Seven costly mistakes drivers make when trying to sell their cars – simple paperwork error could lose you £100s
CAR owners have been warned of seven costly mistakes they could make when trying to sell their motor.
That includes a handful of little-known errors – including forgetting to include a vital piece of paperwork – that could shockingly knock £100s off the value.
Luckily, motoring expert Steven Edwards of used car search platform Motors is on hand to help drivers get the best possible price for their pride and joy.
And the timing couldn’t be better, as many car owners might be looking to make an upgrade – with the new 24-plate having just been released.
Skipping over the details
It might not seem like much, but failing to hand over a gleaming set of wheels could really hit you in the pocket.
That’s why drivers are urged to give their motor’s interior and exterior – including wheels – a good spruce up before putting it up for sale.
That also includes hidden areas like under the seats, doors and glove compartments – making sure to remove any personal belongings and lingering bits of rubbish.
Steven added: “A gleaming, showroom-ready motor will give buyers that new car feeling and demonstrate that your vehicle has been well maintained, increasing the price potential buyers are willing to pay.”
With car detailing costing between £80 to £200 on average, you can expect to lose out on this amount at the very least if you fail to clean up your car beforehand.
Cost of mistake: £80-£200
Not replacing missing keys
One of the most overlooked car-selling mistakes is failing to provide an extra set of keys.
Buyers could certainly be put off by having to fork out for a spare pair themselves – decreasing the value of your vehicle in the process.
Having a spare set of keys is valuable for many reasons, not least if you go on to lose the original set.
Steven added: “Missing keys can also give the impression that a vehicle hasn’t been well maintained, making it worth contacting the car manufacturer to ensure you’re selling a car with a spare pair of keys.”
Cost of mistake: £252
Having an MOT due
MOTs can be pretty costly and having an upcoming test due can understandably put off buyers, with the maximum price set at £54.85 while the average cost of repairs totals £272.
Steven Edwards added: “An upcoming MOT is unattractive to potential buyers, so if you have less than three months until the next one’s due, it’s worth getting your car booked in before putting it up for sale.”
Cost of mistake: £328.85
Leaving warning lights on your dashboard
There are numerous dashboard symbols car owners need to be aware of, such as the brakes, engine, airbag, coolant and low tyre pressure warning lights, and their presence could seriously affect a car’s value.
However, taking your motor in for a full service before putting it up for sale will allow you to address these issues and get them fixed – boosting the value of your car and reassuring potential buyers.
Steven added: “Unlike an MOT, which checks a car’s roadworthiness, a full service checks over the various aspects of the vehicle from electrics to tyres, identifying any underlying problems including dashboard warning lights.”
The cost of a full service will depend on the size of your vehicle, with smaller models averaging around £170 and larger makes hitting the £400 mark.
Cost of mistake £170-£400
Failing to repair scratches
No one likes a car covered in dents, which is why it might be worth paying to fix scratches on your paintwork and scuffed alloys.
With scratch repairs ranging from £90 to £300, depending on size and location, while scuffed alloy refurbishments come in at £50 to £120 – you could risk losing upwards of £400 on your sale if they’re left unaddressed.
These repairs can go a long way in boosting the value of your motor if it’s otherwise in good nick.
Cost of mistake: £420
Lack of up-to-date paperwork
It might be hard to believe, but paperwork is a vital cog in the selling process and it’s crucial to ensure you have an up-to-date service history.
Steven said: “Not having an up-to-date service history or logbook for your vehicle could cause the sale of your car to fall through completely as it suggests an overall lack of maintenance to buyers.
“Potential buyers will want to be reassured that the vehicle doesn’t have any underlying issues – something they can check by looking through your car’s service history.”
A replacement log book comes in at £25, making it well worth replacing if you’ve lost or misplaced it.
What’s more, should your motor be due for a service in the coming months then it’s strongly advised that this booked in too.
Steven added: “The cost of a service could be as much as £400, meaning buyers could easily knock this value off of the price, if not more, should you fail to take your car into the garage if it’s due a check-up.”
Cost of mistake: £425
Poor-quality photos
If you’re selling your motor yourself, always ensure you’re taking good-quality photos – as poor images raise distrust and suspicion.
Steven said: “Pick a dry day with a good amount of daylight, and ensure to get a vast range of landscape images that give a clear view of your vehicle from all angles including the interiors.”
A good tip is to consider the time of year; for instance, pictures of a convertible will gleam best on a sunny, spring or summer’s day.
By snapping the best shots of your motor, you’ll not only maximise its value but also reduce the time it’s likely to be on the market.