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Sellers' guide

WANT to get the best deal out of selling your car? Here are a few tips which might help you swing that sale – in your favour of course.

First impressions are important, so make sure the vehicle is clean and gleaming. It might seem obvious but offering a polished car - inside and out - for sale is more likely to catch the buyer's eye and give the feeling that this has been a lovingly looked after vehicle. Not only should you get a quicker sale, you might even find the buyer pays extra.

You could have the vehicle professionally valeted of course and this could lead to an even higher value sale. But if you don't have the finances for that, a thorough vacuuming out - including the boot - and taking a cleaning cloth to the dash and facings - don't forget the door jambs - should do the trick. You can even buy dashboard wipes from most supermarkets and car care companies for as little as under a pound now. Takes away the need for elbow grease!
Touch up any obvious scratches on paintwork too - but make sure you match the shade properly.

A vehicle with a full year's MOT always seems like a good buy. Plus, make sure you have all other paperwork that might be relevant - such as the service history or receipts for recent work done if you think it will help your sale. Also essential, of course, is the registration document.
And while we're talking documentation, once the sale is complete be sure to fill in the log book. This is the responsibility of the registered keeper and if your name is still on the documents, it will remain your responsibility to be answerable for road tax and any fines that might be imposed on the vehicle. So, make sure you transfer the ownership to the new keeper, trying to argue the point with the authorities later, that the car is no longer yours, is no defense.

Make sure that everything on the car works. If a headlamp bulb has blown or something is not operating correctly then this could alert the buyer to think there might be problems lurking elsewhere, and make them wary in general.

One small point that most people overlook, but one which is crucial to check, is that if a potential buyer wants to take your car for a test drive, they must be covered by insurance. Your car won't have much value to you if someone has written it off when they aren't insured to drive it. And, as we know, most accidents occur just a few streets from home. So, one to check very carefully. If you are relying on the other driver to provide the cover, ask to see the document, don't just take their word for it.

And, when the deal is finally clinched, be very, very careful about taking payment. While the majority of people who come to view will be entirely genuine, there are various scams and scammers around now. The most obvious danger is from the thief who poses as a buyer and simply drives off with your car when they get the chance. So, never allow a potential buyer to test drive alone, and make sure keys are always in your hands, not theirs - or the ignition for that matter.
But, be warned, there are many other more complex ruses on the go, so always be alert and aware.
When it comes to handing over the payment, it's best to only accept cash or a bankers draft. A personal cheque can be taken but make absolutely sure that it is clear before you release the car. And in these circumstances, it is normal to take a deposit, say £50, to ensure the buyer returns.

Best of luck and happy selling!

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