How to achieve the best price for your used car.

How to achieve the best price for your used car.

Advertising Your Car

  • Great pictures visualises car for new owners.
  • Honest car reviews build confidence for buyers to bid.
  • The combination of factors is key to a successful sale.

 

Do Your Research

  • Pricing Strategy:
    • Check prices of similar cars on car forecourts (dealer's target price, typically higher).
    • Use the free vehicle history report for a true price estimate.
    • Set a reserve price, your lowest acceptable offer.
  • Prepare the Car:
    • Clean your car thoroughly to make a good impression.
  • Location for Photos:
    • Use an open driveway or roadside near home for clear shots.
    • Avoid commercial backgrounds (e.g., petrol stations, car parks) to maintain confidence.

 

Taking Photos

  • Main Shot:
    • Take a side view with your residence in the background.
  • Additional Shots:
    • Capture all aspects of the car (the good, bad, and ugly).
    • Show scratches, stone chips, and imperfections.
    • Take shots of alloy wheels, even if one is kerbed.
    • Include photos under the bonnet and inside the car.
    • Include a dashboard shot with the car running (to show no dashboard lights are illuminated).

 

Video Content

  • Create a Video:
    • Ensure the engine is running and the sound is on (buyers like to hear the car).
    • Film the entire car, showing all panels and wheels.
    • Lift the bonnet to provide full transparency.
    • Video content boosts sales and adds authenticity.

Listing Your Car

  • Document Verification:
    • Submit your log book (v5) for verification (not shown to buyers).
    • Provide any service reports or receipts that accompany the car.
    • This offers transparency and helps buyers understand the car's history.
  • Title for Your Advert:
    • Keep it clear, bold, and concise.
    • Example: "Volkswagen Golf 2015 Silver."
  • Subheading:
    • Provide more detail in a less direct manner.
    • Example: "75k miles, FSH, alloy wheels."


Writing the Full Description

  • Be Honest and Concise:
    • Avoid referring to the car as "she."
    • Focus on some technical details available in the vehicle report.
    • Mention how long you've owned the car, recent work done, and upcoming repairs.
    • Highlight reliability, service history, and garage information.
    • Point out both the good and bad features of the car.
  • Highlight Great Points:
    • Emphasize cost-efficiency, boot space, upgraded features, air conditioning, etc.

 

Creating a Trustworthy Listing

  • Why Bidders Should Be Confident:
    • Great photos, a strong title, an honest description, and a vehicle history report help build trust.
    • Offering a 3-month warranty will further instil confidence.

Conclusion: The Win-Win Situation

  • For Sellers:
    • You should achieve more than a part-exchange value.
  • For Buyers:
    • Expect to pay less than the forecourt price.
  • Overall Outcome:
    • Realistic valuation, honest descriptions, and clear visuals will result in a fair and successful sale.
  • Cycle of Online Car Sales:
    • Sellers find confidence in using the platform, and buyers find the flexibility to buy their next car.
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