Think you know the best place to sell your car? Think again.

Whether you’re upgrading vehicles, cutting costs, or just fancy a new model, there are more ways than ever to sell your vehicle in the UK. But selling your car doesn’t have to be a stressful experience.

In this blog, you’ll find the most popular options for selling your car, what you should consider before listing it, and some handy tips to help you get the best price.

Key takeaways

1. The best places to sell your car
2. Other pre-sale considerations
3. How to maximise your car’s value before you sell
4. Where should you sell your car?

The best places to sell your car

Knowing where to sell your car isn’t rocket science, but there’s also more than one option. Here’s a rundown of the places you can sell and the pros and cons of each to help you decide. 

1. Private sales

Selling your car privately can get you the most money, as you’re dealing directly with the buyer and cutting out any middleman. But it’s not the best choice for all drivers. 

Typically, private sales happen on websites like Auto Trader, Facebook Marketplace, and Gumtree. They’re also great places to buy pre-owned cars. 

Pros

• Better prices as no middlemen
• You can control the listing and negotiations

Cons

• Listing and selling a car can be time-consuming
• You handle all enquiries, paperwork, and viewings
• Risk of scams and timewasters

2. Online car buying websites

From WeBuyAnyCar and Motorway to Carwow and The Car Buying Group, there are plenty of online car buying websites these days. 

These platforms make it quick and easy to sell your car, often with same-day collection or payment. It’s a much sleeker service than selling the car privately, especially if speed and ease are your priorities. 

Pros

• Quick and convenient
• Instant quotes and no hassle finding buyers
• Most services offer free collection or local drop-off points

Cons

• Prices are usually lower than private sales
• If issues are found with your car, prices can drop

3. Selling to a local dealer

Walking into a dealership and getting an offer might seem old-fashioned compared to car websites, but it’s still a good option, especially for newer cars.

Pros

• Fast and simple sales
• Usually immediate payments 

Cons

• Prices are lower than private sales
• Little transparency over the price breakdown

4. Part exchange with dealership

If you’re selling it to buy another car, you might be able to trade your old vehicle for a new one with an independent trader or main dealership. 

Some dealers offer a “cash-for-car” service, too, even if you’re not buying a new car from them. It’s always worth checking before you make a final decision.

Pros

• Easy transaction, sell and buy in one go
• No need to deal with buyers or create a car listing

Cons

• You may not get an exact value-match for your old car
• Negotiations are limited, and you might lose in price

5. Car auctions

Not interested in negotiating or dealing with different buyers? Car auctions are the way to go. 

Selling at auction (e.g., British Car Auctions (BCA) or eBay Motors) can be a fast way to move a car, especially if it’s in high demand or hard to value.

However, auctions tend to be frequented by buyers looking for bargains, which can result in lower prices.

Pros

• Quick sales
• Good for niche, old, or unusual vehicles
• No dealing with different buyers

Cons

• No guarantee on final price
• Possible auction/listing fees
• Little interest can result in under-market value prices

Other pre-sale considerations

Before you stick a “For Sale” sign in the window or upload a photo online, take a moment to think about what you really want out of the sale.

As shown above, each option comes with pros and cons. To find the best route, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do you want to sell it fast or are you aiming for the top price?
2. What condition is your car in?
3. Are you willing to deal with buyers and list it yourself?

Having clear answers to these will help you whittle down your options. You might also want to consider…

How to maximise your car’s value before you sell

Before you sell, make sure your car’s worth every penny. 

Unless you’re in a rush, take some time to maximise your car’s value by giving it a good clean. You can do this by yourself or with a professional cleaning service. Either will help you get better results.

You should also consider fixing any small issues, or even getting a fresh MOT or service. This way, your buyers have proof they’re purchasing a well-maintained car and will be happy to pay for the privilege. Car repair finance can help you split the costs over time, if needed.

Lastly, gather all relevant documents. Buyers will want to see the V5C logbook, MOT certificate, service history, and receipts. 

Where should you sell your car?

There’s no universal answer to this question; it all depends on where your priorities are.

• If you’re looking for a high price, selling privately is a good option, but this can be more time consuming.
• If you want to sell as quickly as possible, online car buying services are a good way to go, but often provide lower returns.
• If you want to swap your car for a new one, a part exchange is appropriate, but again, you might not get an exact value match.

Last thoughts

The best place to sell a car is the one that meets your preferences! As long as you take time to consider the options, you’ll settle on the right route. So, go slow and research carefully. 

Split the cost with Bumper 

Need to do a last-minute service before you sell your car?

With Bumper's car repair finance, you can split the cost of vehicle maintenance into interest-free monthly payments. Choose from thousands of reputable dealers and garages and apply online now in just a few clicks.