Before You Advertise
- Check for outstanding finance, you cannot legally sell a car with finance outstanding without repaying it first. Run an HPI check to confirm.
- Gather all documents, V5C logbook, service history (stamped book or receipts), current MOT certificate, owner's manual, spare keys, and any receipts for work done.
- Clean the car thoroughly, inside and out. A clean car photographs and presents far better. Consider a professional valet (£50–100) for higher-value cars.
- Fix minor issues, replace blown bulbs, top up fluids, fix scuffs if cheap to do so. A buyer will use every fault to negotiate down.
Researching Your Price
- Search AutoTrader for similar cars (same model, year, mileage, trim, colour) in your area
- Check Parkers or CAP/Glass's valuations as a benchmark
- Private sale prices are higher than dealer prices, buyers expect this
Pricing tip: List 10–15% above your minimum acceptable price to leave room for negotiation. Use a price just below a round number (£4,995 rather than £5,000), it feels lower psychologically. If you get no interest after 2–3 weeks, drop the price.
Taking Good Photos
Photos are the most important part of the listing. Aim for 15–20 images:
- Exterior: Front 3/4, rear 3/4, both sides, front, rear, all four wheels close-up
- Interior: Dashboard, front seats, rear seats, boot, mileage on the dashboard, service book
- Honest shots: Photograph any damage clearly, buyers respect honesty and it avoids wasted viewings
Take photos in bright natural light, ideally morning or late afternoon. Use a clean or neutral background. Avoid heavy shadows or direct midday sun.
Where to Advertise
- AutoTrader (£35–50), Largest audience in the UK, 15 million monthly visitors. Best for most mainstream cars.
- eBay Motors (£15–20), Good for unusual, classic, or budget cars. Option for Buy It Now or auction.
- Facebook Marketplace (free), Good for local buyers, no platform fee.
- Gumtree (£15–25), Decent local reach.
- PistonHeads (£20–30), Best for performance, sports, and enthusiast cars.
Safety During Viewings
- Always have another person present during viewings
- Meet at your home or a public place during daylight hours
- Ask to see the buyer's driving licence before allowing a test drive
- Accompany all test drives, do not let a stranger take the car alone
- Be wary of buyers who arrive with multiple people or are keen to distract you
Completing the Sale
- Bank transfer only, never accept cash for large amounts (counterfeit risk, traceability). Confirm funds have cleared before handing over the keys and documents.
- Get a receipt, write up a simple receipt with the car's make, model, registration, agreed price, date, and both parties' signatures.
- Complete the V5C, fill in the buyer's details section and post the relevant part to the DVLA. Do this on the day of sale.
- Notify the DVLA online within 5 days at gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle.
- Cancel your insurance only after confirming the transfer is complete.