- Home ::: Book a Free Ad :: Selling a Car
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- Selling a car
- Trading your car or selling it privately?
- Understanding your car's value
- Preparing your car
- Wording a car advert
- Meeting buyers
- Doing the paperworkSelling a car
It's important to tell DVLA as soon as you sell your vehicle or you'll continue to be responsible for paying the vehicle tax or penalties for the non-payment of it. You may also receive mail relating to motoring offences committed in the vehicle. When DVLA has been told, you should receive an acknowledgement letter confirming that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle.
It's worth remembering that thieves can pose as potential buyers never let the buyer go on a test drive alone as they may not come back don't leave the buyer alone with your keys in the ignition be careful when accepting cheques or banker's drafts, don't part with your car until you're sure the payment is genuine - if in doubt, contact your bank it's also worth asking the buyer for a form of identity, satisfying yourself that it looks genuine
There are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming a victim of crime when selling your vehicle:To sell a car with a loan on it, you need to include the bank in the arrangements for the sale. The bank holds the title to your car, and you cannot legally sell it until the title is clear. The bank will not clear the title until it receives the balance of monies owing on the car. Call your bank or finance company that has provided the loan, and ask them, and they will guide through the process.
Trading your car or selling it privately?
If you intend to buy a new (or a 'new' used) vehicle - the simplest thing to do is to trade in your vehicle. "Trade-in" means you swap your old car at the dealer's for the new one and pay the difference in price. The advantage about a trade-in is that in most cases, you pay taxes only on the amount of the difference. The disadvantage is that the dealer will offer you less than what you would be able to get selling it privately. This is the way dealers make a living.
You can get a higher price selling it privately, especially if you prepare your car and make it more attractive. However you have to be careful, people are different: some of the potential buyers may bother you for weeks asking to have your car inspected here and there, constantly complaining about the price and disparaging your vehicle. Others may give you a deposit right after a quick look at the car and the deal is done. You are lucky if you get this kind of buyer.
Many jurisdictions may have laws if you fail to disclose vehicle problems that you are aware of to a buyer. You may be found guilty of fraud and be held liable for the cost of all vehicle repairs the new owner incurs. You should check the laws with the department of motor vehicles in the state or province where you live.
Understanding your car's value
If you want to maximise the value of your car you're going to need how much it's worth.
Use the online valuation services on internet or check the car magazines to find out the prices of similar cars. Alternatively you can visit different websites and run a search to find the price of a car like yours. The mileage on your car might increase or reduce your car price a bit. Usually average mileage for a car is 10000 miles per year and if you are slightly above the average then you may consider reducing the price, however for low mileage cars the price could be a bit more above the average price. Always be honest about your car’s situation. Don’t try to cheat or hide anything from the buyers and explain the condition of the car clearly and you might get an offer quickly. If you have any extras on your car different then standard equipment like an mp3 player or a good quality stereo system then you can justify your price better.
Preparing your car
An oil change won’t cost the world, and can make a big difference when the buyer checks under the bonnet – make sure you fill to the correct level using the dipstick. Check tyres – make sure their pressure is correct, any punctured tyres are replaced and tread depth is at least 1.6mm deep – at least 3mm is strongly recommended. All lights should be examined, cleaned, repaired or replaced if necessary. Repair or replace any damaged car part which affects driving. Check your car’s brake fluid, windscreen washer and coolant levels and fill accordingly – use sweet-smelling washer fluid for maximum impact. Buy replacements for missing trims or badges. Consider replacing any wheel trims - especially if they've been kerbed. Damaged alloys can often be repaired.
Nobody would like to pay the asking price for a car if the car is not presented clean and shiny when it is viewed. If you prepare your car very well then the selling should be quicker and you might get full asking price or a very close offer. Here are a few things you can do to prepare your car:Clean your car
There are a number of cleaning jobs which can make your car gleam with pride, ready for the all-important advert photograph.Wash the car from the roof down with car shampoo and a sponge. Avoid using washing-up liquid, as this can cause rust.
