Drivers across the nation appear to be gearing up to swap their motors, as searches for ‘how to sell your car’ are up 50% over the last three months.
However, selling on the used car market can be a frustrating and time-consuming experience, with people often left disappointed with the final negotiated price.
To help those looking for advice, the experts at Bristol Street Motors have shared some top tips for getting the most money for your old car, ready to be used on an upgraded motor.
- Research your car’s value in the local area
While you obviously want to get as much money as possible for your car, it’s important to be realistic with your asking price.
Buyers are more well-informed than ever, able to compare your car’s price to similar makes and models on the market. Get ahead of the curve by researching the prices for motors with similar mileage, features, and conditions in your local area. Then, you can adjust your own asking price accordingly to either cost up your car accurately or undercut the local market for a quick sale.
- Get your car cleaned and serviced
To maximise the chances of selling your car for a profitable price, you need to ensure your vehicle is looking its best. That’s why it’s always worth taking your car for a professional clean before posting pictures online.
You should also take the opportunity to get your car serviced and find out if there are any mechanical issues. With that information, you can then either pay to fix the problem or amend the listing and the asking price accordingly.
- Arrange a viewing to meet potential buyers
An online listing is very rarely enough to persuade a buyer to part with their money – you need to arrange a proper viewing to get that sale over the line.
Talk up the car’s selling points, detail the servicing history, and offer to take the buyer on a test drive. You can also get a better feel for the buyer’s intentions in person and whether they’d be willing to meet your asking price.
- Have the relevant documentation ready
Collating all the official paperwork for your car can be a very time-consuming process, delaying when the money can be transferred into your bank account.
To expediate this process, prepare as much of this documentation as possible ahead of any potential sale. This includes the vehicle logbook, proof of reservation and purchase, service record, MOT certificate, insurance policy, and car parts receipts.
- Use expert services
Even with these top tips, selling a car privately can be such a hassle. Thankfully, there are many online services that do the heavy lifting for you.
For example, Bristol Street Motor’s Sell My Car tool breaks down the process into three simple steps. All you need to do is fill out a free valuation form online, book an appointment with a local dealership, and then process your payment.