We have previously looked at what to do before selling your car. This week we talk about the options available if you're planning to sell your car, as there are now a whole host of possibilities.
Classified advert
The traditional way to sell a car, previously in newspapers and magazines but now online as well. This is still the best way to get the maximum value for your car, but can involve a bit more effort and potentially hassle if people view without buying or you don't get any interest at all.
For an older, low value car, advertise on a free-ad website such as Gumtree. If it's more of a classic or sports model, there are specialist websites dedicated to those types of car where you will get the most interest. For everything in between, the most well-known options such as Autotrader are likely to be the best place to advertise.
Part exchange
The original 'easy option', but one where you're unlikely to get as much as if selling privately via a classified ad. However, if your car is still only a few years old or if you're planning to buy another car from the same dealer then it could be a worthwhile choice.
Remember that the most important factor is the difference between the price of the new car and what you're being offered for your old one, so don't be swayed by a discount on the new car if you're being given a poor price for your old car. You want a fair deal for both, ensuring you pay the minimum 'cost to change' to the new car.
Auction (physical or online)
With an auction either at a physical location or online, you pay a small amount to list your car and can set a reserve price that the car should beat before it can be sold. For the online auction option, write your advert description and include plenty of good photos as you would for a classified ad.
As auction buyers are generally purchasing 'unseen', you're unlikely to get the best possible price but you should be paid promptly by the auction in either case.
Online car buying services
You may have seen TV adverts for services that offer to buy your car for an agreed price - there are an increasing number in this area. Some offer a valuation online based on details you enter into a form, but this may not be the price you actually get as the actual money offered will be based on an inspection at a nearby location.
There are also websites which claim to get a good price for your car by letting car dealers bid to buy your vehicle and allowing you to choose the bid that you're happiest with.
Although these options are convenient, whether that is enough to justify a lower price than you could get by selling privately is your decision.
What's your preferred way to sell your car when it comes to the time to change? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.