When you sell your car on Auto Trader, you’ll want to get as much money for it as possible.
Here we’ve created an easy, four-step guide to help you strike the best deal.
From writing your ad to closing the deal, don’t sell your car without reading this.
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Preparing your car
Buyers want a reliable car in excellent condition. Carry out a few essential car checks to ensure everything is in working order:
• An oil change won’t cost the world, and can make a big difference when the buyer checks under the bonnet – make sure you fill to the correct level using the dipstick
• Check tyres – make sure their pressure is correct, any punctured tyres are replaced and tread depth is at least 1.6mm deep – at least 3mm is strongly recommended
• All lights should be examined, cleaned, repaired or replaced if necessary
• Repair or replace any damaged car part which affects driving
• Check your car’s brake fluid, windscreen washer and coolant levels and fill accordingly – use sweet-smelling washer fluid for maximum impact
• Buy replacements for missing trims or badges
• Consider replacing any wheel trims - especially if they've been kerbed. Damaged alloys can often be repaired.
Gallery: under the bonnet
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On the outside
There are a number of cleaning jobs which can make your car gleam with pride, ready for the all-important advert photograph.
Wash the car from the roof down with car shampoo and a sponge. Avoid using washing-up liquid, as this can cause rust.
1. Clean the car from top to bottom, not forgetting minor details such as wheel arches, bumpers, outer skirts and inner door panels
2. Scratches can be covered with special fluids such as T-Cut
3. Clean the wheels last. Use a special alloy wheel cleaner if dirt is particularly stubborn to remove
4. Rinse the car thoroughly with a hose or bucket of water
5. Dry with a chamois leather
6. Use car wax or polish to create the perfect sheen. Don't worry if paint residue appears on the cloth; this is just a layer of ‘dead paint’.
On the inside
A car’s interior is just as important as its exterior – buyers want a comfortable drive which looks great inside as well as out.
1. Vacuum the carpets, mats, seats, dashboard and any dusty crevices
2. Use low-gloss cleaner on the dashboard (avoid household polish)
3. Wipe glass with window cleaner and a damp chamois
4. Get minor damage or holes on the dashboard fixed by a specialist
5. Empty the ashtrays; spray and wipe them clean
6. Use a light air freshener or odour neutraliser if the car smells of smoke, but don’t use too much…
For more checks, read car maintenance made easy.
Set the price too high and you may receive little interest from buyers – set it too low and you could miss out on hundreds of pounds.
Auto Trader has teamed up with the valuation experts at CAP to give you a valuation report. Find what your car's worth with CAP.
You can also try searching for other used car adverts on this website or in your local Auto Trader magazine to get an idea on price, but be aware - others may not have priced their cars correctly. Read our guide to setting a price for more information.
Sell your car on Auto Trader >>
Use bullet points to accentuate the car’s best features – whether it's climate control, alloy wheels or low mileage (cars usually travel 8,000 to 12,000 miles a year).
Try and keep online adverts between 50 and 75 words long and magazine adverts around 20 to 30 words. Minimise use of block capitals – these can be difficult to read.
Avoid vague phrases such as:
• Lovely driver
• Good car
• A joy to drive
• First to see will buy
Take a front three-quarter angled picture of the car and up to eight other photos.
For more information about writing a great Auto Trader advert, read our guide to writing your advert.
Check the buyer has adequate insurance cover before allowing them to drive your car, otherwise you could be liable for any damage they cause.
• Avoid letting the buyer go out alone – there's a risk they won't come back
• It's a good idea to bring a close friend or relative with you. Always keep the keys on you when swapping seats or getting out of the car
• NEVER leave your car keys in the ignition when swapping seats. Thieves may try to engineer such situations, so always be aware
• If you do receive cash, try to get it handed over to you in a bank, so you can pay it in straight away and the cashier can check for fake notes
• Write a receipt for both you and the buyer, stating the car is being sold and make sure you both sign it.
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