How to Get the Best Possible Price for Your Car When It’s Time to Sell

Selling a car privately can often get you a much better price than trading it in or selling to a dealer. With some preparation and research, you can maximise the amount of money you get when it comes time to say goodbye to your old motor. Follow these tips to ensure you get the absolute top price when selling your car.

Do Your Research

Get an idea of what both dealers and private sellers are asking for the same make, model, year and specification of car that you have. Look at listings on AutoTrader, Motors.co.uk, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace to find advertised prices. This will give you a good benchmark to aim for when pricing your own car. Remember that you can often sell privately for more than dealership trade-in values.

Get Your Car Valued

Many websites offer free online car valuations. You provide details about your car and mileage and they estimate how much they would pay for it. This gives you another data point to consider when setting your asking price. Their offers will be lower than private sale values but it’s useful to see what major buyers are willing to pay.

Clean and Photograph Your Car

A clean, well-presented car tells buyers that you’ve looked after it. Use a car detailing Birmingham service to give your car a thorough clean inside and out. Take high-quality photos that showcase your car from all angles and highlight any stand-out or upgraded features. Good photos make a big difference to the response you’ll get when advertising.

Be Realistic with Your Asking Price

Aim towards the upper end of your research but keep in mind you’re unlikely to get the absolute highest price. Set your price high enough to have some negotiation room but not so high that buyers are put off. Be prepared to compromise a little for a quick sale. Consider lowering your price if you don’t get much interest after a couple of weeks.

Advertise Your Car Widely

The more potential buyers that see your ad, the greater the chance of attracting the one willing to pay top price. Advertise on major classified sites like AutoTrader. Also, use Facebook Marketplace and car selling forums relevant to your make and model. Include lots of details and photos. Respond promptly to enquiries and arrange viewings.

Prepare Your Car for Viewings

Make sure your car is clean and tidy inside and out. Fill up the fuel tank and check oil, water, tyre pressures and lights. Gather up any service history and documentation. Have insurance details ready to provide test drives. Aim to showcase your car in the best possible condition to impress viewers.

Negotiate Effectively with Potential Buyers

Be open to reasonable offers but stand firm on your advertised price for the right buyer. Outline why your price is fair by highlighting your car’s features, condition, service history and upgrades. Offer a test drive so buyers can experience the car. Be polite but don’t accept low-ball offers or buyers who waste your time.

Following this advice should help you secure the absolute best price when the time comes to sell your car. With thorough preparation and an organised, methodical approach, you can maximise your car’s resale value and come away happy with the deal.