How to sell your car
We buy your car the seamless and stress-free way
We have broken down the process into these simple steps:
It's free - no hidden fees!
We'll settle any outstanding finance.
We buy any car make or model.
Once you've found your perfect car, click 'Build your deal' on any used car page.
As you're valuing your part exchange, you will be prompted to enter the code:
ADD500
This will give you an extra £500 on top of your valuation!
We have broken down the process into these simple steps:
1
Get your free instant online quote.
Enter your reg, mileage and some information about your car's condition and our online car calculator will give you a free, instant offer.
2
Book an appointment
Pick the date, time and branch that suits you to come and see us. We have over 100 locations across the UK.
3
Sell your car
We'll check over the car, confirm your valuation, help with any paperwork and process your payment within 3 working days.
We've been buying cars since 1954, that's more than 70 years of buying and selling. The first car Sir Arnold Clark bought was a Morris Ten Four, at the time it was valued and purchased for £70.
One thing that hasn't changed since 1954 is our passion for getting customers the best price when it's time to sell your car. If that hasn't sold you on selling to us, then continue reading...
We give you fast and free car quotes with no personal details needed. It's so quick and easy!
There are no hidden fees when you sell to us. Your final price is what you'll get!
We buy all makes and models available, there is no car we won't buy!
We'll settle any finance on your car with your finance company, so you don't have to worry.
With over 100 selling locations across the UK, we're always nearby to help sell your car to trade.
Your car offer is valid for 7 days. Book an appointment within this timeframe that suits you best.
If it comes to it and you no longer want to go ahead with the sale, we won't hassle you to do so.
Get the money into your bank account within 3 working days.
Don't just take it from us...
If you want to sell your car quickly for a higher price, there are a few extra things you can do. You can also read our comprehensive guide on how to sell a car for everything else you need to know. Below are our quick tips for hassle-free car selling:
Give your car a clean and prep it for your appointment.
A car that is in good condition can command a higher price.
Bring paperwork and documents you need.
Bringing your V5C logbook and proof of ID will help the sale go smoother.
Read our selling criteria before your appointment.
Checking over our conditions of valuation will expedite the selling process.
Unless otherwise declared, we will make the following assumptions when providing a valuation for your car:
Your car is not an import.
Your vehicle has not at any time been subject to an insurance write off or used for private hire, driving tuition or as a police or emergency service vehicle.
Your car has no damage, including interior and mechanical.
Your car is not a non-runner.
You have two sets of keys.
You have the locking wheel nut (if applicable).
Your car is in average condition for its age and mileage.
Your car has no major mechanical faults.
You have the car's full service history and vehicle manuals.
Your car has not been modified outside of the manufacturer's specifications.
FAQs
Unlike some of our competitors, especially those who sell to auction, you can sell your car to us at Arnold Clark, completely free of charge! You avoid all transaction, admin and hidden fees when you sell to one of our many branches across the UK.
How much you can sell your car for is dictated by several factors. Your quote depends on the information you tell us about your car. When you type in your registration and mileage, you'll get an instant guideline offer. Factors which impact how much you can sell your car for include:
You can complete a full car assessment online to tell us more about your car's overall condition, which will give you a more accurate online price. After that, book an appointment at one of our branches across the UK and our friendly experts will then check your car over. Once checked we'll make you an offer.
Selling to a dealership, like Arnold Clark, is the way to sell your car for the best price. By choosing us, you'll skip the hassle of having to advertise your car, haggle with timewasters or have buyers turn up at your door. You'll benefit from a quick and easy, fee-free sale, whilst we provide you with a great price for your pre-loved car.
95% of our customers get the amount they are quoted online. When using our online price tool, make sure to be honest and enter as much information about the condition of the car as you can, so when our staff check over your car it matches the online description.
If the information you provide to get your online price does not match the condition of the car when our product consultants check it over at your appointment, your appraisal quote could change.
When you bring your car to one of our dealerships, it is important to bring the following paperwork, digital records, and items so that we can quickly finalise your sale:
Any other extra accessories related to the vehicle or that were included with the car when you purchased it. These may include owner's manuals, memory cards, entertainment/audio cables, or first aid kits.
*If you've owned the car for less than 180 days, we'll also need a Main Dealer VAT invoice as proof of purchase (proof of payment may be required). Any backdated ownership documentation will also be required.
When you have sold your car, there are two options, you can cancel the policy or transfer it. Which option is available to you will be dictated your car insurance provider. Ultimately, you do need to contact your insurance as soon as you have sold your car.
If you cancel the policy before you have sold the car, you would either need to insure the car on a short-term/third party basis or have it transported to one of our branches. It is not an offence to sell an uninsured car, however it is an offence to drive a car on the road whilst uninsured.
You can sell your car to Arnold Clark with a private registration plate. We are the only dealership that will buy your car and allow you to process the plate retention on the same day. We have access to the new DVLA portal, which will retain the plate at the point of purchase.
All that we ask is that you pay the £80 retention fee on the DVLA website when we help you process the retention. If you pay a £250 holding deposit, we will release the funds for your car in line with our 3 working day payment term. Once you receive the new V5C and return it to the branch we will refund your deposit. Payments for this can be made via a credit or debit card.
You can sell your car to us with outstanding finance but there are a few things we need to do first. We will always liaise with you directly, but generally we would ask that you obtain a settlement letter from your finance company beforehand and have it sent to us.
Don't worry though, we can also help to settle any outstanding finance for you. You can also leave permission with your finance company for us to obtain a settlement figure on your behalf.
Once we have all the necessary information to allow us to contact your lender and arrange a settlement letter, you can sit back and relax! We will pay the outstanding amount direct to your lender within 5 business days and the balance of your quote will be paid to you within 3 working business days.
Don't worry, we will still buy your car if you are in negative equity. You'll need to pay us the difference between the value of the car and the car finance settlement figure by debit or credit card. We will then settle your finance in full.
If you're selling your car and still have road tax remaining on the vehicle, you can get a refund on the remaining tax you have paid for. Notify the DVLA and let them know that you want to cancel your car tax and they will send you out a cheque.
If you do not let the DVLA know that the car has been sold to us, they may send you a cheque when we transfer ownership of the car. If you pay your road tax via direct debit, this will be cancelled automatically.
If you sell to us our dedicated team notify the DVLA about transfer of ownership at the point of purchase. You won't need to do a thing!
