Top Tips For Selling Your Car Online
Selling your car online can be a smooth and rewarding process when done right. So if you're looking to part ways with your current motor, follow our tips to get the best deal possible and, once you're ready, head over to
1. Prepare Your Car for Sale
First impressions matter, and a clean, well-presented car is more appealing to potential buyers. Spend time thoroughly cleaning the car inside and out, or hire a professional valet service if you're short on time. A sparkling vehicle could add value and make the sale faster.
2. Ensure the Car is in Good Condition
Check that everything is in working order before listing. This includes basic electrics, tyre pressure, and fluid levels such as oil, coolant, and brake fluid. A car that runs smoothly will always attract more interest.
3. Touch Up Any Minor Imperfections
Take care of small cosmetic repairs, such as touching up paint scratches, fixing chips in the windscreen, or replacing worn car mats. Some repairs may even be covered by your insurance, and these minor improvements can significantly boost the car's appeal.
4. Be Prepared to Put in the Effort
Selling a car successfully requires some effort. The more work you put into making your vehicle presentable and competitive, the better price you can expect to receive. A little time invested upfront can make all the difference in closing a deal.
5. Research Your Price Carefully
Look at similar cars in your area and compare not just the asking prices, but actual sale prices to understand what people are willing to pay. Keep in mind that pricing too high can drive potential buyers away, so consider a competitive price that leaves room for negotiation.
6. Gather Your Service History
A well-documented service history can reassure buyers that your car has been well-maintained. If your MOT is due soon, consider having it done before listing, as a fresh 12-month MOT adds value and peace of mind for prospective buyers.
7. Write a Detailed and Compelling Description
Your listing should be detailed and informative. Highlight any unique features that set your car apart from others and include essential details such as mileage, fuel type, and condition. Include as many relevant keywords in your title and description to make your ad easier to find by prospective buyers.
8. Take High-Quality Photos
Great photos are crucial for online sales. Take clear, well-lit pictures of your car from multiple angles. Try to find a scenic background, and if possible, take photos on a bright day. Quality images make your ad stand out and help buyers feel more confident in what you're offering.
9. Be Responsive and Engaged
Once your ad is live, be ready to answer questions and respond quickly to inquiries. Good communication is key to selling your car efficiently. Many buyers feel more comfortable dealing with friendly, approachable sellers, so make sure you’re available via phone and email.
10. Safe Payment Methods – Use Trustap for Security
For added security, Preloved has partnered with Trustap to offer safe online payments. This feature protects both buyers and sellers during the transaction process, ensuring the payment is secure before any handover. Avoid risky payment methods and use Trustap for peace of mind.
11. Sell Safely
At Preloved, we prioritise your safety when buying and selling. Always meet in a public place or bring a friend or family member when a buyer comes to view the car. Don’t hand over keys or documents until payment has been confirmed, make sure the key is out of the ignition when allowing prospective buyers to sit in the vehicle alone, and when they're ready for a test drive, get in the car as a group before handing the keys over to the driver.
12. Make Sure the Sale is Legally Sound
Once the sale is agreed, write up two copies of a receipt for you and the buyer. This should include all the relevant details of the car, the buyer and seller, and the terms of sale. Don’t forget to complete and submit the V5C form to the DVLA, either by post or online, to transfer ownership officially.
