Time to part with your motor? You’ll want to get the best price and keep the whole process simple, so let us give you a few tips to help your sale go smoothly.

Preparing to sell your vehicle

First things first, you need to get your car ready for buyers to view. It really is worth carrying out all vehicle checks and sprucing everything up, as you could add value without even having to spend that much time or effort working on the car.

Of course, it may well be the case that yours needs a little extra TLC to get into sellable condition, but the most important this is that its safe and legal to drive. Something as simple as a proper clean inside and out, putting down fresh car mats, then popping an air freshener over the mirror can help make all the difference.

Where possible, try to touch up any scuffs on the wheels or paintwork and carry out minor repairs; the fewer flaws there are, the less you’ll have to haggle! Remember to check your oil, coolant and brake fluid levels as well as the tyre pressure – not forgetting the spare.

What to put in your advert when selling privately

You’re going to need an advert if you plan to sell privately and its important that you include as much detail as possible. Accompanying photos need to be clear and show evidence of any issues so that the advert is as accurate as possible.

Be sure to include the car’s make, model, condition, mileage, condition, colour, equipment, taxes, year of manufacture and full service history if there is one. It can be tough to know what price to ask for, but you can get a good idea of worth by checking how much similar cars are selling for in classified ad magazines and online.

Paperwork you need for the sale

Along with keys, you will want to hand over the vehicle’s documents such as MOT certificates, logbook, handbook, maintenance receipts and a fully stamped dealer service record if you have one.

The best place to sell your car

You could go down the traditional route and put a ‘For Sale’ sign up in the car window, nearby shop windows and/or the local paper.

Alternatively, selling online through car auction sites is likely to get you the most money, as private sellers usually get around 10% more than those who go to a dealer.

Auctions are not generally a place for private buyers and your car may go unsold if the reserve price is not met, but its certainly an option to consider.

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