(METRO) More and more auto buyers are considering and ultimately purchasing preowned vehicles. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, used vehicle sales in the United States have risen every year since 2013.

The increase in used car sales over the last decade reflects a growing confidence among consumers that preowned vehicles are reliable and worth buyers’ investment. Though many dealerships now offer sizable inventories of preowned vehicles, private citizens can still sell vehicles on their own. Car owners hoping to do so can consider the following tips to ensure the process is safe and smooth.

—Fix any issues with the vehicle. The competition to attract buyers’ attention will be steep. Private sellers will have to contend with the hesitation buyers naturally have about preowned vehicles as well as dealerships that specialize in used car sales. Dealerships typically offer preowned vehicle warranties that guarantee the life of certain components. To compete again...