The best way to sell a car: your top 5 options compared

Looking to offload your old motor not sure which is the right option for you? From selling privately for a better price to simply part-exchanging, we help you choose the best way to sell a car.

When you’re selling your car, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the options.

Are you looking for a quick sale? A competitive price? Low selling fees?

There isn’t a hard-and-fast rule.

In this article, we examine the different selling methods, exploring the pros and cons of each to help you decide the best way to sell a car.

1. How to sell to a car-buying site

This could be your best option if you’re eager for a quick sale.

You’ll often have the cash in your account the day following the purchase.

Although you may get a lower price than with a private sale, you’ll likely bag a better deal than if you part-exchanged or scrapped your car.

While getting the highest price is the priority for many, you should also consider the amount of time and effort involved.

For example, some car-buying sites will pick up your car from your home for free, while others require you to deliver it to one of its branches.

How much does it cost?

Most car-buying sites are free for customers, although they may pass a fee on to dealers.

For example, Webuyanycar charges up to £124.99. You can see a full breakdown of car-buying site fees in the table below

Pros

• Free valuation typically available
• Most sites accept older/damaged vehicles
• Usually offers a guaranteed sale
• Best way to sell a car quickly

Cons

• Potentially lower sale price
• Some sites charge a handling fee

2. How to sell a car at auction

If you decide to sell your car at auction, the first step is to find a suitable auction house or online platform.

Some auctions sell specifically to those in the trade, while others welcome private buyers.

Before entering your car, you’ll normally need to submit it for a valuation and inspection.

That means this probably isn’t the best way to sell a car if you need to offload it quickly.

If you’re selling through a traditional auction house, this process typically takes place in person, whereas many online platforms use automated tools to value your car.

Most auction houses organise the listing on your behalf, including sorting out the wording and photos.

You’ll then set a reserve price – the minimum you’re willing to accept from a buyer.

How much does it cost?

Auction houses typically charge an entry or listing fee, often between 5% and 15% of the final price.

If the car doesn’t sell, the fee may still apply.

The auction house usually processes payment and it may take a few days to arrive, minus any fees.

Pros

• Competitive bidding drives up prices
• Tends to attract serious buyers
• Professional handling reduces effort

Cons

• Sale not guaranteed
• Fees can eat into profits

• Smaller auctions may have fewer buyers

Read more about selling your car at auction in our guide.

3. How to part exchange a car

When you part-exchange your vehicle, you trade in your old car to the dealership where you’re buying your new motor,

The dealer assesses the value of your vehicle and deducts it from the price of the new one.

You’ll then need to pay the difference up-front, through cash, financing or a combination of both.

On the plus side, you won’t have to negotiate a price with a prospective buyer – something many people don’t feel comfortable doing.

There’s very little work involved, and it’s all handled within a short timeframe.

Pros

• No wait time to find a buyer – best way to sell a car quickly
• Guaranteed sale
• Combines selling and buying in a single transaction
• Cons
• Dealers may offer below market value
• Ties you to purchasing a car from the dealer
• Often excludes vehicles that aren’t running

4. How to sell a car privately

For those who car most about getting the best possible price regardless of the effort involved, this is probably the best way to sell a car.

If you decide to sell your car to an independent buyer, your priority is to research its market value.

You’ll then need to create a listing, including its condition and mileage (as well as adding photos).

It’s often a good idea to post your car on numerous sites, as this can help you attract a wider pool of buyers.

Before any interested drivers come to view your car, ensure it’s in the best possible condition by thoroughly cleaning and fixing any maintenance issues.

If you agree to a sale, arranging payment through a secure method, such as a bank transfer is wise. This will create an evidence trail in case anything goes wrong.

How much does it cost?

You may need to pay advertising fees on certain platforms.

For example, AutoTrader charges a fee of £45.95 to keep a car listed until sold.

Pros

• Profits often higher than other selling methods
• Negotiate directly with buyers
• More flexibility on timing

Cons

• Need to arrange and attend viewings personally
• Increased risk of scams

Learn more about selling your car on AutoTrader here

5. How to sell a car for scrap

Scrapping your car may be your only option if the vehicle is no longer roadworthy or too expensive to repair.

This involves handing it over to a company that will dismantle the car for its salvageable parts and recycling other materials.

Before scrapping your vehicle, you should ensure it is beyond repair and not worth selling.

As scrapping is a legal process, you’ll need to find a licensed Authorised Treatment Facility (AFT).

Authorised facilities should be registered with the Environment Agency.

If the car is missing parts such as the engine or battery, the scrap value may be significantly reduced, or you might face additional charges.

How much does it cost?

You may have to pay a collection fee if the scrapping company needs to pick up the vehicle from your home.

However, many businesses offer free collection as part of their service.

Pros

• Quick and hassle-free
• No advertising fees
• Immediate disposal
• Probably the best way to sell a car that’s a non-runner

Cons

• Low potential profit
• Limited negotiation options
• Risk of scams

Read more about scrapping your car in our guide to selling a car for scrap.

Getting the paperwork in order

However you sell your car, ensuring the paperwork is up to scratch, and ownership is transferred correctly is crucial.

Failing to do so can lead to legal issues, fines or responsibility for the buyer’s actions after the sale.

As well as putting the new owner’s details into the V5C logbook, you should also submit the new driver’s details to HMRC.

You should also provide the new owner with key documents, such as the car’s service history, MOT certificate and a receipt for the sale.