Tips For Selling Your Car
Tips for Selling Your Car
You’re ready to sell your car but haven’t decided on how you want to do it. There are several options, each with drawbacks and benefits. LG Car Sales can help you if you’re considering selling your car. If you need car selling tips, read the guide below.
How can I sell my car?
Privately
This means you would be listing the vehicle on websites like Auto Trader and Gumtree and handling any queries from prospective buyers.
To a dealership
Used car dealerships have increased in popularity recently as they offer a more affordable car buying experience when compared to a franchised new car dealer. While dealerships typically get their stock from auctions, some offer part exchange and car buying services.
At an auction
Yes, you can sell your car at an auction. You’ll have to pay a fee to enter it into the auction and the commission fee if it ends up being sold. You don’t have to set a reserve price, but your car can’t be bought if the bids don’t hit the minimum reserve.
To a car-buying website
Sites like We Buy Any Car are focused on buying cars and will often consider all makes, models and conditions. Typically you’ll have to enter your car’s information onto the website to receive a valuation.
How to get the most for my car?
Let’s say you’ve decided on how you want to sell your car, but you want to ensure you get the most for it. So how can you improve your chances?
Do your research
By this, we mean that you should shop around, get several quotes for your car, and see what other people are asking for if selling privately. That way, you know what to expect as a minimum price.
Have it detailed
Even if you’ve kept your car in pristine condition over the years, it doesn’t hurt to have it thoroughly cleaned inside and out.
Yes, you could clean it yourself but detailing takes car cleaning to a more in-depth level that can have results similar to a factory finish.
A well-cleaned car looks incredibly attractive to buyers, allowing for a more accurate valuation as the car’s condition will be truly visible.
Identify any faults and have them repaired
If the MOT is about to expire, book your car to have it tested as it increases the chances of it selling with a valid MOT certificate.
But what if the MOT is valid for another six months? Take your car out for a drive, choose a route with various turns and straight roads and listen to it while you drive.
If you hear any grinding noises, sharp sounds or can smell any strange fuel-like smells, book it to be serviced at a garage.
Ensuring that the car and its components are in a good, road-worthy condition will help improve your chances of getting the most for it.
What documentation should I have when selling my car?
When it comes to selling your car, you’ll want the following documentation to hand:
V5C Log Book
Photo ID
Proof of Address dating back at least nine months
Service history/repair/parts receipts
Valid MOT certificate with at least six months left
Your bank details
All the keys and locking wheel nut
What happens once I’ve sold my car?
Sold privately
Once you’ve sold your car, you’ll want the name and address registered to the log book changed to the buyer’s name and address. If you’ve sold privately, you can change these details online.
It’s also important to cancel the insurance on the car so you won’t continue to be charged now that it’s been sold.
When selling privately, be sure to make a sale receipt for both yourself and the buyer.
Sold to a dealership
If you sold your car to a dealership or car-buying website, the paperwork such as changing the log book details is often taken care of for you. But it’s best to double-check that this is the case before the sale goes through.
Should I consider a part exchange deal when selling?
There are several reasons why you might be selling your vehicle. If you’re specifically looking to sell to buy a new one, then part exchanging it is something to consider.
With part exchange, you can sell your current car in the same place where you’ll buy your next one, making it a more convenient experience.
The value is also deducted from the price of the new car, and you’ll only need to pay the difference.
At LG Car Sales, we can provide great valuations if you’re interested in selling and part exchange. You can make selling your car convenient and simple when you apply for a valuation with us today!