No interest on Autotrader ad - any advice?

vikingaero

My tuppence worth;

(1) Pictures are very unflattering in an urban environment. Makes it hard to check out the condition of the bodywork with the myriad of reflections. More pictures of the interior too.

(2) A little too much waffle in the advert - some things are given for a BMW - electric windows , CD etc

(3) 5+ owners - ouch. People just don't like that.

motorguy

SideB wrote: »

Hi there,

I listed my car on autotrader 4 days ago but have had absolutely no enquiries so far! I originally listed it at £9250 which seemed reasonable compared to what else I'd seen but I've now reduced it down to just under £9000, and now £8745 in the hope of getting a quick sale.

Could anyone offer any advice that might help me out?

The ad is here: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201507315681581

THanks!

Several things.

Firstly, its a 325d. Traditionally, these arent the best seller. It has the fuel economy of a 330d, but not much of a power gain over a 320d. People who want the six cylinders will generally want a 330d, and everyone else is happy with a 320d

Secondly, as has been said, the advert doesnt ready terribly well.

Personally, i wouldnt mention the new alloy. Chances are its been replaced because of the cracking issue? But a lot of people might think it has been replaced because the previous one was damaged, perhaps in an accident. Also i wouldnt mention the scuffs on the alloys. It suggests they are very badly scuffed. It would be like saying there are stone chips on the front of the car - its to be expected on a car of this age, but it immediately makes you think its got a lot of stone chips.

Also, take the "5+ owners" out. It will put people off. I would say that car was probably a BMW demo car with that spec, and there could well have been a family link between two or more of the owners.

Also, i know its in one of the pics, but leather interior is a desirable option on these, so i'd have it up front in the advert, not hidden 2/3 of the way through.

Also, gumtree and ebay it.

And remove the "Original M Sport from Factory". It would be night on impossible to upgrade a 3 series to an M Sport spec after it has been built, and people dont do it.

And "Full Years MOT" sounds better than MOT due Aug 2016.

Also that colour i think is Sparkling Graphite, so your first line should read something think "Excellent driving BMW 325d M Sport in Sparkling Graphite with full Black Leather interior".

agrinnall

vikingaero wrote: »

(3) 5+ owners - ouch. People just don't like that.

I'd agree with this, 5 or more owners in 7 years makes it sound like a dog that each owner wants to get rid of.

I'd also be concerned that the one new alloy means it's been stuffed on that corner.

motorguy

forgotmyname wrote: »

Professional Sat Nav DVD ? Define Professional? is that one over £120 from China?

He has defined it - thats a BMW term. Professional Nav instead of Business Nav (or more commonly no Nav at all)

Minrich

My input is that as someone else said its a 325 not the 330 , the mileage is virtualyy 100k and very off putting to many. You have had the ad for 4 days and reduced the price twice already ! Signs of a desperate seller and likely to lower price again ? Others have quoted other similar cars , but they are 4 doors and a 2 door is always more expensive ,sometimes up to £1000. Just keep the same price and don't be so impatient , or webuyanycar ?

motorguy

Minrich wrote: »

My input is that as someone else said its a 325 not the 330 , the mileage is virtualyy 100k and very off putting to many. You have had the ad for 4 days and reduced the price twice already ! Signs of a desperate seller and likely to lower price again ? Others have quoted other similar cars , but they are 4 doors and a 2 door is always more expensive ,sometimes up to £1000. Just keep the same price and don't be so impatient , or webuyanycar ?

Oops - just spotted its a two door. The first pic made it look like a 4 door on my laptop. I've edited my post.

davemorton

SideB wrote: »

I got a quote of £1000 less!!!

Yes, your probably nearer the mark, I just rushed a quote through without putting a lot of the details in as a guide mark.

Herzlos

"5+ owners" would put me off. Why not list the actual number? Any serious buyer would find out anyway.

SideB

Hi guys,

Thanks for all that advice! The car technically has 6 owners, but in reality it should be 5. For some reason when there was an address change, DVLA registered it as an extra owner. And there is a family link between last 3.

Thanks

Herzlos

You'd be better advertising it with 6 previous keepers and mention that it's been in the family for the last 4 owners.