How to Sell a Car in the UK in 2025? (5 Methods Compared)

As per Statista, it takes 50.6 days on average to sell a car through independent dealers in the UK. Car supermarkets, however, cut this time into almost half, at 28.3 days. So, the question arises: how to sell a car in the UK in 2025? Which method should you choose?

Should you sell your car privately, via car-buying platforms, auction sites, independent dealerships, or car brokers? Which method offers speed, convenience, and, more importantly, the highest price? To answer these simple questions, we’ve created this guide.

Read on as we compare the top 5 methods of car selling in the UK in 2025. Let’s see which method works best for you!

Here’s a quick comparison between the top car selling methods in the UK in 2025.

1. Selling a Car Through an Online Car-Buying Company

Want to sell your car quickly and easily? Online car-buying companies in the UK make it a breeze, offering fast deals with minimal hassle. Online car-buying companies offer free valuations, arrange collection (in most cases), and handle most of the paperwork for you.

How to Sell a Car Using Online Car-Buying Platforms in the UK?

Selling your car online in the UK can save you time and stress. The process is straightforward if you prepare well. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:

• Choose a reputable online car-buying service with positive customer reviews.
• Enter your registration number and mileage to get an instant valuation of your car (these sites use advanced algorithms to estimate your car’s value within seconds).
• Compare offers from different car buying companies and accept your best offer.
• Book a free collection appointment if the company is offering it.
• Gather all your vehicle documents like the V5C, MOT certificate, service history and ID.
• Meet the buyer on the set date and time for car inspection.
• If everything is as described, the buyer will proceed with the sale. The car-buying company will also help you notify the DVLA and handle all the paperwork.
• Once everything is done, hand over the keys and documents to the buyer. After the deal is finalised, the buyer will pay you fast via bank transfer.

How to Get the Best Price While Selling a Car Through an Online Car-Buying Company?

By using certain strategies, you can maximise your payout while selling through an online company. This is the most potent way to go about it:

• Be honest about your car’s condition to avoid price cuts during inspection.
• Sell when demand peaks for your car type, like 4x4s in winter and convertibles in summer.
• Get valuations from several platforms to find the top price.

Comparison platforms such as Exchange My Car can help you do exactly that with just a few clicks. You can compare multiple instant offers from the most trusted car buyers in the UK by just entering your car’s registration and mileage. Choose the best offer you can get from our network. Free collection and fast payment is included!

Most Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Car Through an Online Car-Buying Company

Selling online is simple, but a few slip-ups can cost you money, time, or both. Avoid these and you’ll get the best possible offer for your car.

• Not comparing offers from different online platforms.
• Providing inaccurate details of the car’s condition.
• Being unorganised with vehicle paperwork.
• Ignoring the fees and admin charges of some online platforms.

Questions You’ll Be Asked When You Sell a Car Through an Online Company (And How to Answer Them)

Online car-buying companies ask standard questions for an accurate valuation of your car and ensure a smooth sale. Here’s what to expect and how to answer confidently.

1. What’s your car’s registration number and mileage? Provide the exact registration number and current mileage from your dashboard. Be precise, as the buyer will check this during inspection.
2. What’s the condition of your car? Be honest about scratches, dents, or mechanical issues. Share details and label it appropriately as “good” or “fair” based on the actual condition, not just visible wear and tear.
3. Do you have the V5C and MOT certificate? Confirm if you have the V5C and a valid MOT (if the car’s over three years old). Mention if they’re ready to hand over. Some online platforms avoid cars that don’t have the required documentation. (Not Exchange My Car, buyers on our panel can buy any car from you).
   
4. Has the car been in accidents or had major repairs? Disclose any accidents or repairs, like a new clutch or respray. This transparency builds trust.
5. Is the service history up to date? Share details of recent services or MOTs. If you’ve got receipts or a service book, mention it to boost value.

Advantages of Selling Your Car Through an Online Car-Buying Company

Online car-buying platforms make selling your car easy, especially if you’re looking for speed and convenience.

