Updated 17 July 2026
The short answer: sell privately if you want the most money (typically 10–20% more than trade-in), price it with evidence from comparable listings, present it spotless with full records, and never release the car until payment has fully cleared. Selling well is worth hundreds or thousands — here’s each step as a question.
When is the best time to sell a car?
Before big-ticket costs land: ahead of a major service, new tyres, or the next inspection due date — and seasonally, convertibles sell best in spring/summer while 4×4s peak in autumn.
Depreciation never sleeps, so “when I get around to it” is the most expensive strategy. Round-number thresholds matter too: a car at 99,000 km is meaningfully easier to sell than at 101,000. Check what your car is losing per year with the depreciation calculator.
Should I sell privately, trade in, or use an instant buyer?
Private sale pays the most (typically 10–20% above trade-in) but costs time and effort; trade-in is the easiest and lowest-paying; online instant buyers sit in between — quick, with quotes that often drop after inspection.
Use all three to your advantage: get an instant-buyer quote and a trade-in offer first — they’re your guaranteed floor — then list privately above them and let time decide. If the private premium isn’t worth your weekends, take the floor with a clear conscience.
How do I prepare a car so it sells for more?
A deep clean inside and out, minor cosmetic fixes, and a complete paper trail — service records, receipts, inspection certificates — routinely add more value than they cost.
Presentation is proof: a spotless car with organised records signals an owner who cared, which is exactly what buyers pay extra for. Fix the cheap visible flaws (bulbs, wipers, scuffed trim), photograph in daylight after the clean, and have the records ready at the first viewing, not “somewhere at home”.
How do I price my car correctly?
Find 5–10 comparable listings (same model, year, similar mileage), price yours in the upper-middle of that range with a small negotiation margin built in — and expect to meet the market within 2–3 weeks or adjust.
Overpricing is the classic mistake: the first two weeks are when your ad gets the most views, and a stale listing invites lowball offers. Be honest about condition when comparing — buyers will see the difference even if you don’t. Our cars that hold their value guide shows why some models command stronger prices.
What makes a car ad actually sell?
Specifics and honesty: year, exact mileage, service history, recent work, tyre condition, and 10+ good daylight photos — including the flaws.
Disclosed flaws build trust and filter out time-wasters; hidden ones kill deals at the viewing. Lead with the strongest facts (“full service history, two owners, new tyres”), skip the clichés (“first to see will buy”), and state your terms plainly: payment methods you accept and whether the price has margin.
How do I handle viewings and payment safely?
Meet in daylight at a busy public place or your home with someone present; accompany every test drive and check the buyer is insured to drive; and release the car only when payment has FULLY cleared — bank transfer confirmed in your account, not a screenshot.
Classic scams to refuse: overpayment “by mistake” with a refund request, cheque payments, “my courier will collect it”, and pressure to hand over keys on a promise. Do the ownership transfer paperwork the same day you hand over the car — you don’t want their parking fines.
Selling your car FAQ
How much more do you get selling privately vs trading in?
Typically 10–20% more than a trade-in offer, because the dealer’s margin becomes yours. The trade-off is time: photos, listings, viewings and negotiation.
What documents do I need to sell my car?
Proof of ownership, service records, any valid inspection/roadworthiness certificates, and a written receipt recording the price, date, mileage and ‘sold as seen’ terms. Complete the ownership transfer the same day.
What is the safest way to receive payment for a car?
Confirmed bank transfer — money visible in your account before the keys change hands. Refuse cheques, overpayments with refund requests, and courier-collection arrangements; large cash amounts should be counted and deposited at a bank.
Should I fix problems before selling my car?
Fix cheap, visible items (bulbs, wipers, small scuffs) — they return more than they cost. Big mechanical repairs rarely pay back; price the car honestly with the fault disclosed instead.
