Complete guide to selling your used car in the UK

A private sale can be a good way to get the highest price for a used car, however the process can be long and frustrating. 

If you opt for a private sale, you’ll need to advertise your vehicle, meet with potential buyers, and handle negotiations yourself.

When listing your car, you can do so according to its fair market value, and you can ask as much as you want for it. Without a middleman, you control any negotiations, adjusting the price up or down depending on the level of interest.

Benefits of a private sale 

• Higher sale price

  Negotiation control

• Multiple offers come to you

Negatives of a private sale 

• Time consuming

• Security and trust issues

• Handling paperwork

• Negotiations can be difficult

While private sales can have its benefits, there are some risks and responsibilities to consider when pursuing this kind of sale. 

Selling a car privately involves a significant amount of time and effort. You’ll need to research the right asking price, prepare your vehicle for sale, manage any necessary repairs, gather all the required paperwork, create detailed listings, and handle negotiations on your own.

There’s always a risk of scams or being taken advantage of. To protect yourself, it’s best to complete the transaction at a bank or credit union, where you can verify the payment's legitimacy immediately.

Car buying sites offer a convenient and quick service, providing you with a quote for your vehicle after you describe it online. Many of these sites allow you to enter your registration number and specific details, such as accident history, to ensure you receive the best price. They will then arrange to collect your vehicle or provide a location for you to drop it off at a nearby dealership.

Benefits of car buying sites

• Speed of sale

• Convenience

Negatives of car-buying sites

• Attention to detail

• Potentially a lower sale price

The type of sale you can expect through a car buying site is completely dependent on the effort and attention to detail you put into your request. You still need to gather all the paperwork and present the car as best you can. The best price will often be determined by how accurate your description is and if the representative considers that the vehicle does not match your description, this could trigger an attempt to knock down the price.

While auctions are typically for trade buyers and sellers, many do accept private sellers. To enter a car in an auction as a private seller, you must be the registered owner and will need to check if the ones near you accept private sellers. The auctioneer will then inspect and value your vehicle, offering an estimated price. Once the car has been valued, establish a minimum price you’d take for the car. If bidding doesn’t reach this, your car won’t be sold, and any bids are void. However, you may still have to pay fees.

Benefits of auctions

• Speed of sale

• Minimises risk of time wasters

• The auction house will handle the negotiations

Negatives of auctions

• Your car isn’t guaranteed to sell

• There may be a limited number of potential buyers present

• You’re likely to pay extra fees

Selling a car at auction largely depends on the number of interested buyers on a given day. You might find little interest one day, while a similar model could attract a higher bid the next. Auction houses typically take a commission, usually around 10% of the sale price, though this can sometimes be higher.

Part exchange is a long-standing option that lets you trade in your old car as part of the purchase price for a new or used vehicle from a dealership. This way, you’re selling your old car and buying a replacement in a single transaction.

You can also part exchange a car with outstanding finance. In this case, the dealer will settle the remaining finance balance and deduct that amount from the price offered for your vehicle.

Benefits of part exchange

• Sell and replace your vehicle in one process

• Possible to part exchange a financed vehicle 

• No need to go through the selling process

Negatives of part exchange 

• Value can be impacted by other factors

• Price can often be lower 

The downside to part exchanges is that the offered price can be influenced by factors like the dealer's stock levels or the time of the month, which might not affect other sales methods. Without visiting multiple dealers, it’s hard to ensure you're getting the best deal.

Generally, a part exchange price is often lower than what you’d receive through a private sale or a car buying service.

Certain cars sell better during certain seasons. Consider the time of year you are selling, as well as the age and mileage of your car. Remember:

Online auctions: pay days and weekends often produce better results

Spring and summer: convertibles and cabriolets tend to sell better when the weather is nice

Autumn and winter: 4x4s are more desirable when the weather and road conditions are poor

Major festivities: avoid trying to sell a car directly after a major spending event like Christmas or the summer holidays

Part exchanges: visit dealerships during traditionally quieter months - December, January, March and August.

Whether you’re reluctant to part with your car or focused on getting the best sale, how you prepare it can significantly impact its value.

Here, we outline the best steps to ready your car for sale and maximise its price.

Making sure you have maintained a comprehensive service history for your car, can signal to prospective buyers that the vehicle has been well looked after in your care. 

Make sure you have all of your servicing documents in order which will give viewers the full picture, informing them of any oil changes, tyre rotations and repairs that have been carried out.

Additional documentation is essential in the car selling process are:

• The V5C logbook.

• The owner’s manual.

• Servicing paperwork.

• Purchase receipts for parts and labour.

• MOT certificates.

• Warranty and insurance paperwork.

Of all the documents listed above, the V5C logbook is the most important. If you do find it is missing, it can significantly reduce your car’s value. Therefore, we strongly recommend ordering a replacement from the DVLA.

There are numerous tips and tricks you can do to help improve the look of your vehicle and boost its sales value. From the unusual to the standard, we’ve gathered our top recommendations to help make a great impression on potential buyers.

