How to sell a car privately

Looking to sell your car privately? Here’s how to make the most of it.

It’s time to say goodbye to your car, and now it’s an economic asset ready to be sold. While trading it in may be convenient, it won’t always fetch the best price. Dealers factor in their own costs and time before selling, which means you may get less than the car’s true value.

Selling privately can earn you more money and give you extra leverage when striking your next car deal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to sell a car privately, from prep work to handling issues such as selling without an MOT or with mechanical problems.

Why should I sell my car privately?

There are several pros and cons you must weigh up before selling your car privately:

Advantages of selling privately

• Without intermediaries taking a cut, you’ll take home more money for your car
• By communicating directly with prospective buyers, you have more control over the price and the sale process
• You can schedule viewings and negotiations when it suits you, without having to follow an intermediary’s timetable

Disadvantages of selling privately

Having your car serviced, advertising it, handling inquiries, arranging viewings, and handing it over to the buyer can be quite time-consuming
You need to arrange the payment and hand over the car, which puts you at risk of being scammed
Finding a buyer may take longer than expected, which could delay you from buying your next set of wheels

What to do when selling a car privately

Selling a car privately can help you get more money, but it usually requires more effort than other methods. Here are some tips for selling a car privately:

1. Inspect and service

Ads can hide issues, but buyers will spot damage in person. Be honest about flaws and fix any problems before listing. Buyers want cars that look good and run smoothly. For older cars, skip costly repairs but disclose issues and adjust the price. Ensure the car matches the description to avoid legal issues.

Also service your car if it’s been more than eight or nine months since the last one, as it helps spot any issues and shows you’ve kept it well-maintained. Similarly, if the MOT is recent, there’s no need for another. However, buyers will appreciate not having to worry about an MOT right after purchasing.

2. Clean the car

Before advertising or showing your car, give it some TLC to make it more appealing. Wash and wax the exterior, paying special attention to the wheels, as they often catch the eye. Inside, vacuum, dust, and use a mild air freshener – avoid overdoing it. Clean stains from seats and carpets, and clear out the glovebox, boot, and storage areas. If needed, consider a professional valet. Finally, don’t forget to clean cup holders and remove any personal items.

We have guides on washing your car and the best snow foams currently on the market.

3. Take quality photos

Photograph your car with a neutral background, like a park, at eye level, and make sure the images are in focus. Capture front, rear, side, and three-quarter angles. Include interior shots from various angles, particularly the driver’s seat from an open door.

Take pictures of the dashboard with the engine running, showing mileage and no warning lights. Also, photograph each wheel, the boot, and avoid sun glare or reflections. Avoid driveway photos to protect your privacy and ensure the background is tidy.

For more tips and tricks, check out our in-depth guide on how to photograph a car.

4. Prepare your paperwork

A V5C, or logbook, does not prove ownership of a car – it only shows to whom it is registered. Dig out all your car’s paperwork before you advertise it. This will give you time to get any replacement documents, should you need them, while also helping to re-familiarise yourself with the car’s history and your time with it.

Documents you will need include:

• The V5C Logbook (essential); this shows the car is registered to you, and is required before a car can be sold
• Service history – not legally essential, but very important and desirable
• Any receipts for tyres, bulbs, parts, etc. This, again, builds confidence with the buyer
• MOT certificate; not strictly necessary as this can be looked up online, but good to have
• Any warranty documents you may have if your car is still under manufacturer guarantee

Check out our dedicated guide to what documents you need when selling a car.

5. Value your car

There’s no point going through all the hassle if you advertise your car at 50% more than it’s worth. You equally don’t want to sell yourself short and lose serious money.

6. Choose where to sell your car privately

When advertising your car, use multiple methods and platforms to reach the right buyers and maximise its visibility:

• Online marketplaces: Sites like Carwow give you great exposure.
• Social media: Facebook Marketplace is perfect for reaching local buyers.
• Specialist car forums: These target enthusiasts of specific car models.
• For Sale signs: Display signs in your car window, especially if it’s parked in high-traffic areas.

