Selling a used car can feel like a big job. Breaking it into small steps makes it easier. This guide explains what you may need to do and how to prepare your car for a safe and smooth sale.
1. Decide how you want to sell your car
You can sell a car in a few different ways. Some people choose a private sale. Others use a car-buying service. If you plan to get another vehicle, a part exchange may suit you. Many drivers use part exchange when changing cars, and the section on part exchanging a car explains how dealers value vehicles and how the process works.
A private sale may give you a higher price. A car-buying service may offer less money but may save time. Think about how quickly you want to sell and how much effort you are happy to put in.
2. Clean and prepare your car
A clean car is easier to sell. Wash the outside and wipe down the inside. Remove personal items. Open the windows to air the car if it smells musty. Check simple things like tyre tread, screen wash and lights. These small jobs make the car feel ready to drive.
Older cars often have small scratches or marks. This is normal. Focus on anything that affects safety, such as warning lights or worn tyres.
3. Get your paperwork together
Keep your car papers in one place. Buyers often want to see them before they decide to buy. The main items are the V5C, the MOT papers and any service records. These show how the car has been cared for. The information in the section on how servicing works also explains what garages check during a service.
Keep any repair notes or receipts too. They help show that faults were fixed. If the car is on finance, ask the lender for a settlement figure. A car on finance still belongs to the lender until the balance is cleared.
You cannot sell a car if it is still on finance without asking the finance company first. They own the car until the finance is fully paid. You are not allowed to sell the car without their permission. Some finance companies may let you sell it to a motor trader. Go Car Credit only gives permission to sell to approved motor traders.
4. Set a fair price
A fair price helps bring real interest. Age, mileage and condition all play a part in value. Most used cars lose value over time, and the section on car depreciation shows why some models drop faster than others.
Look at prices for similar cars to understand the market. Choose a price that feels right. Decide on the lowest amount you are happy to accept. This can make it easier to deal with offers.
5. Write a clear advert
A simple advert is often the most effective. Use bright photos taken in daylight. Show the outside, inside, dashboard and boot. Include details such as mileage, MOT length, fuel type and key features.
Running costs matter to most buyers. Many people compare fuel use when choosing a car, and the page about fuel-efficient cars explains how MPG works and what affects it. Adding this information to your advert may help people judge costs.
Be honest about scratches or faults. Buyers respect clear information. The wider car-buying section shows what many people check before they agree to view a car.
6. Stay safe during viewings and test drives
Safety should come first. Meet in a place where you feel comfortable. Bring someone with you if you can. Ask to see a driving licence before a test drive. Go with the buyer in the car. Keep the keys with you when swapping seats.
If anything feels wrong, you may stop the meeting at any time. You can rearrange or walk away.
MoneyHelper also offers general guidance on motoring and safety in its section on buying and running a car.
7. Take payment safely
Payment is an important part of the sale. Many people use a bank transfer because the money shows in your account before you hand over the keys. Cash is also used, but counting it at a bank may feel safer.
Cheques and drafts take longer to clear. Only give the car to the buyer after your bank confirms the money is secure.
There are also scams linked to car sales. Some are easy to miss. Action Fraud explains the risks on its page about car-sale scams and fraud. These include fake payment messages, offers that are higher than the price you asked for, and requests to use unsafe shipping or escrow services. Some scammers also try to get your personal details or copies of your documents. Taking your time, checking payments yourself, and meeting buyers in person may help keep the sale safe.
8. Tell DVLA you have sold the car
After the sale, you must tell DVLA that the car has a new keeper. This protects you from any future fines or notices linked to the car. The steps are shown on the government page about buying or selling a vehicle.
Fill in the correct part of the V5C with the buyer. Keep a note of the date and any confirmation you receive.
9. Plan your next car
After you sell your car, you may want to look for your next one. It helps to check your budget first. The details in the section on car finance affordability show simple costs to think about, like fuel, insurance and small repairs.
If you have had credit problems before, the information on bad credit car finance explains how this type of borrowing works and when it may be used.
If you plan to buy a used car, the used car checklist and the wider car-buying section list simple checks that help you choose a safe and reliable vehicle.
10. If you need further support
If anything feels unclear, you can look at free guidance from MoneyHelper. It covers everyday money choices in plain English and may help you think about your wider budget.
Selling a car is easier when you take each step slowly. Clean the car, write a simple advert, stay safe during viewings, check payment, and update the DVLA. Small, steady steps make the whole process easier to manage.
