Arriving at a figure for a second hand car

librarian83

Hi there,

Just wondering what the best way of valuing an old car for private sale, if it is in exceptional condition and has a low mileage?
Any general advice would be appreciated, but the car is a Golf 2003, 1.4e, 30k mileage (just in case anyone can help with specifics!)  Plenty of those about to look up online, but they're either not in as good condition or have a much higher mileage.
Thank you!

motorguy

Retail looks to be around £3495 looking at the few that are out there.

Probably feels like a £2995 car private sale.  You could try it at £3495 and see if you get any interest.

I'd stick it on Autotrader and Facebook marketplace.  I'd probably join some VW selling groups on facebook and put it in there too.

Could take a while to sell....

librarian83

OK, wow that's more than I expected! Thanks very much.  It's my dad's car so I want him to get a good deal.

Shakin_Steve

If you go on to autotrader and sign up with your email address, you can put the details of cars you own into your account and it will give you the private sale and trade in prices for that day. I did this with mine and OH cars just to watch the prices rise over the last six months. OH's car has increased from around £8400 to £9800 in the last few months.

Grumpy_chap

motorguy said:

Could take a while to sell....

This is the challenge with a car on the cusp of old-to-classic evolution.

Flight3287462

Just remember it is only worth as much as someone is willing to pay.  If you go in too high you will struggle.

I would check WBAC price and add 10%-15% or so.

Grumpy_chap

WBAC algorithms for a car such as this may return an answer lower than scrap

motorguy

librarian83 said:

OK, wow that's more than I expected! Thanks very much.  It's my dad's car so I want him to get a good deal.

Its probably little more than a wild stab in the dark.  If you start up there then you can work back a little until the phone starts to ring / you get enquiries.  

Conversely, if you set a low price and the phone goes mental, you know its too cheap.

I'd go in at £2995 and see what happens - good write up, long MOT, good pics, etc.

motorguy

Flight3287462 said:

Just remember it is only worth as much as someone is willing to pay.  If you go in too high you will struggle.

I would check WBAC price and add 10%-15% or so.

The trick of course is finding that price thats sensible and you can find a home for it at.  It only needs one bum on the seat after all. 

WBAC will value this at a very low raw auction price minus their margin.  

Their valuation for this similar car (but plugging in 30K miles) come out at £1155.  £1400 or so would be giving the car away.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201231677549

motorguy

Grumpy_chap said:

motorguy said:

Could take a while to sell....

This is the challenge with a car on the cusp of old-to-classic evolution.

Indeed.  Its at that inbetween age - too young to be considered a "modern classic", old enough for people with that sort money to spend to want something fresher.

Golfs are a funny thing.  They definitely have a cult following.  Its whether someone would value this, given its an entry level engine / spec model.

jimjames

librarian83 said:

OK, wow that's more than I expected! Thanks very much.  It's my dad's car so I want him to get a good deal.

I think the 1.4 you might struggle to get those sort of prices. Yes it's low mileage but it's a 19 year old car with small engine and lowest model of the range when there are many other cars much newer for the same or less. Not sure of your location but if South East then check if it is ULEZ compliant as that might help too.

A little video on the prices for MK4 VW Golfs at the moment, higher spec models are going for very strong money so you might be in luck.

https://youtu.be/yPPLQAownzY