is worth more based on recent upgrades, low mileage, or service records, bring that documentation. A car that has been well-kept despite many trips to Stewart Square Park can absolutely influence the final number. Once both parties agree on a price, we'll move forward with the paperwork.
Get Paid
This is the part many of our customers are most excited about. Once the deal is finalized, payment is typically issued the same day — either as a check or, in some cases, a direct deposit. No waiting weeks for a private buyer to secure financing. No uncertainty. Just a clean, straightforward transaction.
Trade-In Credit
If you're also looking to purchase a new or used vehicle from us, selling your car as a trade-in can provide a significant credit toward your next purchase. In many states, that reduces the taxable value of the new vehicle, saving you even more money at the table. Ready to get started? Stop by or fill out our online form with the details of the car you’re selling. We're here to make the process as easy as possible.
Learn About How You Can Appraise Your Car Online!
Dealership Information
Testimonials
“ Got my second Kia this week and couldn’t be happier! Bought my Forte in 2019 new and just traded it in for a 2026 Sportage. Bill Stone and the whole team was great to work with. Can’t recommend enough! ”
“ I had a great experience buying my new 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid! It was my first car buying experience since my father passed 1.5 years ago; JR and Phil took time to answer my questions and listen to my thoughts and concerns. Aaron made the signing papers fun and easy. Jacob made sure I could drive away comfortable with the important features. Together they made a great team and I will be sure to be getting it serviced there too. Best and easiest car buying experience ever! ”
“ Very efficient very respectful. Had the car and paperwork ready for us. ”
“ We just purchased a new 2027 Telluride hybrid SX procedure we ordered it from Jeff. It came in two weeks before he said it would which was nice. We went through the process of paying for it and then They showed us everything we needed to know on to have very thoroughly. It’s a good place to do business. I’m saying this with some experience I bought over 40 new cars in my lifetime and this is one of the better processes. ”
“ We bought a 2027 Kia Telluride from Antonio and enjoyed the experience all the way through. He was very friendly and easy to deal with. They also did a nice job of walking us through the features of the vehicle. Everything was done and ready in a timely manner which was much appreciated! Thank you Kia of Des Moines. ”
“ Great experience. Zak was very informative and helpful. ”
“ Best car buying experience by far. Everyone was so helpful and made it super simple and fun! ”
“ Customer service was excellent. Shout out to, Gus! The gal in the service department was also excellent at explaining all the features to us as well! Overall great experience! ”
“ The salesman was very kind and courteous! He showed all options on the car. Gave us a good deal! ”
“ Had a great experience. They treated me with great professionalism and deliver of the car was in a timely matter. ”
“ We had a great experience getting into a lease with Kia of Des Moines. We were in and out quickly, had our paperwork done promptly, and everything explained to us. More importantly we got into a payment we could afford that was better than the competition. We considered Toyota and Ford. Toyota has struggled with inventory that fit our needs, and Ford has stopped producing Sedans. Regardless, we are pleased with Kia. ”
“ I recently purchased a 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid from Kia of Des Moines. I test drove the vehicle and obtained a quote for my current vehicle trade-in and within an hour we made a deal. It was a smooth process and there was no pressure from the salesman Jeff Davis. I didn't have a check or my current vehicle title with me, so they allowed me to make a wire transfer from my bank and I drove my new vehicle home that day. I returned the following day with the title for my old vehicle. It was a great experience not only with the sales staff, but also with Jim Voss in finance and with Jacob Kline in delivery who set up my new vehicle. I appreciated the fact that no one pushed an extended warranty program which a lot of dealers do these days. Kia already has an awesome warranty program. ”
“ Great place to buy a car. From start to finish, the KIA team provides excellent service! ”
“ Very professional and friendly service ”
“ We recently bought a new Telluride from them, and we enjoyed the experience. It was our first time buying a new car and they were very patient with us and weren't pushy at all. They didn't try any tricks with us and are very satisfied. We enjoyed our process working with them. ”
“ We came in and looked at a few cars, we were very happy with are sales rep and also the financial department. The gal that went over our new car and showed us stuff was great as well. This is our 3rd kia and we love it each time. Thank you again for the great service. ”
“ JR was very helpful in helping me make the right decisions!! I love my new car! ”
“ Best car purchase experience ever!!!! Joe made the process very easy and stress free. ”
“ Fantastic experience. Knowledgeable and quick. ”
“ Had a great experience at Kia of Des Moines buying my 2026 K4 GT-Line Premium. My salesman JR was good, honest, and patient through the whole process. He worked hard to get me the right car at the right price and rate, and treated me with respect. It was month-end and the dealership was really busy, so we didn’t get to take the traditional photo with the flower on top of the car. But that’s all good and totally understandable. Before we left, one of the managers came over, shook my hand, and thanked us for our business. That kind of personal touch meant a lot, especially on such a hectic day. JR and the whole team at Kia of Des Moines were professional from start to finish. If you’re in Des Moines looking for a Kia, ask for JR. Highly recommend! ”
“ I purchased a new Kia K5 GT Line from Kia of Des Moines after my daughter’s 2023 Kia K5 was rear ended by an uninsured motorist. I’ve purchased many vehicles in my lifetime and I have to say this was the easiest and unpressured car buying experience I’ve ever had. Thank You to Kia of Des Moines staff and or salesman JR. Best Always, Jeff ”
“ Excellent attention from the Kia staff and I recommend Bob Mercer's attention; he will take care of you very well ”
“ Excellent attention from the Kia staff and I recommend Bob Mercer's attention; he will take care of you very well ”
“ I had one of the best experiences at Kia. Zack was so helpful and attentive. He listened to what I was looking for and showed me every option that I had available to me. I have never had a car salesman work as hard as he did. He provided top notch customer service. But it didn’t end there. Signing the financial paperwork was quick and seamless. Also, the tutorial that I received at the end of the purchase was also a very pleasant experience. I highly recommend Kia of Des Moines if anyone is looking for a great vehicle and even better customer service. ”
“ Quick and easy. Fast quality service. Felt everything was transparent and helpful. ”
“ The salesman and other staff were attentive and worked with my wife and I to get not one, but two new vehicles at a price we could afford! The salesman went the extra mile literally as he had to pull several vehicles to look at until we found the one that had everything we were looking for. Definitely recommend Kia of Des Moines. ”
“ Great experience, in and out in 30 minutes! ”
“ Zack was very good to work with in on the sales team as was the finance lady! They weren’t pushy at all and gave me my time to figure out what I wanted. And Jacob was amazing at going over all the features of my new car with me so I understood them. ”
“ Thank you for everything very good service and very friendly everyone. ”
“ Bob was really nice to work with and we love our KIA ”
“ Just picked up our new KIA Hybrid Telluride. The process was so slick. Everyone was so pleasant to work with. The staff is amazing. Jacob explained everything on how the car worked. Gus was a top notch salesman!! ”
“ Great sales team at KIA of Des Moines ”