7. Create an advert

Creating a great car advert is about balancing detail with brevity. Highlight key features, especially non-standard ones such as a sunroof, and mention any modifications. If the car has been well-maintained or serviced, include that and its service history. Avoid phrases such as ‘no time-wasters’ or ‘genuine reason for selling,’ as they can put buyers off. Finally, be cautious about sharing personal info in the advert and photos, especially if contacted by suspicious buyers.

8. Arrange viewings and test drives

You may find yourself fielding calls and messages from buyers giving you lowball offers – stay polite, firm, and brief. Also don’t take offence; some people are likely testing if you’re misinformed about the car’s value.

Also be flexible with viewing times, but don’t overcommit, especially for no-shows. Selling from home is common, but consider if you’re comfortable letting strangers in. Having someone with you for viewings can help with offers and safety.

Consider offering a test drive, but only if the buyer is insured – either with a temporary policy or by adding your car to their insurance for the day. At a minimum, they should have third-party insurance. And whatever you do, don’t let them drive without you in the car. If there’s an accident, their insurance won’t cover you, and they’re unlikely to buy the car.

9. Negotiate and secure the payment

Go into any negotiation knowing your ideal price, what you think is fair, and the lowest possible price you will accept. Be prepared to lower the price slightly to close the deal. Research similar cars to estimate a fair price, considering mileage differences and whether it’s a trade or private sale.

Once you’ve agreed on a price, now it’s time to secure your payment. But what’s the best payment method? Cash can be risky due to counterfeit concerns and security issues. An electronic bank transfer is quick and secure, but be cautious if the buyer’s details don’t match the bank account. Consider asking for a small test transfer to verify details. Also don’t hand over the car until the full payment clears.

Meanwhile, cheques or banker’s drafts can take time to process, delaying the sale. Once funds are received, provide a receipt with car details, agreed price, and transaction date. Have both parties sign it, including a ‘sold as seen’ clause for protection.

10. Notify the DVLA

You’re legally required to tell the DVLA if you have sold your car to avoid being liable for any penalties the new owner may incur. Transfer ownership immediately, either online via the DVLA or by completing section 2 of the V5C logbook and sending the remainder to the DVLA.

Selling a car privately FAQs

What to do with V5C when selling a car privately?

When selling your car privately, you’ll need to complete the V5C logbook. Fill out section 6 with the buyer’s details and have both of you sign section 8 to confirm the change of ownership. Give the buyer the green slip (section 10) as proof of ownership.

You must notify the DVLA of the sale, either online through the GOV.uk website or by posting the completed V5C to the DVLA. Don’t give the buyer the entire V5C – just the green slip. Once the DVLA is notified, you’ll get confirmation and a refund for any unused road tax.

Can I sell a faulty or damaged car?

You can sell a faulty or damaged car, but it may be difficult to do so, and you should declare this in any advert. You are legally obliged to tell the buyer of any faults you know of if they ask about this.

Note: it’s also illegal to sell an unroadworthy car, and a valid MOT is not necessarily proof of this, as dangerous faults can develop after the car has been tested.

What do you write on a sold as seen receipt?

You should write ‘sold as seen, tried and approved without guarantee’ on any receipt, as this confirms you are offering no warranty on the car, and the buyer has deemed that they are happy with its condition.

Can I sell my car without an MOT?

It’s legally permissible to do so, but it may be tricky to sell the car, and it will not be possible for the buyer to test drive it on the road. The buyer must also have the vehicle transported away after buying it.

Our detailed guide on how to sell a car without an MOT has more information.

Can I sell my car with outstanding finance?

You must clear any outstanding finance you owe on the car before selling it. If selling to a mainstream dealer, they should have the means to arrange this simply, but a private seller will not. Until you have paid off any funds owing, the car will belong to the finance company, and you could be committing fraud by selling it.

Our guide on how to sell a financed car has more information.

Can I sell my car without a V5C?

The V5C logbook is not proof of ownership – it only shows to whom a car is registered, so you are legally allowed to sell a car without a V5C. It’s tough to do this, though (we advise never to buy a car without a V5C). A replacement logbook from the DVLA only costs £25, so arrange this prior to advertising the car.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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