• They offer instant valuations, so you know what you’re getting upfront. You don’t have to wait for auctions to conclude.
• Car selling process is extremely simple. You need to provide minimal details. (This can vary from platform to platform)
• The process is quick, often wrapping up in a few hours or days.
• Platforms such as Exchange My Car offer an end-to-end free car selling service. You get to keep all proceeds of the sale.
• You don’t have to deal with private buyers or participate in endless haggling.
• Payment is usually fast, with bank transfers within hours to a couple of days.
• Many platforms arrange free car collection, saving you the hassle.
• Good for selling a car on finance, as many platforms can settle outstanding finance and pay you the balance.
• On platforms like Exchange My Car, you can even sell imported and damaged cars.

Disadvantages of Selling Your Car Through an Online Car-Buying Company

Nothing’s perfect. Online platforms do have a few drawbacks that you need to keep in mind when choosing them to sell a car in 2025.

• Some companies may charge admin fees.
• The final offer might drop if your car’s condition doesn’t match your description.
• There’s limited negotiation room compared to selling privately.

What is the Best Online Platform to Sell Your Car?

Exchange My Car is one of the top online car-buying platforms because it bypasses almost all the disadvantages associated with such platforms.

Most importantly, being a comparison website, you don’t have to check the valuation of your car on multiple website. You can get multiple instant offers in seconds. Compare these offers and choose the highest offer you can get.

Our service is completely free for all our sellers. You can enjoy the benefits such as free car collection and no-charge fast payment.

So, if you’re trying to sell your car, get a free valuation and sell your car hassle-free through Exchange My Car now.

2. Selling Your Car Privately

Selling your car privately in the UK lets you set your own price and deal directly with buyers. It takes a bit more effort, but you could get a better deal. For a seamless private sale, you’ll need to advertise your car, meet buyers, and handle paperwork yourself.

Let’s walk through the process and answer

How to Sell a Car Privately in the UK?

Selling your car privately means you’re in control. But it’s important to do things the right way to get the best price and stay safe. Here’s how to do it step by step:

• Do some research and look at similar cars online to determine what the reasonable price for your car is. A good starting point would be a free car valuation.
• Get your car ready. Servicing your car and fixing any small issues like dents or chipped paint can give your car a tidy look, which makes a great first impression.
• Now, create a listing for your car on platforms like Auto Trader. You can also choose paid adverts to increase your chances of selling your car.
• Take and upload clear photos from different angles and write a detailed description. Mention any faults honestly, but also highlight the good stuff.
• Be ready to handle enquiries, answer questions, and arrange viewings.
• Negotiate the price and be prepared to haggle, but know your lowest acceptable price before you start.
• Gather all the required paperwork. You’ll need your V5C logbook, MOT certificate, service history, and proof of ownership (if required).
• Once agreed, finalise the payment details and vehicle handover process. Don’t hand over the car until the payment is complete.

How to Get the Best Price When Selling Your Car Privately in the UK?

Getting the most money for your car takes a bit of strategy. But it’s definitely worth the effort. If you follow our instructions on how to sell your car privately, you’ll get the best possible offer for your car.

• Pricing your car accurately is very important. As mentioned, check similar cars on different platforms to set a competitive but realistic price.
• Transparency goes a long way. Be honest about your car’s condition and be upfront about any faults. While you’re at it, don’t forget to highlight the positives.
• Advertise your car on multiple platforms like online classifieds, car marketplaces, and social media. While paid advertising may be an upfront cost, it increases your chances of reaching more potential buyers and getting the best possible offer.

Most Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Car Privately

Selling privately is a good option if you want the best possible price for your car. But it can go south if you’re not careful. Avoid these common slip-ups.

• Setting an unrealistic price for your car. Because too high will scare off buyers, and too low will make you lose money on the car.
• Presenting your car poorly, like taking bad photos or showing just the faults, will turn buyers away.
• Not providing complete paperwork. Missing documents slow down the sale and make buyers lose interest.
• Most importantly, ignoring safety. Always meet in public, check IDs, and avoid risky payment methods.

Questions You’ll Be Asked When Selling Your Car Privately (And How to Answer Them?)

Buyers will ask loads of questions to make sure your car’s worth their money. Here’s how to handle the common ones:

1. How’s the car’s condition? Be upfront about scratches, dents, or wear. For example, if there’s a scratch, you can say, “It’s in good nick, just a small scratch on the bumper I’ve photographed.”
2. What’s the mileage? Give the exact figure from your dashboard, like, “It’s done 45,000 miles, mostly motorway driving.”
3. Has it been in any accidents? Be honest. If the car has been in any accident, say so and explain what was repaired.
4. Why are you selling? Keep it simple and honest. For example, “I’m upgrading” or “I no longer need a car.”
5. Is the price negotiable? Be open but firm. For example, “I can budge a bit, but it’s priced fairly based on market rates.”

