Gather Your Papers
Show buyers current and previous MoT certificates as evidence of the car's mileage. Keep the tax disc if you want to claim a refund. Keep service bills and receipts also to support the stamps in the service book.

Know its Value
Use our valuation service to set your price, allowing a margin for negotiation. Make sure a dealer does not offer less than the true value of your car in an attempt to recoup any discount you negotiated on the new one. If you are in any doubt, walk away.

Watch for Rogue Buyers
Beware of car thieves masquerading as buyers. On test drives, slide into the passenger seat at changeover time and don't get out of the car. Take a friend along for the ride. Cash the buyer's banker's draft or building society cheque before releasing the car.

Present it Properly
Offer a car that's not been cleaned and you'll only get derisory offers. Cleanliness reassures a buyer that a car has been looked after. A £50 valet can add hundreds to a car's value.

Car Brokers
These act either as middlemen from whom you buy your car or as introduction agencies to a supplying dealer. Expect only trade prices for part-exchanges

Where to Sell

The Classifieds
Value and condition determine where you advertise. Try What Car?'s sister title Autocar magazine's classifieds for cars over £5000, while budget motors will be better served by your local paper. Keep ads short and to the point.

Dealer Purchase
Dealers are in business to make money so, unless you own something extremely desirable, prepare for lowest prices. But it's quick and hassle-free.

Auction
Auctions can be a quick way to raise cash and a reserve will ensure your car won't be sold at 'any price'. Expect to pay an entry fee plus a percentage of the sale price. Pick your sale with care. The best categorise cars by type and mileage.Part Exchange
The golden rules when trading in are simple. Look at the net cost of the deal. Watch for dealers undervaluing your motor to offset any discounts you have negotiated on the car you are buying