Selling a car

Before you advertise your car, it’s important that you know the value of it and how much you can realistically expect someone to pay for it. As well as the current demand for your car make and model, the value is based on your car’s age, mileage and condition.
Check the car classifieds to see what other people are asking for similar cars. You can also use online tools to get a valuation. Try looking on Parker's or Auto Trader
To make sure you get the best price for your used car, tidy up and clean it inside and out – consider getting it professionally cleaned.

There are lots of options for selling your car. Here’s a rundown of the main ones, what they involve, and the pros and cons:

• Advertise in the local paper or a used car magazine - The traditional way is by advertising it in the classifieds in the local paper or a used car magazine such as Auto Trader or Ad Trader. You pay for a certain number of words to describe your car and usually one or more photographs. You can choose how long you want your advert to appear for and how prominent you want the advert to be.
  The advantage of this is that you are targeting people who want to buy a used car. On the flip side, it does cost money to place an advert to sell your car and there’s no guarantee to that you will find a buyer within the time frame. And remember, once you have submitted your used car advert, you cannot change the wording or the photos.
• Advertise online - These days, many people sell cars online, either through auction websites such as eBay or the online versions of car magazines (see above). The advantage is that you can usually log in to change the wording or the photos to reflect any queries you get about your car.
  If you have an intranet at work, that’s another good place to advertise – and it’s probably free.
• Sell to a dealership (or part-exchange) - Many car dealerships will offer to buy or part-exchange your car – if you’re buying a new car from them. The main potential problem with this option is that you can’t be sure you’re getting a fair price. On the upside, it’s one of the least complex options as the dealer will simply take the car off your hands there and then.
• Sell your car for scrap - If you’re really struggling to sell your car it might be worth considering selling for scrap. The price of scrap metal is so high, even bangers should get a token amount. It’s important that you get proof your car has been scrapped, so ask for a receipt for your records. If it isn’t scrapped and the car ends up back on the road, it is still your responsibility.
• Advertise in your car’s window - This is a very cost-effective way to advertise your car for sale. The key advantage is that prospective buyers can see the car and check its condition for themselves rather than relying on a photograph – and if they see the ad while you’re driving around, they also know the car’s in working order.
• Sell to a car supermarket - Although you’re unlikely to get the best price for your car from a car supermarket, it is a low-hassle option if you’re short of time and/or don’t want to deal with prospective buyers who may be timewasters. Another advantage of the car supermarket option is they often accept used cars with outstanding finance. Some will come to your house to collect your car, but usually you take your car to them.
  What to put in your advert
  Once you know roughly how much your car is worth and you have decided on a price, add at least 10% to the price you want as you can expect some negotiation.
  The other essential information to include in your used car advert includes the:
  - exact colour
  - make
  - model
  - specification
  - engine size
  - year it was made (or the registration number)
  - mileage
  - service history
  - add any extras such as alloy wheels

Also if there’s a long time left on the tax and MOT, this might attract a buyer, so put this in your ad too.
It may be useful to mention how many previous owners the car has had, depending on the age of the car.

Many people worry about viewings and test drives when selling a used car. Prospective buyers will be keen to take your car for a spin to check everything is in working order. However you’d be wise to make sure they have insurance to drive your car and that they have a full and current driving licence in case they have an accident or cause any damage.
To be on the safe side, it’s always best to accompany the potential buyer on a test drive. It may also be a good idea to have a friend or family member with you for personal safety. If they’ve come with a friend or partner, don’t leave them in your house while you’re gone.
It may sound obvious but don’t leave the potential buyer alone in your car or let them hold your keys.
Also, when selling your car, it’s illegal not to disclose if your car has ever been stolen or written off or has outstanding finance on it to a potential buyer.

Used car buyers usually expect to haggle, so have a lowest price in mind before you start negotiations. Cash in hand, an instant bank transfer or a banker’s draft are better than a cheque which may bounce or be cancelled. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t give your car to the new owner until full payment has cleared.
Give the new owner a receipt that clearly shows the date, how much they paid and how (cash, cheque, bank transfer, etc), both your names and addresses and the details of the car – make, model, registration and mileage. Make a copy of this receipt for yourself, or write it out again in full and make sure that both buyer and seller sign both copies. This is proof of the terms of sale in case of a dispute.
You now need to complete the V5C (registration certificate, formerly the log book) form; give the top part to the new owner and send the tear-off part to the DVLA. They will contact you within 4 weeks to confirm that you are no longer the owner of the car.
Find out more about telling the DVLA you have sold your car.
Give the new owner the handbook, the MOT certificate, spare keys and any other paperwork they may need such as receipts for annual services. Don’t forget to take anything out of the car that’s yours.

Remember, if your car is kept off the road while you’re waiting to sell it, you need to get a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification form). Find out about car tax and SORN from the Post Office.