There are many options to consider when selling a car privately. This guide will help you explore those options and assist you throughout the whole process.
There are 4 main options when it comes to selling your car.
Private Sale
This option is probably the way to get the most for your vehicle, although it will more than likely be the most stressful way too. Be prepared to have a few potential buyers turn up and view your car, and usually haggle with you on price. If you can handle the pressure, then this type of sale will see a better return than most ways. Obviously you will not be pricing your vehicle at dealer prices, but then you are not offering the add-ons that dealers will usually have to provide.
Trading The Vehicle
The hassle free option in selling your vehicle will be to trade it to a used car dealer. You will be offered less than you would via the private sale, but you will be without the stress of it too. Take your car to a local dealer and ask them to evaluate the vehicle, you will usually be offered a quick sale at a lower cost, but then the dealer has to try and make a profit so its totally understandable.
Selling Via Auction
As with the Trading option, an auction sale can be hassle free, but as with the Trading sell my car online option, you will more than likely see a smaller final value for your vehicle. Be prepared to have some potential buyers come and view the car, but you won’t feel so pressured into getting a sale, as your car will hopefully be being watched by a number of future bidders.
Scrapping The Vehicle
If your vehicle has failed its MOT or has a serious mechanical problem, you may be considering scrapping it for its basic scrap metal value. Try and make sure that if this is your only option, that you are provided with evidence that the car has been scrapped. You may also consider breaking the car, selling different parts from your vehicle to buyers. Once again there are good auction sites where this method is quite popular.
Here is some advice on how to try and get the most for your car if selling it privately or to a trader.
Valuations
There are a number of valuation websites on the internet which will give you a good idea on what kind of price you should be looking for, for your car. Do a search on Google for Parkers Guide or WhatCar and you will be able to find a good guide on what to expect.
Do some research on similar cars for sale in the local press or in various magazines selling cars, even take a look at local dealers and the auction sites to get a general idea of what price to pitch your vehicle at.
Condition
Take in to consideration the age and the mileage of your vehicle, if it is an older model with less miles on, it may be worth the same as a newer model with higher miles.
The general condition of the vehicle is a good guide on how much to expect for your car, if the bodywork and the mechanics of the car are all in good order then you can expect to ask for a little more than an average condition model.