What To Remember When Selling A Car

Before putting your car up for sale find out what it is worth by checking its valuation on a car site such as Parkers. In addition look at the price being asked in your area by reading the ads in your local paper.

Next make your car look as good as possible. Use good quality cleaning products, and give your car a through clean. Remove clutter from the boot and the interior, including your dancing Elvis, maps and old drinks cartons. Consider steam cleaning the engine compartment, but be aware that this can put some buyers off. At the very least change the oil.

Check the bodywork for stone chips, and if you are quite good with paint touch these up with paint that is an exact match. If the MOT has less than 8 weeks to run, get the car re-tested. This is one of the biggest selling points for most buyers, it reassures them.

In your advert, include the make, model, age, mileage and a full list of extras or features. If the number of previous owners is low mention that and tell potential buyers if the car has a full service history. Try not to use abbreviations in an advert, not everyone knows that PAS means power assisted steering.

Try not to be alone when a potential buyer comes to see the car. Never allow the buyer to test drive the car without you beside them in the car. Check that their insurance policy is at least third-party and that the policy is still valid. Check that their licence allows them to drive your type of vehicle, and that they have not been disqualified.

If you have been paid by cheque or bankers draft make sure that the funds are actually in your account before you hand over the keys. Fill the V5C and send it off to the DVLA to notify them that you have sold the car, not doing this leaves you liable for all driving offences committed by the new owner. On the sales receipt it is vital to note that the car has been sold as seen, along with the amount paid and your details. Get the buyer to sign the sales receipt as well as signing it yourself.