How to prepare your car before selling it (Updated for 2025)
Getting ready to sell your car or part-exchange it? Investing in a few well-placed fixes can make it easier to sell – and help you get more money for your motor.
In this guide, we’ll share actionable tips to prepare your car for resale, covering key improvements such as cleaning, servicing, MOT testing, paperwork - and expounding their benefits.
Finally, we’ll explain the best practices you can follow to ensure a safe, legal, and profitable sale.
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Should I service my car before I sell it?
Yes, in many cases, servicing your car before selling it will boost its value and appeal. Even if the next service interval is a few months away, getting it done early will spare the buyer the hassle and cost.
Why is service history important?
A complete service history gives the buyer the full picture of how well your car has been cared for, informing them of any services, oil changes, tyre rotations, and repairs that have been carried out.
If you’ve lost any paperwork, it may be worth piecing together your car’s missing service history. Seeing this documentation will help to assure buyers that any work was carried out by reputable mechanics.
Even if you’ve previously missed service intervals or the paperwork is incomplete, getting a service before selling can help to allay fears about its safety and reliability.
What else should I check before selling my car?
Mechanical and safety checks
Check the fluids; top up or replace your engine oil, coolant, brake and transmission fluid as necessary. Don’t forget to check your tyres are inflated correctly - and make sure that the tread is comfortably above the legal limit.
If you find any minor DIY fixes, addressing them proactively will help to ensure they don’t develop into anything more serious.
Electrical components
Check that all the electrical components are working correctly. If not, get a quote from a trusted mechanic to help you decide whether it’s worth making the repairs. Fixing small faults can make it easier to sell your car, but some large repairs can work out more expensive than the car itself.
If you are selling a car that has electrical faults and/or leaks, you must signpost this to the buyer to avoid potential legal repercussions.
Cosmetic issues
Small blemishes such as scuffs, dents, scratches, and rust spots can be fixed relatively easily, whether at home or at a professional garage. Doing so can give your car’s kerb appeal a welcome boost.
Should I clean my car before I sell?
Yes, to ensure your car is looking its best, we recommend thoroughly cleaning it inside and out.
Unpleasant odours can reduce resale value and drive away potential buyers. Follow our tips for tackling car smells.
Alternatively, investing in a professional valet clean should ensure your motor is looking and smelling its best.
MOT status
It’s your responsibility to ensure that your car has a valid MOT before selling it. To check your MOT status, enter your reg number into our free MOT check tool.
If you have less than 6 months’ MOT cover remaining, it’s a good idea to get your car retested. A fresh MOT can boost your car's value, as it provides extra reassurance about its safety and condition.
If your car has failed its MOT and it’s not feasible to repair it, you must be transparent about this when advertising and demonstrating the car. You could find yourself in legal trouble if it could be argued that you tried to deceive the buyer.
Personal belongings
Clear out any personal belongings before showing your car. This will ensure you won’t lose anything of importance at the point of sale. Besides, a clutter-free car is much more appealing.
Getting a valuation
Obtaining a valuation before selling your car can help you set a fair price and gauge whether you’re getting reasonable offers.
Use our free car valuation tool to find out what your motor’s worth in less than 30 seconds. Enter your registration number and mileage to get started. Remember to accurately declare your car’s condition and history to ensure an accurate quote.
What documents do I need before selling my car?
Make sure you have all the necessary documents to sell your car including:
- The V5C logbook.
- The owner's manual.
- Servicing paperwork.
- Purchase receipts for parts and labour.
- MOT certificates.
- Warranty and insurance paperwork.
Of all the documents listed above, the V5C logbook is the most important.
Selling your car without this document can be difficult, as it plays an important role in the car ownership transfer process. A missing V5C logbook can also significantly reduce your car’s value.
Therefore, if you can’t find yours, we recommend applying for a replacement via the GOV.UK website. (There is a £25 fee for this service.)
How should I sell my car?
You also need to choose the best way to sell your car. Here’s a comparative table to help you make an informed decision:
| Selling method | Best for | Key benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Selling to webuyanycar | A quick, hassle-free sale. ⚡ | We offer a guaranteed sale and a fast, convenient service at 500+ UK branches. |
| Selling privately | Maximising profit. 💰 | You could get a great price, if you’re prepared to advertise and arrange viewings with prospective buyers. However, results will vary. |
| Selling to a dealership | Getting a new car quickly through a part-exchange deal. 🚗 | A convenient selling option if you’re looking to trade up to a newer model. |
| Selling at an auction | Rare, classic, or collectable cars. 🏎️ | Choosing the right auction can help you find niche buyers willing to pay more for a rare, collectable, or prestigious car. |
| Scrapping your car | Selling cars that are damaged beyond repair. 🔧 | Destroys an unroadworthy car safely and legally. You’ll also get paid, but scrap value is low compared to other selling methods. |
Choosing the best time to sell
If you want to maximise your profit, choosing the right time to sell your car is key. The chart below outlines the best times of year to sell by car type:
| Car type | Best time to sell | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Convertibles | Spring/summer ☀️ | The warmer weather favours top-down driving. |
| 4x4s, SUVs, and MPVs | Late autumn/winter 🍂 | These vehicles handle inclement weather better than others. |
| All | Before the bi-annual plate launches 📆 | Selling your car before the March and September plate launches will preserve more value - but the value lost with each plate change will lessen as your car ages. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Having the bodywork repaired can increase your car’s value and saleability. This might include repairing the alloys and windscreen – or rectifying any dents and scratches.
However, make sure these repairs are economically viable before going ahead with them - and bear in mind that any repair costs will eat into your profits.
Absolutely. Servicing your car can increase its value because it demonstrates that the car has been well maintained. Ensure that you have receipts for each service to show to potential buyers.
If your car has less than six months’ MOT cover, getting it tested can help to reassure buyers that everything is in good working order.