Clean the car from top to bottom, not forgetting minor details such as wheel arches, bumpers, outer skirts and inner door panels. Scratches can be covered with special fluids such as T-Cut. Clean the wheels last. Use a special alloy wheel cleaner if dirt is particularly stubborn to remove. Rinse the car thoroughly with a hose or bucket of water. Dry with chamois leather. Use car wax or polish to create the perfect sheen. Don't worry if paint residue appears on the cloth; this is just a layer of ‘dead paint’A car’s interior is just as important as its exterior – car buyers want a comfortable drive which looks great inside as well as out.
Vacuum the carpets, mats, seats, dashboard and any dusty crevices. Use low-gloss cleaner on the dashboard (avoid household polish). Wipe glass with window cleaner and a damp chamois. Get minor damage or holes on the dashboard fixed by specialists. Empty the ashtrays; spray and wipe them clean. Use a light air freshener or odour neutraliser if the car smells of smokes, but don’t use too much.Collect together all the relevant paperwork for your car, including the V5C registration document, servicing schedule and MOT certificate. If you have receipts for work done, so much the better – it'll show that you've cared for you car.
Wording a car advert
There is an art to writing an effective motoring classified ad whether it is going to go into a newspaper, car magazine or online. It is crucial to get the wording right, otherwise you won't get a response and if you do, it won't necessarily be successful. The purpose of the advertisement is not so much to fully describe the car as to get interested parties to contact you and come and view and buy it. Overall, stick to the facts and don't use superlatives and exaggerations.
The most important elements in a car advert are:Year and registered letter/number: The buyer needs to know exactly which model you are selling. There can be a huge amount of difference between models and it may well be worth adding things like ‘face-lifted’, ‘more powerful’, ‘higher specification’ model. This is because manufacturers usually upgrade a whole range for a new year and many clued up buyers are aware of this. It also means buyers will understand why you have set the price at a particular level.
Service history: If you've got it, flaunt it. 'FSH' (full service history) is an accepted abbreviation. Also mention it is main agent servicing which on some high value and sports cars makes it even more attractive. Don’t be tempted to state full history if your car does not have it as that’s illegal. Make sure there are stamps and bills to back your claim up.
Mileage: Be specific if the car has a low mileage as buyers regard this as very important. However, mileage becomes less of an issue as the car gets older and can be dropped if you are flogging a banger.
Model :This is vitally important in a marketplace that places emphasis on differences between an L and GL. Buyers also want to know the engine size, so state 1.6, 2.0, diesel and whether gearbox is automatic. Don’t waste words on the spec, unless there is anything unusual such as sat-nav, and air conditioning is always worth mentioning.
Colour: A crucial buying factor for many people, a picture ad may be too small and blurry to correctly identify it. You don’t have to use the manufacturer’s description like ‘arctic white’, a simple white will do. It is also worth mentioning whether it is a metallic finish or not.
Condition: Honesty really is the best policy. If there is a major fault, then mention it. 'Good condition, but gearbox needs attention hence ...’ that lovely word 'hence' qualifies the defect and justifies a lower than normal price. You don’t want to put someone off, but a buyer won’t be happy if they make a journey to see a car and find that there is a big dent down the side.
Price: The word 'offers' or 'ono' (or near offer) at the end of the description indicates that you are desperate to sell at any price so don’t use it. Buyers always make an offer anyway. Never put POA (price on application), that is something else which can get a buyer’s back up, they want to know what the price is to begin with and resent having to phone for more details.
Telephone number: Obvious plus a phrase like ‘ring between 6-7pm’ means that you don't become a prisoner to the phone, but a divert to your mobile is essential. List as many ways to contact you as possible including an email address which is a good way to make first contact and send pictures.
Owners: If you have been the only owner, or there have only been a couple in the last decade, this is another reassuring indicator for the potential purchaser.
Warranties : Any existing guarantees, or warranties, especially if provided by the manufacturer, should be mentioned.
Pictures: If you have an option to add pictures of your car like in online advertising sites make sure you have taken photos after cleaning your car. Try to put photos from different angles like from front side, back side, from interior which will give a good impression about overall condition of your car.
