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Selling your car , Paperwork and ownership · Updated 2026-10-17

Selling your car, step by step

Selling a car well is mostly preparation. This guide takes you from deciding to sell to handing over the keys. It is general advice: the formalities of a sale (contract, change of ownership, taxes, deregistration) differ between countries, so check the current rules with the competent authority.

1. Decide the price first

Work out an asking price and the lowest price you would accept before you advertise. See “How to value your car to sell it”.

2. Prepare the car

• Clean it inside and out; this is the cheapest way to add value.
• Fix small, cheap faults (a blown bulb, a cracked wiper). Leave large repairs unless they clearly pay back.
• Check tyres, fluids and warning lights, and have a current inspection if the rules require one.

3. Gather the papers and the history

Registration document, proof of ownership, inspection certificate, service book, invoices, spare keys and the manuals. A documented service history is one of the strongest selling points. If you keep your car's log in My Garage, you can show fuel, service and repair entries with dates and mileage.

4. Write an honest advertisement

• Take many clear photos in daylight: all sides, interior, dashboard with the mileage, engine bay, tyres, and any damage.
• Give the facts a buyer looks for: generation, year, engine, gearbox, mileage, owners, equipment, last service.
• State the faults. An honest ad draws fewer but better enquiries.

5. Handle enquiries and viewings safely

• Meet in a public, well-lit place and do not go alone.
• Check the buyer's driving licence before a test drive and go along.
• Let the buyer have the car checked by a mechanic if they ask; it is a good sign, not a threat.
• Do not share more personal data than needed. Never give out your VIN together with your personal details in public messages.

6. Negotiate

Expect to be offered less. Know your floor, answer lowball offers calmly, and point to your service history and condition. Do not accept pressure to decide on the spot.

7. Payment and handover

• Prefer a bank transfer that you can see as received, or cash handled in a bank. Be wary of cheques, overpayment offers and “agents” who buy on someone else's behalf.
• Write a sales contract with both parties' details, the car's identification, the mileage, the price and the date, and keep a copy.
• Hand over the keys and papers only after the money is confirmed.

8. After the sale

Complete the change of ownership, deregistration or notification that your country requires, and inform your insurer. Keep the contract and proof of payment. The rules differ by country, so check them before the day of the sale.

Documents Negotiation Selling Service history