Advantages of Selling Your Car Privately

Selling your car privately can be a great way to get more cash than other methods. Here are a few of those:

• You’ll likely get a higher price than dealer trade-ins or online car-buying platforms (with a few exceptions).
• You control the sale process, from pricing to choosing the buyer.
• No middleman means you keep the full sale amount, minus platform fees.
• You can negotiate directly to get closer to your asking price.
• It’s rewarding to handle the sale yourself and see the results.

Disadvantages of Selling Your Car Privately

Private sales have some downsides you should know about:

• It takes more time and effort than using online car-buying services.
• It is a slow process and may take weeks to find the right buyer.
• Safety risks arise when meeting strangers for viewings, especially for women.
• There are chances of scams when dealing with strangers.
• It may be hard to sell your car if it’s damaged. For such a car, online car-buying platforms are a better choice.
• All the paperwork and notifying the DVLA are your responsibility, significantly complicating the entire process of sell a car.

What are the Best Platforms for Selling Your Car Privately in the UK?

Popular platforms for selling your car privately in the UK include Autotrader, Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, eBay Motors, and SwapAuto.

These sites let you list your car with photos and a description, helping you reach lots of interested buyers quickly and easily.

3. Selling Your Car at an Online Auction

Selling your car at an online auction in the UK is another way to reach eager buyers and potentially get a great price. The sale process starts when you list your car on an online auction platform. Then, potential buyers bid, and you’re connected with the highest bidder to finalise the deal.

How to Sell a Car at an Online Auction in the UK?

Selling your car at an online auction has become really popular, especially since more people are comfortable buying and selling cars digitally. Here’s how it works, step by step:

• You first choose a reputable auction platform.
• Then you sign up as a seller on the site and complete your registration.
• After that, you list your car and enter details like make, model, mileage, condition, and service history. Make sure you include clear photos from all angles.
• Research your car’s value to set a reserve price. You can use online platforms to get a free valuation within seconds.
• Wait for bidding to start, and the site will promote your car to potential buyers.
• Keep an eye on bids and answer any questions from interested buyers.
• End the auction if your car meets or exceeds the reserve price (depends on the site).
• The buyer pays the auction site or directly to you, and you arrange to hand over the car.
• Lastly, complete the paperwork and notify the DVLA of the change of ownership.

How to Get the Best Price When Selling Your Car at an Online Auction?

To maximise what you get for your car at an online auction, try these tips:

• Research similar cars on different online platforms to set a realistic reserve price.
• Take a bunch of good photos of your car to show how it looks from every angle.
• Time of listing matters. List your car when demand is high, like summer for convertibles, to attract more bids.
• If connected with a potential buyer, be available to answer questions. This builds trust and encourages more bids.

Most Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Car at an Online Auction

Online auctions are exciting, but a few slip-ups can cost you. Here are a few:

• Uploading blurry or dark images can make your car look unappealing.
• Ignoring auction fees because these fees will eat into your profit. Some platforms don’t have such fees.  
• Slow responses or not answering potential buyer questions quickly will also hurt your chances of making a profit at an online auction.

Questions You’ll Be Asked When Selling Your Car at an Online Auction (And How to Answer Them)

Buyers at online auctions will fire questions your way to decide if your car is worth their bid, and you have to answer confidently.

1. Can I see more photos or a video? On some auction platforms, you may be asked to upload extra images or a short video by bidders. If you’re comfortable, oblige them.
2. Is there outstanding finance? If there is, mention it. If not, reassure the buyer that the car is fully paid for.

Advantages of Selling Your Car at an Online Auction

Online auctions are a brilliant way to sell your car quickly with a competitive edge. Because

• Auctions can drive up prices as bidders compete, potentially beating private sale offers.
• You reach a wide audience of eager buyers across the UK.
• Many platforms handle payment and paperwork, making the process smoother.
• The excitement of bidding can attract serious buyers looking for a deal.

