Advertising Your Car
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Guarantee current market value, as long as the car sells.
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Honest car reviews build confidence for buyers to bid.
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The combination of factors is key to a successful sale.
Do Your Research
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Pricing Strategy:
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Check prices of similar cars on car forecourts (dealer's target price, typically higher).
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Use the free vehicle history report for a true price estimate.
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Set a reserve price, your lowest acceptable offer.
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Prepare the Car:
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Clean your car thoroughly to make a good impression.
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Location for Photos:
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Use an open driveway or roadside near home for clear shots.
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Avoid commercial backgrounds (e.g., petrol stations, car parks) to maintain confidence.
Taking Photos
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Main Shot:
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Take a side view with your residence in the background.
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Additional Shots:
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Capture all aspects of the car (the good, bad, and ugly).
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Show scratches, stone chips, and imperfections.
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Take shots of alloy wheels, even if one is kerbed.
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Include photos under the bonnet and inside the car.
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Include a dashboard shot with the car running (to show no dashboard lights are illuminated).
Video Content
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Create a Video:
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Ensure the engine is running and the sound is on (buyers like to hear the car).
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Film the entire car, showing all panels and wheels.
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Lift the bonnet to provide full transparency.
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Video content boosts sales and adds authenticity.
Listing Your Car
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Document Verification:
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Submit your log book (v5) for verification (not shown to buyers).
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Provide any service reports or receipts that accompany the car.
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This offers transparency and helps buyers understand the car's history.
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Title for Your Advert:
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Keep it clear, bold, and concise.
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Example: "Volkswagen Golf 2015 Silver."
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Subheading:
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Provide more detail in a less direct manner.
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Example: "75k miles, FSH, alloy wheels."
Writing the Full Description
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Be Honest and Concise:
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Avoid referring to the car as "she."
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Focus on technical details available in the vehicle report.
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Mention how long you've owned the car, recent work done, and upcoming repairs.
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Highlight reliability, service history, and garage information.
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Point out both the good and bad features of the car.
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Highlight Great Points:
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Emphasize cost-efficiency, boot space, upgraded features, air conditioning, etc.
Creating a Trustworthy Listing
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Why Bidders Should Be Confident:
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Great photos, a strong title, an honest description, and a vehicle history report help build trust.
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Offer a 3-month warranty to further instil confidence.
Conclusion: The Win-Win Situation
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For Sellers:
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You should achieve more than a part-exchange value.
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For Buyers:
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Expect to pay less than the forecourt price.
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Overall Outcome:
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Realistic valuation, honest descriptions, and clear visuals will result in a fair and successful sale.
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Cycle of Online Car Sales:
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Sellers find confidence in using the platform, and buyers find the flexibility to buy their next car.