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> Used Car Selling Advice
HelpFindMeA.co.uk has prepared a checklist for you to help in selling a used car. You should use this as guidance on some of the steps to take when making a sale.
Preparing your used car advert is important to ensure the viewer sees your used car online in good condition.
Give your car a good wash and vac before taking any pictures. Always take good pictures with side view, front view, rear view and interior views. You should aim to snap about 12 – 15 pictures so you can pick the best 9 car pictures to use online.
Collect all your paperwork together including Log Book, MOT, Service Records, Expiry Date of Road Tax and Mileage. Ensure your service records and MOT is up to date as prospective buyers like to view this information.
Research your used car for a price to sell at. The better the condition your car is in the higher the price you can expect to sell it at. Get an expert
car valuation.
Register/Login to your HelpFindMeA personal profile to
sell your used car.
You will then be able to follow the easy steps to get your car listed. Don’t forget to add on any additional options your car may have that we have no record of. These are optional extras that may not be standard e.g. Sat Nav, Air Conditioning, Upgraded Alloys, CD Changer etc.
Upload your 9 photos and review your advert. Check the advert thoroughly to ensure you are happy before submitting. You can always return later to amend the advert price, description and images.
Your used car will be advertised instantly. Sit back and wait for telephone and email enquiries.
Your used car advert will remain our our website until it is sold so please ensure you delete your used car advert if it has been sold to avoid unnecessary enquiries.
Ensure you take details of who you are meeting including Names, Telephone Numbers, and addresses and keep a diary of your appointments and events. A genuine car buyer will want to view your car thoroughly to ensure they have found the right car.
Ensure they have adequate car insurance before coming to test drive the car.
Check they have a valid driving licence to drive your car.
Do not allow anyone to take photocopies of your logbook, service records or MOT including pictures being taken of these documents.
Ensure you hold the keys at all times and have neighbours, family members and friends nearby.
Never leave the buyers with your car and do not allow them to drive themselves round the block. Always sit in with them and at this point only should you hand over the keys. Always get the keys back before getting out of the car.
If in doubt have a friend or family come on a test drive with you and always carry your mobile phone. Let people know you have gone on a test drive.
Set a price you are willing to accept and negotiate to this price. Car buyers will always haggle with you as they want to make a saving where possible. Be reasonable as they want the car at the best price they can get and you also want to get your car sold at a fair price.
Taking payment for the car can be done in various forms, Bank Transfer (CHAPS), Bankers Drafts, Personal Cheques and Cash.
- CHAPS can be done in branch so you are able to go to the bank and do the transfer the same day. You are then able to ring your bank and check the transfer has been successful.
- Bankers Drafts are funds guaranteed to be in the buyers’ accounts.
- Cheques can be accepted but could bounce? The buyer may be genuine but still doesn’t beat knowing you have received the money. These can take up to 6 working days to clear.
- Cash is great to know you have the money but you will have to be very careful to check the notes are not counterfeit. Take the buyer to your bank if possible and let them pay it into your account. This way you have the funds cleared and you have the notes checked.
Give your buyer a receipt and create one for yourself. Ensure both parties sign this. A witness would be great as well. Ensure you complete the logbook and ensure you put this in the post. Check ID from the buyer so you know who you are selling to. Let your car insurers know you do not have the car anymore and if you intend to buy another car straight away then it is best not to cancel your policy just yet.