Disadvantages of Selling Your Car at an Online Auction

Like everything in the world, online auctions have some drawbacks to watch out for.

• The final price isn’t guaranteed and depends on the bidder’s interest.
• They’re relatively slow, often wrapping up in a week or more.
• The questionnaire can be too long and exhaustive.
• You have to take and upload a bunch of photos, which will take up a lot of your time.
• Some platforms charge an auction fee, which can take a chunk of your profit.
• While many auction platforms have verified bidders, on some, you may end up with time-wasters or non-paying bidders.

What are the Most Popular Auctions Sites to Sell a Car in the UK?

Top online auction sites in the UK include RAW2K, Pistonheads, Copart, Collecting Cars, Motorway, and Anglia Car Auctions. These platforms let you list your car, reach a broad audience, and manage the sale process easily and securely.

4. Selling Your Car to a Local Dealership

Selling your car to a local dealership in the UK is a hassle-free way to offload your vehicle, especially if you’re buying a new one from them.

Car dealerships often buy cars directly or offer trade-in deals, saving you the effort of private sales or auctions. So, let’s walk you through the process and answer:

How to Sell a Car to a Local Dealership in the UK?

Selling your car to a local dealership is fairly straightforward and ideal – especially if you want a quick sale without the hassle of private buyers. And here is how it works:

• Find a dealership around you that specialises in your car’s make and type.
• Get a valuation of your car by visiting a dealership.
• Compare offers from several dealers to find the best deal.
• Prepare all your car documents, including the V5C logbook, MOT certificate, service history, and proof of ID.
• Schedule an appointment to have your car inspected.
• Negotiate the price and try to get a better offer by mentioning competitor quotes.
• Once agreed, accept the offer and sign the paperwork.
• Notify DVLA about the car transfer (Some dealers handle the DVLA sell my car notification).

How to Get the Best Price When Selling Your Car to a Local Dealership?

Getting a decent price from a dealership takes a bit of prep and smart tactics.

• Know your car’s value from different online platforms before going to a local dealership.
• Clean your car thoroughly and give a complete service wash.
• Fix all minor issues with lights, seats or dashboard.
• Get multiple quotes from multiple dealerships.

Pro tip: Never go alone to a dealership. Take your friend or family member for negotiation.

Most Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Car to a Local Dealership

Selling to a dealership is straightforward, but you have to avoid these common mistakes.

• Accepting the first offer without comparison.
• Arriving unprepared with missing documents.
• Selling a car with outstanding finance. It usually complicates the sale.

Questions You’ll Be Asked When Selling Your Car to a Local Dealership (And How to Answer Them)

Dealers ask questions to assess your car’s condition and ensure a smooth sale. Here’s how to answer confidently:

1. Do you have full ownership of the vehicle? Provide your V5C logbook to confirm your ownership of the vehicle.
2. Is there any outstanding finance on the car? If yes, inform the dealer and arrange to settle the car finance before selling it.
3. Do you want to part-exchange? Don’t start with part-exchange options. First, get the actual offer, then mention that you would like to part-exchange.
4. Do you plan to buy a new car from us? Get the final quote before answering yes.
5. Can you leave it today? If ready, say, “Yes, if the price is right and paperwork’s sorted.”

Advantages of Selling Your Car to a Local Dealership

Selling to a local dealership is a convenient way to offload your car quickly.

• It’s a fast process, often completed in a single visit, provided that you get a solid offer.
• Dealers handle paperwork, including DVLA notifications, saving you the hassle.
• You avoid the stress of meeting private buyers or managing auctions.
• You get the option to exchange your car for a new one.
• Payment is secure, usually via bank transfer or cheque.
• If you have a vintage car, you may get a better price from a specialist dealer rather than from auctions or selling privately.

Disadvantages of Selling Your Car to a Local

While selling your car to a local dealership is convenient, it does have a few caveats.

• Dealers offer a lower price as they have to make a profit.
• Trade-in offers may be lower than cash deals.
• Unlike online car-buying platforms, you have to drive to the dealership.
• Most dealers are picky about the cars they’ll buy.

What are the Best Dealerships to Sell a Car in the UK?

Some of the best car dealerships in the UK include Lookers (nationwide), Arnold Clark (Scotland and England), Evans Halshaw (nationwide), Pendragon (multiple locations), and Motorpoint (various cities). These dealers offer a professional service.

