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Find a Car Dealer or Car Dealers in Essex Car Dealer and Car Dealers based in Basildon, Chelmsford, Clacton, Colchester,
Epping, Halstead, Harlow, Harwich, Ilford, Maldon, Romford, Southend, Braintree and Brentwood. |
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Selling Your Car Privately
Motorists will often take huge care when buying a new car, ensuring they get just
the one they want, and for the right price. But get a bad price for your old vehicle
and your new one won’t seem like such great value. With a little forethought and
attention, selling a car can be simple and ensure that you get the best deal.
What is your car worth?
Price guides are widely available on the internet and in popular motoring magazines.
Consult the likes of Parker’s (http://www.parkers.co.uk), AutoTrader (http://www.autotrader.co.uk)
and Exchange & Mart (http://www.exchangeandmart.co.uk). Compare the results
from your price checks with local classified ads and ask yourself if you would be
willing to pay the price you decide upon. Always be realistic. Don’t lie to yourself
about the condition of the car, and don’t believe that you’ll make as much on the
sale as a professional dealer might.
Cleaning
First, clean your car thoroughly inside and out. Empty rubbish and personal belongings
from every space – from the glove box and the ashtray, to the boot and under the
seats. Polish all chrome and give the bodywork a once-over with a paintwork enhancer
to liven up the finish.
Placing an advert
Keep it simple, honest and positive. Avoid dodgy second-hand car dealer blurb like
‘must-buy’ and ‘unbelievable deal’. Stick to the facts: make, model, colour, age,
mileage, engine size, remaining length of the MoT certificate and tax, and so on.
Don’t tell fibs – the buyer could sue you for losses he or she incurs – but also
don’t mention the vehicle’s weak points. Include a price and a contact phone number.
If you choose to include a photo, take it during daylight hours, against a neutral
background and at an angle that provides a three-quarter view, showing as much of
the car as possible.
Maintenance
The car must be roadworthy because it is an offence to sell a vehicle in an unsafe
condition. And a little light maintenance will make your motor seem better cared
for and more desirable. Top up the brake fluid, oil, coolant, windscreen wash, etc.
Replace blown bulbs, worn tyres and damaged wiper blades. You might even want to
touch up scratches, have small dents repaired, and tape over tears and holes in
the upholstery.
Paperwork
Having plenty of time remaining on the current MoT certificate and road tax will
add value to your car and make it easier to sell. So will an up-to-date logbook
(also known as the V5), with the vehicle’s identification number and registration
details, tax and MoT details, and its history of repairs and motoring offences.
Don’t forget to amend the details when you make a sale, transferring ownership of
the car to the buyer. If you don’t you’ll still be liable for road tax and outstanding
fines.
Making a sale
Have a good knowledge of your car so that you can confidently – and honestly - answer
the questions of prospective buyers who phone you. Make specific appointments with
anyone wanting to see the car, so that you aren’t left waiting all evening for them
to arrive ‘some time after dinner’. A prospective buyer will probably want to test
drive your car. First, be satisfied that they are insured to do so (either under
your cover or their own). And under no circumstances let take them a drive on their
own – they might not come back! Take a companion if you are nervous about being
alone with a stranger. It’s very likely that the buyer will want haggle on the price.
Be firm about the price, but not unreasonable. Have a bottom price in mind when
you first advertise the car. Accept only cash or a banker’s draft as payment. If
you take a personal cheque, make sure it clears before you release the car. Finally,
write out a receipt bearing both parties’ names and contact details, the date of
the sale and the vehicle’s registration details.
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