How to get the best deal when selling your car
by Northern Life
The last thing you want when selling your car is an underwhelming price or a stressful, drawn-out process. Buyers can be picky, but you can make them feel more confident and willing to pay more by taking a few simple steps before you even get to negotiating.
Navigate the process of selling your car with ease by approaching each stage in a calm and organised manner.
1. Prepare your car for sale
First impressions matter, so give your vehicle a thorough wash and remove any clutter from the interior. Polish the paintwork to bring out its colour, fix minor defects like loose trim, and replace worn mats to show that you value its upkeep.
Buyers often want to check service records, so ensure yours are neat and accessible. You could always take the car for a quick inspection at a reputable garage to see if a professional can spot any concerns that buyers might raise.
Ensure you tell anyone who comes to look at your car about any recent repairs – it effectively lets them know that they’ve got one less thing to worry about.
2. Accurately value your vehicle
Pricing too high puts people off, but going too low can mean you lose money unnecessarily. Research the value of similar makes and models with the same age, mileage and condition to help you settle on a realistic figure.
Use online valuation tools and compare the results to local listings to see what people have recently paid. You might find that adding an up-to-date service or a minor improvement like new tyres can put your vehicle slightly ahead of the pack.
3. Choose the right selling method
If you sell privately, you may attract buyers who pay more. However, you’ll have to handle all the advertising and appointments. Trading in with a dealership is more convenient, but it typically comes at the cost of a lower offer. Online car-buying services are another way of streamlining the process, so consider your time constraints and tolerance for haggling. When you’re clear on what your priorities are, you’ll be able to pick the option that best suits your circumstances.
4. Negotiate and finalise the sale
Be ready to answer questions and provide proof of your car’s history. If a buyer tries to drive down the price, explain that your price is based on market research, the condition you’ve kept the vehicle in, and the documentation of its history. Stay polite, confident and consistent until you settle on a price you’re happy with.
Whenever possible, try to arrange viewings in a safe, public place and ensure you have either the cash or the money in your account before you hand over the keys. Confirm that the V5C logbook details match and complete a written receipt for both parties.
