Selling a car privately

[Taz]

I've just put an order down for a new car and have got a p/x value for it. My new car won't be arriving until the end of April so i've got some time to try and sell my car privately for more than the p/x value that the dealer has offered me.

The thing is that i've never sold a car privately before so have no idea how to go about doing this. What I have done is create a Web site for it with all the relevant details that I think a prospective buyer would need. This also contains a picture gallery containing over 30 photograhs of the car.

I need some advice on the kinds of things I should be pointing out (the car is still under the BMW manufacturers warranty by the way). I won't publish the Web site URL as I don't want to be accused of spamming unless a Hexus staff member says it's okay to do so but, equally, I could do with someone taking a look at it to see if everything in terms of content is there.

[schmunk]

Why not use Autotrader?

I put my car up on Sunday evening and sold it by 5pm on Monday. For a £15 cost on £2100 sale price (for me) I considered it a great investment to save a lot of hassle...

[Konan555]

Autotrader, supermarket message boards and freeads.

[Butuz]

Whatever you do dont underestimate the power of local adverts - my focus was in autotrader for 2 months, and the moment i put it in the local yellow free adds thing it sold.

Butuz

[J4MES]

For a neary new BMW still under warranty - Autotrader... you can now add more than one phot, and a lengthy description. www.parkers.co.uk will give you an idea of it's value, as will looking for similar models for sale on Autotrader. At the right price, the car should sell itself if there are no faults... good luck!

[Stringent]

Sold mine on fleabay.

[Taz]

The general consensus seems to be Autotrader. If I want to sell the car in April, when should I place the advert. Also, would I be able to put a link to the Web site that I have created within an Autotrader advert?

I'm not sure about E-Bay I have to admit!

[J4MES]

You probably won't get what you want for it on ebay, as peeps are after a bargain there - but it's only £6 to list a motor, so might be worth a shot... shouldn't be a prob to put a link in the autotrader add i wouldn't have thought.. and I'd allow 4 weeks to sell it, especially if you're after sensible money for it - patience is a virtue if you are...

[Rave]

I'm pretty sure that you can put a link in an autotrader ad, I've followed a few myself.

The most important thing to ensure is that you don't fall for one of the myriad schemes to rip you off, especially since we're talking about a car worth many thousands here.

[Konan555]

Accept nothing but cash in hand or demand a cheque clears.

[5cupa]

I am doing the same thing as you at the moment. I put it up on ebay but I am also going to use shop windows in the town and free papers.

if not gone in 4 weeks its going to have to go Autotrader.

[DTM107]

Ive always had plenty of success with Autotrader, I wouldnt bother with paying the extra for a magazine spot, just use the online one, £16 for 2 weeks I believe. Most people will check online rather than buying the mag these days.

[Taz]

I've done a trial run in Autotrader (without actually submitting the ad) and it seems straightforward. If I wanted the car sold in, say, mid-April, when should I submit the advert? It'll be a 5-Series BMW selling for the low £20K's if that influences the timing.

[J4MES]

You should submit the ad when you want to sell the car. A buyer may surface the same day. It may take a month, with two subscription neccessary... there's no way of telling - just be patient unless you need to get rid quick, in which case advertise it for less than you think it's worth...

edit:

a friend put his '5 in Autotrader on Thurs, sold it Friday...

[Rave]

What new motah did you go for in the end?

[Taz]

What new motah did you go for in the end?

A 'camp crocodile'