Sell Your Car Information Library

SELL YOUR CAR

What is a Selling Cars Service?

Selling your old car could sound like a bit of a chore, but you can make the process a lot easier and cheaper by using an online car-selling service. Follow the step-by-step system and receive an honest valuation of your car – then if you are happy with the price, you can book an appointment to sell!

How Does it Work?

Most car-selling service offer a simple process:

• 1. On their website, enter your car registration number into a special calculator
• 2. Give them some information about your car – mileage, MOT etc
• 3. Make a note of any features (fittings) and an assessment of your car

Next, you will receive a valuation of your car. If you are happy with the price, you can book an appointment to sell. This usually involves bringing your car to a specified branch for inspection – and you will need to bring all your car documents. According to many car-selling services, this part of the process shouldn't take longer than around 30 minutes.

How is the Valuation Made?

Most car-selling companies have teams of car experts that can assess and valuate cars based on their knowledge and experience – and on the information you give them. In many cases they will be buying and selling hundreds of cars each day.

How Much does it Cost?

This depends on the service you use and on the value of your car. Some car-selling services will charge an admin fee on cars worth over £100. Above that, fees can range from £50 to £75. Always find out in advance and add this to your list of comparison checks.

How are Payments Made?

Payments are usually made via electronic bank transfer, because this is one of the safest methods of payment. Transfers usually take between 3 and 5 working days.

What About Other Types of Vehicle?

Many car selling services can also offer to buy your old vans or other vehicles. Check if they can do this when you compare services on our new comparison site!

Can You Sell Cars on Behalf of Others (Family, Deceased)?

In most cases, yes. However, if the person on whose behalf you wish to sell the car is still alive, you may need to provide a letter of authorisation or other proof. If they are deceased you may need to provide power of attorney or other official authorisation. They may also need to see a death certificate.

What are the Benefits and Disadvantages?

Being able to receive a valuation online and arrange an appointment to sell is great – and makes life a lot easier for people who want to sell their old car as quickly as possible.

However, do make sure you find out if there are any fees for the service. In some cases admin fees can cost up to £75 or more. Another thing to consider is that the valuation you receive may not be very high – so you could be getting a bad deal on your car. However, given that in most cases the initial valuation is free, you do have the choice on whether or not to accept.