Meeting buyers
Like it or not, that grumpy so-and-so kicking your tyres is a customer. Treat him (or her) as such and you stand a better chance of selling the car. However, you must always stay in charge of the situation. Answer the telephone politely, answer questions directly and don’t flannel. If you are honest and straightforward you are more likely to hook a potential buyer.
When it comes to making an appointment don't allow yourself to be trapped into an inconvenient time, or become a prisoner in the house waiting for someone to put in an appearance. Always take the enquirer's telephone number. Never make the appointment late in the evening, or agree to meet anywhere other than a familiar location.Meet and greet
When the buyer arrives, be friendly and helpful and do not act as though you are desperate to sell your car. Don't talk too much or fuss around the buyer. Crucially have all the documentation neatly presented. As for the car simply ensure that all the doors are unlocked, raise the bonnet and leave the buyer to it, but don't leave the keys with them! Then retire gracefully, stay in the vicinity, but let the buyer look around. Don't offer to do anything, like start the car or go for a drive, until they ask. Also, leaving them with the car makes it less likely that they will criticise and put you on the defensive.
• DO make it easy for the buyer but stay in charge of the situation
• DON’T fuss around, or crowd the buyer
Test drive
If the buyer wants a drive the most important thing to remember is that you should remain in control at all times. Make sure that you drive first, this is so you can show that the car can be driven smoothly and there are no problems with a crunching gearbox, juddering brakes or a sluggish performance.
Drive to a quiet road and invite the potential buyer to take the wheel. (Under no circumstances should you ever leave the keys in the ignition if you get out to swap seats – this is a golden opportunity for a car thief.) Direct them along a local route which avoids built-up areas and school-run snarl-ups. Don't babble. Silence often provokes favourable responses from the driver and they effectively begin to sell to themselves. Don’t make any observations on the car’s condition, which could later be interpreted as a misrepresentation.
• DO drive first and stay in control
• DON’T babble!
Making the deal
Be polite, low-key, and helpful. Never offer any reduction in price even if you think it will help to finalise the sale – until you have been asked that would be pointless. You will be giving something away for nothing. State the price and then be quiet, the silence puts the pressure back on the buyer.
When the buyer makes an offer, make sure you know what your profit bottom line is, the minimum you could accept to make it worth your while. Obviously never drop below that figure. When negotiating, don’t allow yourself to be chipped in price by £100s. Counter with smaller £25-£50 drops in price.
Use the benefits of your car to justify a higher price, such as the full service history, recent new battery or the alarm system, effectively the things that can’t easily be removed from the vehicle.
Never stop taking enquiries until you have been paid in full for the car.
Receiving paymentOnce you've found a buyer, and it’s time to make the sale, there are certain steps you should take to protect yourself against problems such as time-wasters, theft and fraud.
Once a price has been agreed, take a deposit, making it clear that it is non-refundable. That way, if the buyer pulls out and you have to re-advertise, you won't be out of pocket.
Never hand over the car until you have been paid the full agreed price.
Always wait for a cheque or banker’s draft to clear before handing over the keys – inform the buyer that this will be the case.
Prepare two copies of a written sales agreement, and make sure you both sign and date each copy. Include the following:-Make and model
-Registration number and VIN
-Year of registration
-Mileage (if known to be genuine. If you’re not sure and have no way of finding out state 'mileage not verified')
-Agreed sale price and deposit paid
-Buyer's name and address
-Your name and address
-Note that the vehicle is 'sold as seen'Doing the paperwork
You must inform the DVLA of the sale by filling in and sending off the form on the vehicle’s V5C registration document. If your car is listed with a security register you must inform them of the sale, too. The forms you need to fill in and send off should be with your car’s documentation. If not, call the number on the car’s windows. Finally, you should call any company providing a warranty on the car – either a manufacturer or an independent – to inform it of the new owner’s details.
Once the deposit has been taken and the deal sealed, and before you say goodbye to your car, make sure you fill in all transfer documents.Resources being used to create this article:
www.churchill.com
www.whatcar.com
www.direct.gov.uk -