So, you have decided it is time to sell your car. Maybe you want to upgrade, or maybe downsize, or maybe it is just time for a new motor. Whatever you are looking for, the first step is getting that sale. In this article, I will cover all the steps you need to take to sell your car in the UK.
The Paperwork
First things first, you need to get your paperwork in order. Luckily, this is really easy. The only document you need to have for a sale is the VC5 registration document. This is the car’s logbook. If you have lost it, you can contact the DVLA and order a new one.
Although this is the only document you need, it is a good idea to get hold of the car’s service records as well. This is especially true if your car has a full service-history, as this can have a big influence on the price you get.
Fix Up and Finish
Scratches, dents and chips all knock value off your car. To maximise the money you get for your old car, it is a really good idea to get any little bits of wear and tear seen to before selling. It might seem silly to spend money on a car you are about to sell, but the effect of a scratch free, clean car on a buyer means you will make that money back. Also, many of the parts of fixing up and finishing a car you can do yourself, saving you money.
Although each task might not seem that important, the cumulative effect of applying a proper finish to your car can really change a buyer’s perception of your car. Also, getting the car feeling as good as new will also help hide your car’s age and will help convince the buyer that you have been a careful and considerate owner. All this translates to the buyer being willing to part with more cash.
List Your Car Online
Once your paperwork is in order, and your car is looking its absolute best, it is time to actually sell it! The best option here is to list it online using a sell my car service. Basically, these are online marketplaces that help you reach thousands of potential buyers. This is great, because it means that your car is more likely to sell. Also, with such a large audience, you may even receive multiple offers, which is great when it comes to haggling and getting the most money.
Another huge advantage to selling your car online is that you are skipping out any middlemen. This means that the price you get for your car will be the actual market value, because you are selling straight to the next owner. This is not the case when you go to a dealership or through a broker, because they have profit margins to protect.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, the step by step guide to selling your car in the UK. Hopefully, this guide will help you get the most money for your used car, and take some of the stress out of selling! Good luck!