Remove scratches with toothpaste

Toothpaste can be surprisingly effective for removing minor surface scratches on your car, as its mild abrasiveness works well on scratches that haven’t penetrated the paint and only affect the clear coat.

Before applying toothpaste, wash the car with mild soap and use a microfiber cloth to remove any dirt and debris around the scratch. Apply a pea-sized amount of whitening (non-gel) toothpaste onto a clean, soft cloth, and gently rub it into the scratch or scuff mark in a circular motion. Once the blemish fades, buff the area with a clean, dry cloth.

Toothpaste helps polish the rough surface and fills in minor scratches, effectively removing paint marks from other surfaces without damaging the car’s clear coat.

Use WD-40 for stubborn stickers and sap 

While personalised stickers are a great way to make your vehicle recognisable to you, prospective buyers may be less inclined to want them. Similarly, if you have left your car parked under a tree, it’s likely you have a stubborn sticky sap on your vehicle.

WD-40 works well to dissolve adhesives and sticky residues, like old stickers or tree sap. Simply spray a small amount onto the sticky area, let it sit for a minute, then gently rub or scrape it off with a soft cloth.

Remove bird droppings with baking soda

Like tree sap, some marks can be tough to remove, and a car covered in bird droppings isn’t likely to attract many buyers.

A simple solution of baking soda and hot water can effectively tackle this common stain. In a spray bottle, mix warm or hot water with four tablespoons of baking soda. Shake well, spray onto any dried stains, and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse with a hose, and repeat if needed.

Apply peanut butter to your faded black trim 

Black plastic trim is a common feature on modern cars, but it can fade over time due to sun exposure, weather, wear and tear, and certain cleaning products.

To restore your car’s black trim, you can use a dedicated black trim restorer to bring back its original gloss and colour. 

Alternatively, smooth peanut butter can work well due to its natural oils. Simply rub a small amount onto the trim, let it sit for a few minutes, then buff it off with a clean cloth and rinse away any residue.

Use dish soap to clean your windows

Streaky windows can detract from your car's appearance, impact its value, and pose a potential safety hazard.

An unexpected solution for streaky windows is a mixture of dish soap with warm water or white vinegar. Add a few drops of soap to the water or vinegar in a spray bottle, then dampen a sponge and gently rub it over the glass.

Baking soda is another effective option for removing stains and scuffs. You can sprinkle it on a wet cloth or mix it with water to create a paste, then apply it to the stained areas using a sponge.

To prevent streaks, wash your windows on an overcast or cloudy day, as direct sunlight can dry the glass too quickly and lead to streaking.

Clean your cup holders 

Cup holders are often among the dirtiest and stickiest areas of your car's interior. It's important to clean them regularly to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria, especially before selling your vehicle.

For removable plastic cup holders, soak them in soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry them off. If your cup holders aren't removable, use warm, soapy water and a brush to clean the hard-to-reach spots.

Eliminate odours with charcoal

Whether you’re a dog owner, a smoker, or your car has experienced periods of dampness, unpleasant odours can be a significant turnoff for potential buyers.

Fortunately, there are several simple hacks to eliminate these odours. One low-effort solution is to place pieces of charcoal in a shallow dish and leave them in your car overnight. Charcoal acts as a natural deodoriser, effectively trapping and neutralising bad smells.

Another handy method involves sprinkling baking soda on fabric surfaces like car seats and floor mats and letting it sit for at least 15 minutes. This can help remove odours from food, pets, and spills, but be cautious, as it can damage leather upholstery.

Use a rubber glove to gather any pet hair 

While hoovering the inside of your car is another cleaning essential, some hairs can be tougher to remove. 

Pet hair can be particularly stubborn to remove, so using a wet rubber glove can in fact be a better solution to the vacuum. 

Rubber gloves can create static, which helps pull pet hair off seats and carpets. Wear the glove and rub your hand over the surface. The hair will cling to the glove, making it easier to collect.

Clear out personal items

When selling a car, clearing out personal items is a crucial step that ensures the vehicle appears clean, spacious, and ready for its new owner. 

Start by thoroughly removing all belongings from the glove compartment, centre console, and door pockets, including any paperwork, electronics, and loose change. Don’t forget less obvious areas like under the seats, the trunk, and storage compartments. 

It’s also a good idea to take out personal touches, such as bumper stickers, air fresheners, and custom seat covers, which can help potential buyers visualise the car as their own. 

Fixing current issues

Addressing any existing problems before selling a car is essential because it not only increases the vehicle's value but also builds trust with potential buyers. Buyers are more likely to negotiate a lower price if they notice any issues, so fixing them upfront can save you from significant price reductions and help sell the car faster.

Replace faulty lights, repair dents and address any other issues that could potentially become a blocker to your sale.

If there are less than three months left on your MOT, it is recommended that you get a new one. Getting a new MOT not only shows that the car is safe and road-legal, but it also demonstrates to buyers that you’ve taken care of the vehicle and are confident in its condition.

Lastly, ensure that your tyres are not worn or show any signs of damage. New or well-maintained tyres give the impression of a car that has been properly cared for, which can help build trust with buyers.