How to Sell a Car Privately: The Complete Checklist
1. Get your paperwork together
V5C logbook (make sure the name and address are correct — buyers walk away if it's not)
MOT certificate and service history
Receipts for recent work, spare keys, locking wheel nut key
If there's outstanding finance, settle it or get the lender's agreement first — you can't legally sell a car with finance owed on it
2. Price it right
Check what similar cars (same make, model, year, mileage) are listed for
Be honest about condition — price for the car you have, not the one you wish you had
Decide your lowest acceptable price before anyone makes an offer
3. Prepare the car
Clean it inside and out (a £10 valet can add far more to the sale price)
Fix cheap, obvious faults — blown bulbs, worn wipers
Don't spend big money on repairs you won't get back
4. Take great photos
10–15 photos: front, back, both sides, interior, dashboard with mileage showing, boot, engine bay, wheels
Daylight, clean background, car straight and level
Photograph any damage honestly — it builds trust and avoids wasted viewings
5. Write a honest advert
Year, mileage, fuel, gearbox, MOT expiry, service history, number of owners
Mention extras and recent work (new tyres, cambelt done)
Mention faults too — honest adverts sell faster
6. Handle enquiries safely
Be wary of messages that seem automated or offer to buy without viewing
Never send the V5C document number or reference number to a stranger — it can be used to clone your car
Arrange viewings at your home in daylight, and have someone with you if possible
7. Viewings and test drives
Check the buyer has valid insurance before any test drive (their own policy's "driving other cars" cover, or your comprehensive policy)
Always go with them on the test drive — never hand over the keys alone
Keep hold of the keys and documents throughout
8. Taking payment
Bank transfer is safest — wait until the money shows in your account before handing over keys
Never accept cheques or "banker's drafts" without verifying with the issuing bank
Avoid payment apps from strangers, and never let a buyer "overpay" and ask for a refund of the difference — it's a classic scam
Write a simple receipt for both of you: date, price, registration, names, "sold as seen"
9. After the sale
Tell the DVLA immediately online — it's free and transfers responsibility (you'll also get any remaining full months of vehicle tax refunded)
Give the buyer the green "new keeper" slip (V5C/2)
Cancel your insurance once the car has gone
Keep a copy of the receipt
