Selling Your Car

THE 5 STEP CHECKLIST FOR SELLING YOUR CAR Where to sell? 'he first step is to research the different There are 100s of outlets online for advertising methods of selling. The main four are private cars, which means you can reach more people, but ads, (online or offline), auctions, cash-for-cars also makes the choice a little overwhelming and type companies or part exchange with a dealer. creates a lot of competition. Try multiple sites and The latter two will be a lot quicker, but may mean don't rule out traditional methods such as an ad in accepting lower offers, the first two take more the local paper or a sign in the car, varying the effort but will give you more control over the price advertising can only help reach more people. and negotiations. 2) How much to ask for? gain, research is key, use the resources you You can also get valuations from the cash-for-cars found in step 1 to check what sort of prices companies and dealers mentioned in step one even if you're not certain they're the right option. You will at least find out the minimum price and by cars similar to yours are being offered at, or more importantly selling at. The bible of car valuations was always The Parker's Guide, but comparing that to the market value will be able to there are now hundreds of website ready to give judge the difference in the two and whether that you an instant valuation like KBB.com, Glass.co.uk difference is big enough to justify putting the hard or, indeed, Parkers.co.uk. work into selling your car privately. How to prepare? ppearances are key in Think about what you'd like to Have the vehicle registration advertising, it's worth see when buying a car yourself. documents, MOT history and taking time to make sure Also, in the same way you paint service history to hand to make that the car is spick and span, a house neutral colours when potential buyers as confident as even spending a little bit of selling it, keep the car as clear possible that they're getting money to get it professionally and uncluttered as possible, a good, and more importantly, cleaned or valeted. Make sure so buyers can more easily safe deal. your photos are good as they imagine it being theirs. can be, there are some very poorly taken photos out there, either too far away, too close up, no interior shots, poorly lit etc. How to negotiate? 0 nce you've done your Also bear in mind that when Unless you really need a quick research into the value of negotiating, especially with sell, don't be afraid to turn down your car, try and fix a price professional traders, they will use offers, but remember used cars in your mind of how low you areevery defect to try and lower the are a buyer's market, there is a willing to go in negotiations. If asking price: scratches, dents lot of competition and a lot you also went down the route of and stains, etc. no matter how of choice. getting a valuation from a professional used car dealer, you'll know how much flexibility ultimately they can add up. minor. It's worth fixing these small imperfections, because there is between what price you On the flip side make a list of want and the minimum you can positive features your car has, expect. Set the price you're if it has a full service history or willing to go to at about 80% of relatively few owners, this could the asking price. make a big difference to your negotiations. How to complete the sale? nce the price has been Fill out the change of details in Also remember to keep hold of agreed you're ready to seal the logbook, notify the DVLA, any correspondence with the D the deal. It should go DMV or other local vehicle buyer, as well as the pictures and without saying not to hand over licensing agency, hand over the descriptions of the car. Even with the keys or any documents until service history record, inspection a private sale, the buyer is the funds have been transferred, certificates, spare keys, protected by consumer rights but it is the most important part! documentation and any other and you should be able to Give the buyer a receipt accessories! This step is crucial, demonstrate clearly the terms of - you can find templates by because even after the money the agreement. googling "used car sales receipt" and contract has changed hands - and keep a signed copy of the you may still be responsible for receipt or contract for yourself. the vehicle if the documentation is not in order.