Selling a second hand car

garybarlowsbeard

We're selling our car - first time - and just wondered what's best. It's old, ford focus 51 plate but in very good condition with about 102k on the clock. We don't really know much about cars or selling them and don't want too much hassle.

I assume we'd get the best price trying a private sale through auto trader or similar but using webuyanycar or whatever would be a lot wquicker and easier.

What are peoples' thoughts - is it worth the hassle and how much would we likely lose by going through the like of WBAC?

I work from home so not a major deal for people to come and have a look. If we do go private is there anything we should watch out for, check, be careful of etc?

Thanks in advance!
GBB

fivetide

A quick look on the web says around £1500 depending on spec, condition, history etc

Gumtree is a decent place for cheaper older cars (free) or even eBay as a classified advert given that's only about £15

I'd deffo try Gumtree first. Sold a few on there (and bought) with no issues.

arcon5

WBAC will give you peanuts compared to a private sale.

Maybe list of auto trader.
Just make sure you see the buyers insurance cert to make sure they'll be insured to test drive it.
Agree price, fill in and sign log book.
Write the time on the green slip and log book and send it to dvla - do not let the buyer do it.

spacey2012

Uninsured test drivers !
A recipe for disaster.

colino

If it's a good spec model in a good colour with a good history, £1000 tops. If its dark green with scrapes and a pdi history, £200.
Take a weekend to get it gleaming to perfection, take good pictures, write a comprehensive ad. avoid tyre shine and "genuine reason for sale" and get it on autotrader.

bigjl

WBAC will give bottom trade but they will also take it there and then.

I used them to sell my V50. They took money off for some stone chips and wheels skuffs.

But as it was raining and i had just had it cleaned they mussed the dents on the bootlid, rear wing and centre of the roof. They also didn't realise the heater fan was broken.

Those things would have been negotiation point in a private sale.

I could hsve advertised it for around the £3500/3750 mark.

Say £100 for a months autotrader advert.

Dealing with tyre kickers. Those who know their rights after they buy it and then procede to break something. Not worth it.

They offered £3250 online

The first offer was £2500.

I laughed and went to walk out.

They asked what i would take and i said £2800.

Deal done for a bit more than that so i got that after fees.

Car was on the way to BCA Enfield before i would walk to the local minicab office.

Was listed in the sale two days later on Auctionview and gone the next week.

I expect they made a 10/15% margin.

I bought my next car.

You have to be realistic on what your car is actually worth.

Most people slag off WBAC as theu think their car is worth more than it is.

Trade price is just that. The price the trade wants to pay. If you get offered any more on trade in it is coming from the margin on the car you are buying.

A Focus of that age is best sold via Gumtree or Loot. Or perhaps in the bargain section of Autotrader if there is still such a section now it is online only.

I would be happy to move it on without hastle.

fivetide

Actually if it looks decent, don't under estimate simply sticking a 'For Sale' sign in the window and park it somewhere prominent. You never know and it is free.

garybarlowsbeard

Bigjl - when you say, "I would be happy to move it on without hastle" are you offering to buy it? If so maybe PM me what you would want from me and an offer, or even a ballpark offer first.

Ta

googler

Last time I wanted to sell, the book price was around £1600. I sold to a local dealer who wrote me a cheque for £1300 without hesitation.

WBAC's online offer was £600. I don't think this is me 'thinking my car is worth more than it is' in criticism of WBAC.

Prior to that, previous sale was through eBay. Agreed sale, buyer paid Paypal, and 2 or 3 days later came and collected.

arcon5

Top tip, if selling on eBay take cash on collection. Taking PayPal is opening yourself up to fraud.

arcon5

colino wrote: »

If it's a good spec model in a good colour with a good history, £1000 tops. If its dark green with scrapes and a pdi history, £200.
Take a weekend to get it gleaming to perfection, take good pictures, write a comprehensive ad. avoid tyre shine and "genuine reason for sale" and get it on autotrader.

Even with some scrapes and no service history op would get much higher than £200!!