Selling my Car

seekstris

Hi Guys,

I have come to that emotional time in a persons life where they have to sell their first ever car! It is an 03 Focus 5 door 1.8 Tdci Zetec which I am the 2nd owner of. Its done just over 110k miles, and depending where you check is valued between £1 - £1.5k.

I wanted to ask advice on where is best to sell it, and what I can do to get the best value? Currently I am leaning down the private route through sites like autotrader, gumtree or ebay as I should be able to get a little big more. I have bought some cleaning stuff so plan to give it a very good clean this weekend and wax before taking some pictures in what is meant to be a nice, bright sunny weekend.

I am not desperate to sell, as I already have a company car which is the reason I am selling as currently it is just a cost I do not need, and will only devalue further. I figure that probably puts me in a good position as I understand you frequently need to wait when selling privately.

I have done a lot of research already but I always find people here at MSE are very helpful and more importantly know from experience and don't seem to have an agenda, so I would appreciate your thoughts and advice.

smssms

In my experience and opinion:

Ebay auction - a lot of time wasters.
Ebay classified - bit expensive but less time wasters and should get a fair price.
Autotrader et al - expensive, traders may contact you.
Gumtree/Craigslist - a lot of time wasters and criminals.
Trade-in - low price paid but easy.
We buy any car et al - very low price paid.
Scrap - sometimes worth a check on old bangers as it is quick & easy.

attila_

You could try sticking a sign in the car and parking in shopping centre junction? Or stick an advert in a shop?

Back in the day we used to use loot or free ads. Good times!

1DayAAT

Due to the amount of exposure for the cost, I have always found eBay the best option and have had many successful experiences selling cars on there in a 'Classified' style ad - put the highest you want as the price with an Best Offer option. Good luck with sale

seekstris

Thanks for the help that sounds very helpful.

zierisaver

I'd say autotrader and put 'no canvassers'. You'll still get a couple of calls from trade but not many. Just undercut other similar models on there and you'll always sell, and you'll get more than a trade-in / webuyanycar. etc

Prothet_of_Doom

Pistonheads.

Where would YOU look for this car ? Autotrader used to be the number 1 place, but what about local paper, newsagent, notice board at work, fish4 (as alternatives to ebay and gumtree)