A guide to private car sales

If you are considering selling your car privately, preparation is extremely important if you want to receive the highest possible price. It might be worth getting a new MOT for the vehicle if you want to highlight the car's good condition. A full valet can also significantly improve a car's appearance, making it easier to sell and allowing the seller to set a higher sales price. When the car has been prepared, there are certain measures to take before actually selling the car. This article offers you a guide to private car sales.

Steps to take

Setting a price
The seller should expect a reasonable price for the car they are selling, so the price should be set accordingly. This is vital for a quick sell. You can look at the resale prices of similar cars online or in motor trade magazines. An accurate description
The car's description should be accurate and not exaggerated in any way. Some cars are only sold for spare parts, and if this is the case, this should be pointed out. Positive points
The seller should clearly point out the positive features of the car they are trying to sell. This can attract the interest of the prospective buyer. The car might have a low mileage or the bodywork could be in excellent condition. Also, you should state how many months are left on the MOT. Finance
A UK car, with outstanding finance to pay, cannot be sold. This needs to be finalised before the sale, so you need to contact the finance company. Documentation
The vehicle's paperwork and history should be available to show to interested parties. Service records and MOT certificates should be kept at hand. Documents such as these should be passed on to the buyer if a sale is made. Insurance
Make sure that if a person takes out the car for a test drive, they are insured to do so. The seller should always go out with the person testing the car. Peace of mind
You should be satisfied with all aspects of the sale before allowing somebody to drive off with the vehicle. Many people who want to buy your car will want to pay cash and this is also better for the seller. If you take a cheque payment, wait for it to clear before passing on the car.

The final word

Selling a car privately can be sometimes stressful. There is much to remember but you want the whole process to go as smoothly as possible. Fortunately, there are a number of steps that can be taken to make the selling process a less stressful one.