How to sell your car and get the best price
5 min read · Updated 1 September 2026
The difference between a quick, strong sale and a car that lingers usually comes down to three things: how it's priced, how it looks, and how it's described. None of them take long.
Price it against the real market
Look at what similar cars — same model, age, mileage and spec — are actually listed for, and pitch sensibly within that band. Priced too high, buyers scroll past; too low, you leave money behind. A realistic price gets more enquiries and a faster sale.
Present it well
Clean the car inside and out before you photograph it. Take plenty of photos in good, even daylight from every angle — front three-quarter, sides, rear, interior, boot, dashboard, and any wear so there are no surprises. Good photos are the single biggest driver of enquiries.
- Clean inside and out, remove personal clutter
- Photograph in daylight, multiple angles
- Gather the V5C, service history and MOT certificates
- Note the honest condition, including any marks
- Write down the spec buyers care about
Describe it honestly
List the key facts up front — year, mileage, fuel, transmission, service history — then the equipment that adds value. Be straight about condition; honesty builds trust and cuts wasted viewings. On Carous, entering your registration pulls much of this in automatically, so your listing is accurate and quick to create.
Frequently asked
How do I set the right asking price?
Compare genuinely similar cars — same model, age, mileage and spec — and price within that range. Start slightly above your minimum to leave a little room to negotiate.
What paperwork do I need to sell?
The V5C logbook, service history, MOT certificates and any receipts for recent work. Having it ready reassures buyers and speeds up the sale.