5. Selling Your Car Through a Car Broker or Concierge Service

Selling your car through a car broker or concierge service in the UK is a brilliant way to sell a car with minimal stress. These professionals do the legwork, from finding buyers to negotiating prices, often fetching a better deal than you might on your own.

Let’s delve into the process:

How to Sell a Car Through a Car Broker or Concierge Service in the UK?

If you want to avoid the hassle of selling your car yourself, a broker or concierge service can do the hard work for you. Here’s how the process usually goes:

• Find a reputable BVRLA-regulated broker or concierge service with good reviews.
• Provide your car details like registration number, mileage, and condition for valuation.
• They’ll inspect your car, suggest minor repairs or cleaning to boost resale value, and arrange professional photos to make your car stand out.
• Next, the broker will set the price and advise on a realistic asking price based on market trends and your car’s condition.
• Your car will be listed on different platforms to ensure it reaches serious buyers quickly.
• The broker handles all calls, emails, and questions for you. This saves time and filters out time-wasters and scammers.
• The broker negotiates on your behalf using their expertise to secure the best price.
• Once you accept an offer, the broker handles the paperwork and payment to ensure a smooth vehicle handover to the new owner.

How to Get the Best Price When Selling Your Car Through a Car Broker?

You can get the best price when selling through a car broker if you:

• Choose a broker with proven experience in selling your type of car. They often have stronger networks and better negotiation skills.
• Are upfront about your car’s history. Transparency builds trust and helps prevent last-minute price cuts from the brokers.
• Ask where your car will be advertised. Major platforms attract serious, ready-to-buy customers. Your car will be sold quickly this way.
• Stay involved throughout the process. Respond quickly to updates, questions, or offers from your broker to ensure a smooth sale.

Most Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Car Through a Car Broker or Concierge Service

Using a broker is easy, but mistakes can cost you, and you should be aware of these.

• Using an unregulated broker can be risky, so always check for BVRLA membership.
• Failing to confirm all fees upfront may lead to surprise costs that cut into your profit.
• Only using one broker could mean missing out on better deals elsewhere.
• Rushing to accept the first offer may prevent you from getting a higher price through negotiation.

Questions You’ll Be Asked When Selling Your Car Through a Broker (And how to Answer Them?)

Brokers ask questions to assess your car and market it effectively. Here’s how to answer.

1. How long have you owned the car? State the number of years or months you’ve had it. Longer ownership can reassure buyers.
2. Has your car been modified? Disclose any aftermarket changes, even cosmetic ones, as the broker will use that information during negotiations.
3. Is the car HPI clear? If you’ve had a recent HPI check, provide the clearance report. Or let the broker know if any issues are flagged.
4. Can we show the car to buyers at different sites? If you’re comfortable, allow access as it helps speed up the sale.
5. What’s your expected price? Be realistic. For example, “I’m hoping for around £10,000, based on the Exchange My Car’s car value calculator.”

Advantages of Selling Your Car Through a Car Broker or Concierge Service

Using a broker or concierge service makes selling your car a breeze.

• They handle negotiations, saving you from haggling with buyers.
• Brokers use industry contacts to find buyers quickly, often within days.
• You avoid the stress of private sales or meeting strangers.
• Paperwork and DVLA notifications are often sorted for you.
• Some brokers deliver the car to the buyer, adding convenience.

Disadvantages of Selling a Car Through a Car Broker or Concierge Service

Broker services aren’t perfect.

• They charge fees or take commissions. These come directly from your profits.
• Unreliable brokers can cause delays or poor deals.
• You rely on the broker’s network, which may limit your buyer options.

What are the Best Car Brokers or Concierge Services to Sell a Car in the UK?

Top UK car brokers and concierge services include Auto Car Brokers, Auto Classica Concierge, Carwow Concierge, and The Car Broker. These companies are known for their professional service, strong networks, and ability to secure good prices for sellers.

In Conclusion: How to Sell a Car in the UK in 2025?

Selling your car doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. By understanding your options, you can choose a method that fits your goals – whether it’s convenience, price, or both. Each approach has its pros and cons, and the right one will always depend on what matters most to you. So you need to choose the car-selling method as per your needs.

For more car-selling and buying advice, please visit our blog section.