How to get more money for your car
Selling a car can be done in several ways, but the speed and ease of some methods usually come at the expense of a lower price. Selling your car privately, on the other hand, typically commands a better price but involves considerable time and expense. In this article, we’ll provide tips on how to sell your car privately as quickly and effortlessly as possible while maximizing its sale price.
1. Make your car look presentable
First impressions count, and the appearance of your car is no exception. Ensure that your car looks its best by thoroughly cleaning it. A professionally done valet that costs about £50 can make a world of difference. This investment can potentially pay off many times over if you’re selling the car for over £2,000.
2. Fix minor bodywork damage
When considering purchasing a used car, buyers tend to look for even the slightest damage to the bodywork. It’s advisable to repair any superficial damage if you’re selling a car for more than £1,000. Such repairs will probably be worth the cost, especially if you’re asking for around £10,000, as buyers are willing to pay more for a well-maintained car.
3. Service your car
Regular servicing helps protect your investment, particularly if you want to get a decent return when you sell. A franchised dealership’s full-service history makes your car more valuable and can help expedite the sale by reducing any uncertainty about the car’s overall health.
4. Get all your paperwork in order
A potential buyer would want to know the car’s maintenance history. When you show your car, make sure to bring the service book, any work invoices, and the car’s MOT certificates, if any. Being transparent and having all paperwork readily available can also help mitigate any bargaining tactics that buyers might use to lower your asking price.
5. Don't forget original car items
Selling a car with missing items like a parcel shelf or a spare wheel can be a turn-off for buyers. Including all parts of the car in the sale could increase the price and make it easier to find a serious buyer.
6. Replace worn-out components
Replacing worn-out components, like floor mats, can enhance the car’s interior look and value. If you have an expensive car, replacing key features such as alloy wheels with new ones in pristine condition can substantially increase your sale price.
The downside of private selling
While selling privately can potentially lead to getting a good price for your car, it also comes with its downsides. The selling process can take a long time, and you may encounter time wasters and scammers. Due diligence is necessary to protect yourself when selling privately, from taking video calls to meeting in safe locations. Legitimate buyers may also want to pay with cash or cheque, both of which can be concerning.
Unlike selling your car as a part-exchange or to an instant car-buying company, private selling comes with no guarantees. To sell your car quickly and at a good price while minimising risks, you may want to try Motorway.
Sell your car with Motorway
Motorway offers a free and easy way to sell your car at the best price. Simply enter your car’s registration number on their website and receive an instant estimated sale price based on current market data. Motorway will then guide you through the process of taking photos and answering a few questions about your car. Once complete, you can enter your car into their daily sale, and it will be shown to their nationwide network of buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sell it with Motorway.
Find out more
here.
You will need V5C, the car’s handbook, the service log book with any receipts and MOT certificate if the car is older than 3 years. Find out more information
here.
As soon as you sell your vehicle you need to inform DVLA. You can either do that online or you can tear off the bottom section of the V5C and send it to the DVLA.
Find out more information
here.
