How to sell a car

Selling your car can be a difficult and stressful task. There are many options and so many things to consider, including getting an accurate valuation, where to sell your car, preparing your car to be sold, and much more. Often this leaves you with the question: “How do I sell my car?”

That’s why at Arnold Clark, we have a smooth, stress-free and easy process when it comes to selling your car to us. We’ve gathered our top tips that will help you with getting your car ready to sell quickly and conveniently. We also have great tips on getting a fantastic price when the time comes to sell your car.

How do I sell my car? Our top tips

Get a reliable car valuation

The first step to selling your car is getting a reliable car valuation. You should note that some car-buying companies inflate online prices when giving you a car valuation. This makes them seem more appealing. However, it is the physical evaluation that matters. Car companies can take this as an opportunity to knock hundreds of pounds off the original valuation figure.

Several factors go into getting an accurate valuation for your car. These include but are not limited to the vehicle’s:

• Age
• Mileage
• Condition
• Market value
• Service history

It’s important to be honest when detailing the condition of your car online. This will allow us to give you a more accurate valuation that won’t change drastically when our dedicated team physically appraises your car.

Using a trustworthy car company when selling your car is so important. At Arnold Clark, we have a proven track record of giving great prices and quotes – with over, 70 years of experience, we’ve been buying cars since 1954. Plus, we’re known to have one of the UK’s best online car calculators.

Consider where to sell your car

Choosing the best way to sell your car entails considering the different options available. There are a multitude of ways to sell your car:

Private sale

This can be a time-consuming process as it involves you handling the advertisement of the car as well as scheduling date and times of any viewers. When it comes to advertising your car, you’ll need to take photos of the vehicle, detail all the information such as make, model, age, mileage, previous owners, and any faults or issues the car has. There are online marketplaces that you can sell your car on, but these will charge a fee to create and post an ad. Some may also take a fee on the sale.

With a private sale, there is a high chance that there will be people who won’t show up, time wasters who don’t have a genuine interest in the car, and hagglers that will try get the car for as cheap as possible.

Selling to an online car-buying company

This tends to be the fastest way to sell, but, because they know you’re in a hurry to sell, you don’t always get what your car is truly worth. These quick-cash sites normally involve a second appraisal by one of their employees visiting your house or agreed location to inspect the car. If any faults are found, the final price you are offered could be substantially lower. However, the speed and convenience of selling through these sites can be a big plus for customers.

Sell to a dealership

Selling your car to a dealer is a convenient option as you can choose dates and times that suit you, and therefore sell your car quickly. Typically, you can get a guideline offer from the dealer's website and then book an appointment at one of their branches if you are happy with their initial quote. At your appointment, the dealership staff will physically inspect your car to give you an accurate final offer.

Car dealers will also buy your car if you have outstanding finance left to pay. If the car is worth more than is owed on the remaining payments, the dealer may pay off any finance left on the car and deduct that from the amount the car is worth, which will leave you with the leftover balance. Alternatively, they can help contact your finance company to get a settlement fee.

Part-exchange your car

Selling your car to a dealership and putting that cash towards buying a new car from them allows you to upgrade and change what you drive. Part-exchanging your car is an all-in-one transaction that easily allows you to get rid of your old car and purchase a new one.

Whilst it might be convenient to buy and sell with the same dealer, it’s not always the way to get the best price for your car as some dealers can make more from part -exchanges. The best route to take in this instance is to split the part-exchange transaction into two. Firstly, sell your car outright to the dealer and then, secondly, start a new transaction by using that cash to buy a new car.

How to sell a car fast

If the speed of selling is your top priority, then you need to decide what’s the fastest route to getting your cash. Selling privately can be a lengthy process, as you may have to wait for someone to offer a good enough price. You’ll also have to put in the work to advertise, meet with potential buyers and make sure all relevant sales paperwork has been completed.

Instant online car buyers are the best way to sell fast. However, with these companies, you’ll likely receive less money for your car. This is because they know customers are looking for a quick sale. So, while this way might be good if you’re pressed for time, it won’t be best for getting what your car is truly worth.

The quickest and best way to sell your car for a great price is to sell to a car dealer. Like with private selling, they can give you a competitive market offer for your car, but then you can make an in-branch appointment at a date, time and branch location that suits you.

1. Prioritise selling your car the stress-free way

   Convenience can be a huge factor in deciding how and where to sell your car. After all, selling should be a hassle and stress-free process. If this is a priority for you, we'd recommend selling to a car dealership like us - this means no meeting with potential buyers, dealing with timewasters, or spending time and money advertising your car

   At Arnold Clark, we make it easy. With us, you can get an online valuation for your car in under 30 seconds and book an in-branch appointment at a time and place that suits you. With over 100 branches across the UK, we’re always nearby.

2. Prepare your car before you sell

   Cleaning your car inside and out is an essential step when getting your car ready to sell. It can make a huge difference on the price you’re offered. Potential buyers will always look to inspect your car for any wear and tear, chips, and scratches to use as a bargaining tool for offering a lower amount. Fixing and repairing any of these cosmetic issues can help you get more for your car when it comes to selling it.

   When you hand the car over, make sure you have provided all relevant paperwork, such as logbooks, V5 documents, and previous service and MOT history. Any extra car appliances should also be included, such as both sets of keys and items like first aid kits.

3. Get the right payment

   No matter what option you choose to sell your car, you should always make sure you have payment confirmation before you hand the keys over. Never let the buyer pay by cheque or say they’ll transfer the money later, as that leaves you in a position where you might not get the cash for your car.

   At Arnold Clark, we provide proof of a secure bank transfer in-branch at your appointment and send a copy to your email address. It’s also completely free to sell to us, meaning there are no hidden admin or transaction fees.

   A trusted car buyer will show you proof of receipt to your bank account or have the exact cash amount ready to hand over. If they don’t initially provide this, ask them to.

4. Reclaim your road tax once you have sold your car

   This is a tip many people forget about. After you’ve sold your car, make sure you’ve cancelled your current car insurance and reclaim any road tax. To reclaim road tax, contact the DVLA and notify them that you no longer own the car. You’ll then receive a refund for any full months of remaining road tax.

   When selling to Arnold Clark, we do this for you. This is just another way we make the process easier. We’ll contact DVLA regarding the purchase of the car and let them know you no longer own it. They should then send out a cheque to your home address.

Are you ready to sell your car?

By following these tips your car should now be ready to sell. If you want the best way to sell your car fast and easy for a great price, then sell your car with Arnold Clark. Simply get your free online quote and then select your nearest branch for your appointment at a date and time that suits you. You’ll receive an email confirmation of your appointment details along with what to bring with you such as your driver's licence, both sets of keys, and V5C logbook. Then arrive at your appointment and get a great price for your car – easy.