1Volkswagen Golf

2Nissan Serena

3BMW 3 Series

4Citroen Saxo

5Saab 9-3

1Mercedes-Benz ...

2Honda Accord

3Toyota MR2

4Kia Carens

5BMW 3 Series

Selling: Hints and Tips

Getting the Price You Want

Getting your car ready for sale is essential if you're going to get the best price for it.

Clean the car inside and out and make sure it's tidy
Consider getting a new MOT too as this says a lot about the car's basic condition
If your vehicle has a serious defect and is unroadworthy, you could be breaking the law by selling it, if you haven't described it accurately
Consider a full, professional valet service. It can really make a difference to the price and how easily you can sell the car. Repair any minor paintwork damage or simple mechanical faults too

Now you're ready to market your car, so here are some tips for a stress–free sale.

Top Ten Tips for a Smooth Sale

Price your car realistically

This is vital if you want a quick sale
Check the prices of similar cars in popular classified ad magazines or online

You can't sell a car with outstanding finance

This includes outstanding hire-purchase or conditional sale agreements
If you do want to sell, get the finance company's permission or settle the finance first

Don't make false or reckless claims

Take care how you word your advert
Lines like 'First to see will buy' won't convince anyone

In adverts, stick to facts that will interest potential buyers

Describe the car as accurately as possible.
Quote the year/number plate, how many months are left on the MOT and where you are based

State the condition of the car in adverts and on the receipt

If it's being sold for spares only, or it requires substantial repairs, say so
Include this information on the receipt once you've agreed to sell

Have all documents and history handy

Keep receipts for work carried out.
Have all MOT certificates and service records to hand
A fully-stamped dealer service record adds value if you've got one
Don't forget to hand over all relevant documents when you sell

Check the buyer is insured to test drive the car

Your own insurance may cover you
Always go with them
Avoid becoming a victim of car theft – if you change seats part way through, take the keys with you and hand them over when you get back in the car

Build in a margin for haggling.

That way the buyer's happy and you still get close to the amount you want

Provide a 'Sold as seen, tried and approved without guarantee' receipt

Print off and use a seller's contract
Bear in mind that no wording on the receipt is foolproof

Get paid

Don't let anyone drive your car away until you're satisfied that you've been paid in full
Cash is always the best way to be paid
If you are given a personal or building society cheque, wait for it to clear in your bank before you hand the car over

Successfully Sold

So you've agreed to sell your car. What should you do before the buyer drives off into the sunset? To protect yourself, draw up a seller's contract.

Print two copies of the contract, one for you and one for your buyer
Complete the contracts with your buyer
You and your buyer should sign and date the contracts
Make sure you each keep a signed copy as proof of the purchase

It's also important to tell the DVLA that your car has changed hands. After all, you don't want to be landed with any of the new driver's future offences and convictions. Simply follow the instructions on the V5/registration document.

Selling your car has never been easier and quicker. You only need to be in a few key places to sell quickly.

You can't afford not to be advertising on BuymyCar!

Buy My Car offers you, the private individual, an opportunity to sell your car on a unique site that attracts all types of buyers.

We know that selling your car can be expensive with no guarantees of selling but with our special rates you can afford to put your car in front of thousands for less than the price of a pint.

At Buy My Car we have created 5 advertising packages designed to give you as much as possible for your money.

Find a Buyer for Your Used Car

Our car advertising system helps you to display the perfect advert for your car. The whole process takes less than 5 minutes and your advert will appear online to potential buyers once approved for added protection.

You can also benefit from a featured advert on our home page for a limited amount of time (for a priceless extra cost). Buyers can contact you via our on line form or, if you wish, using the contact details you have given. We will also email you a free ‘Car Sellers Pack’ that will give you many car selling hints about selling. Car advertising material to print and place in your car or in other locations.