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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell a car with outstanding finance?
With the vast majority of brand new cars purchased being bought on finance, selling a car with outstanding finance is common.
Before you can sell your car, you will have to pay off the outstanding finance amount in full. You can do this at the same time the vehicle is sold.
Alternatively, you could use voluntary termination to end the agreement early. It is the legal right of the borrower to end the finance agreement as long as you have paid 50% in full and meet specific requirements.
Can I sell a car that's been written off?
Yes, you can. Once you have dealt with your insurers and informed the DVLA, your car will be reclassified, most often as category C.
As long as you declare this when selling, it is perfectly legal to sell a vehicle that has been written off.
What steps are required after you have sold your car?
Once you have sold your car, received payment and handed the car over, there are a few things you need to do to complete the sale legally and protect yourself:
- Create a receipt for yourself and the buyer that includes the price, registration number, the make and model and the addresses of both yourself and the buyer.
- Inform the DVLA you no longer own the car. You can do this online or tear off the section at the bottom of the V5C (registration document) and send it to the DVLA.
- Give the other half of the V5C to the buyer, along with any paperwork you have that relates to the car including MOT certificates, the service logbook and receipts from any work carried out on the vehicle. Also, don't forget to give them the car's handbook and any spare keys.
- Finally, contact your insurer and inform them you no longer own the car.
Should I sell my car privately?
You're likely to get the most for your car selling privately. On average you may get 10-15% more than you would selling to a dealer. It can be the most time-consuming way to sell a car but if your not pressed for time and can afford to wait for a good offer, it is usually the most profitable.
Should I sell my car to a dealer?
Trading in your car when buying a new or used car from a dealer is the easiest way to sell your vehicle. You will most likely be offered less than you would get through a private sale, but you'll avoid all the work and expense that comes with selling privately.
A dealer will make you an offer based on the car's trade value and condition. You won't be offered the best price as they have to make a profit, but it will be a swift, hassle-free sale.
Should I sell my car at auction?
Selling your car at a live auction can be swift and hassle-free. However, your vehicle is not guaranteed to reach it's reserve price or sell at all. So, you could end up getting less than you want for it or you may have to take it home and try it in another sale. The best outcome is that a private buyer spots the car and wants to make you an offer before it goes to auction and they may offer you more than a dealer would to secure it.
Online auctions are a more straightforward alternative to Live auctions. You advertise your car onsite with an accurate description and photos then set the auction as 'live'.
What information should I include when selling my car?
As a minimum, you should include the following details in any advertisements for your vehicle:
- Vehicle make & model
- Year of manufacture
- Odometer reading (mileage)
- Condition (inc. service history)
- Equipment and optional extras
You can get most of this information using our free car check service.
How to get a Vehicle Valuation
You'll need the following information to get a valuation:
- The vehicle registration
- Current mileage
- Service history details
- Details of the condition of the vehicle
- Your name, email and telephone number
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