An ad to sell a car involves its writer. One the one hand it has to contain precise information, and on the other hand, it shouldn’t mislead the reader. And there’s timing to consider - cars for sale between March and June have more chances to get sold. It is not a golden rule and cars can be sold at any time, but spring helps a lot.
Whether for a used car or a brand new car, you should make sure you’re precise about the brand, the model and its variants in your description. Make clear the year and month when the car was put on the road; this is especially important for used or second hand cars. Specify the type of fuel used as well as the total number of miles on the clock. Indicating the colour of the car isn’t compulsory but if you can’t provide a photo then it’s very important!
One of the most important things to add to your advert are the results of a recent MOT test. A safe car is of course essential for the buyer and cars that have had a recent MOT are more likely to be attractive to potential new used car buyers.
Where you live can also be an important factor as the potential buyers won’t want to drive all day just to see and try a car, unless you are willing to do it for them. This will be a first criterion of selection for many buyers and will help you avoid receiving hundreds of phone calls for nothing.
Overall, greater details attract greater numbers of people. For example, if you are a non-smoker, make sure you let potential buyers know, as it’s often preferred nowadays. Similarly, let potential used car buyers know if you often travel with your pets in the car, or lug lots of heavy equipment round that might have caused some bumps and scrapes. Explain why the second hand car that you are selling is such a bargain, its benefits, and its reliability.
The don’ts
Never, ever lie about the state of your second hand car. If you don’t know the number of miles driven, do not estimate it. In the same idea, never say “new car” when it is a used car. It doesn’t matter if the said car has never been driven – it has still been owned. Many buyers are willing to undertake independent assessments and legal checks when buying a used car so avoiding the truth about your vehicle could end up as a very costly exercise.
Never exaggerate the condition of the car either; get an independent opinion from a trusted friend, because what you might see as ‘character’ they might see as ‘seriously needs some work’.
If you have had a serious accident when driving the car in the past, do mention it in your advert or to any potential interested buyers. It will prevent further troubles with the new buyer in the long run.
And, of course, don’t forget the picture! It is an important detail that will help you sell your car. Wash your car beforehand (or follow our car care guide) and choose a good angle for the picture to show off the best aspects of the car. Aim for a photo on a sunny day rather than a grey one and take a shot of your car in a spacious spot.
Follow our handy hints and you’ll be ready to sell your car in no time!