How to sell your car

AROUND six million second-hand cars change hands every year and according to the RAC, nearly 20 per cent are bought privately.

It's a good way to sell a car because you can get more for your old one than through a dealer. This is particularly true today as traders are overloaded with unsold cars, a situation made worse by this month's registration plate change. By not having a trade-in you can haggle a much better deal.

Depending upon the make, year and condition of your car, on average a private sale can net around two-thirds of its forecourt price. There's also great satisfaction from wheeling and dealing.

Here's how to go about it. First, find out your car's typical price. Apart from consumer price guides, such as Parkers, scan the classifieds in the newspapers to see what is the going rate. Remember to add a bit for haggling.

So, a car priced at 3,750 will probably sell for 3,500.

Is your car in good nick? You may think so but get a friend to give you an unbiased view. A cleanup works wonders as 70 per cent of all cars are bought on first impressions.

Missing and broken wheel trims should be replaced (don't buy expensive dealer replacements, a 10 set from a car spares shop will suffice). See that all the fluid levels are correct (water, oil and brake fluid). It may even pay to have a minor service and a fresh MoT helps a lot.

However, serious defects need to be carefully costed as it may pay to part exchange.

Before advertising, put the word out that you are selling, as it's surprising how many people may be interested.

A card in the window of your car or at a local newsagent is a good, cheap way of advertising.

If you place an ad in your local paper, budget the cost into the car's price. Free ads papers are good selling mediums too.

Never take your car to a "buyer" and never meet in car parks or strange areas. Don't let the car out of your sight (they go missing that way) or make false statements or promises just to clinch the deal.

When the car is sold, make out a signed invoice, for your records, and do not hand the car or any documents over until the money is safely stashed away.

Honest people sell honest cars but remember, second-hand ones will display some faults, so don't feel you're ripping somebody off by passing yours on.

To the new owner it may be their dream car.

Copyright 2001
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