- Clean your car thoroughly, both inside and out - vacuum the seats, wash your mats, wipe the interior, polish your dashboard and make sure your exterior isn’t covered in bird poo or dead bugs.
- Get mechanical issues sorted - small things like dodgy headlights or a temperamental horn shouldn’t be left to chance.
- Touch up any visible scuffs or scratches or consider a full respray - this is a big one in selling a car, as scuffed and scratched paintwork can really put potential buyers off, even if the car drives well and is mechanically sound.
- Get your car serviced and request proof - potential buyers will want to know it’s been meticulously serviced over the years.
- Replace any worn tires or alloys to ensure they’re in good condition - this can often be forgotten, but old or damaged tires will often put potential buyers off.
2. Value your car
When it comes to used cars, price is everything, so it’s important to price it properly to ensure you get a fast and fair sale.
There are a few ways you can value your used car, including:
- Car valuation tools: these are online calculators that take into consideration various factors such as make, model, age and condition to provide an estimated value.
- Online classified ads: look at similar makes, models and years of cars on popular used car websites to see how much they’re listed for.
- Dealerships: they might not be the most trustworthy source, but you could visit your local dealership and see what trade-in value they’d offer.
3. Take high quality photos
Potential buyers will form a first impression of your car based on the listing photos, so they need to capture all its best angles and show off the car’s condition.
A few things to keep in mind when taking photos:
- Take at least 12-24 photos from various angles - exterior photos should include multiple shots of the front, back, and sides, while interior photos should include the seats, dashboard, steering wheel, and boot space.
- Take photos in natural lighting - avoid using flash as it can create harsh shadows and make the paintwork look dull.
- Ensure the car is clean and tidy - avoid taking photos when it’s raining, or if the car has a bunch of your personal items in the background.
4. Write a detailed and honest listing
The listing description is another way you can help your car stand out from the competition, but it’s important to be as honest and detailed as possible.
A few things to include in your listing:
- Basic details: such as make, model, year, mileage, engine type, and fuel type.
- Condition of the car: be upfront about any scratches, dents, or mechanical issues with the vehicle.
- Features: list any special features such as sunroof, air conditioning, cruise control, or alloy wheels.
- Maintenance and history: provide details on recent services, repairs, or replacements as well as any documentation you may have.
5. List your car on a used car website
Used car websites like CarSales and Gumtree are a great way to advertise your car to a large number of potential buyers.
When creating a listing, be sure to select a category for your car, include descriptive keywords, and use the maximum number of photos allowed.
For some websites you may need to use a buyer's permit instead.
6. Respond to inquiries and negotiate
Once your car is listed, you can expect to receive inquiries from potential buyers.
A few tips for handling inquiries and negotiating:
- Respond to inquiries promptly: the sooner you respond to inquiries, the more likely you are to get serious buyers.
- Be friendly and professional: first impressions matter, so be polite and respectful in your communications.
- Be open to negotiation: potential buyers may try to negotiate the price, but be respectful of your original listing.
7. Show the car to potential buyers
Once you’ve found a few interested buyers, it’s time to schedule a time for them to inspect the car.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when showing the car:
- Clean the car again: make sure the car looks its best before showing it to potential buyers.
- Be prepared to answer questions: potential buyers will want to know everything they can about the car, so be prepared to answer questions about its history, mileage, condition, and features.
- Let the buyer take it for a test drive: this is an important step in the selling process as it allows the buyer to get a feel for the car.
- Be realistic about the price: if you’re not willing to negotiate, potential buyers will simply move on to other options.
8. Finalise the sale
Once you’ve found a buyer and agreed on a price, you’ll need to finalise the sale.
There are typically two payment options: cash and bank transfer.
- Cash: if the buyer is paying in cash, you should count the money carefully to make sure the full amount is there and is not counterfeit.
- Bank transfer: if the buyer is paying via bank transfer, ask them to provide proof of payment before you hand over the keys.
