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Some people make the mistake of thinking that selling a used car online means you don't have to bother with a lot of “real world” headaches. Although there's some truth to this (the web has made it easier, faster and cheaper to sell a car), there are a few key steps to take to ensure you get the best possible price. Be brutally honest with yourself Whether you want to sell a car online or offline, the first step is to appraise its condition. It's common for owners to look a little on the bright side when it comes to the state of a vehicle. The best thing to do, therefore, is to write a list of any dents, scratches, marks, tears in upholstery, stains, and missing elements. Add to the list any known mechanical issues. For example, are then any unexplained noises? Does the clutch stick? How are the breaks? Are all lights working properly? Are there any leaks? And so on... This will help you get a realistic idea of your car's condition, and how much you can expect to sell it for. Can you see your face in it? Okay, so perhaps you don't need to take that literally. However, it's important to make your car look its best – and this isn't just for show. It's proven that a clean, vacuumed and polished car will sell faster, and for more money than a grubby equivalent. This applies to any make and model. Wash and polish the exterior, including hubcaps, and use upholstery shampoo on the interior. You may be able to detail any small scratches or marks yourself. Anything more significant, and you should consider getting professional work done. I'm afraid that the cleaning process should also mean getting rid of any stickers, trinkets or funny air fresheners. Good taste is always a matter of opinion. Is your paperwork up-to-date? Understandably, used car buyers are a little sceptical. They want to ensure that the vehicle they buy is reliable and worth the money. Service records, MOT, insurance, V5 registration and any other paperwork relating to your car is essential. Any manuals and instructions are also very useful. The more information you can provide, the better your chances of getting a good price. How much? Once you've appraised your car's condition and cleaned it thoroughly, it's time to get an idea of your car's value. You can use an annual value report, such as Glass's Guide, or do the research yourself on selling websites to see what sort of prices to expect. Remember that prices fluctuate, particularly in today's volatile economy. You should also bear in mind that specialist sell car online companies may offer you immediate quotes, pick up your car and help you avoid all the hassle of selling – for a small premium. Which method? Type “sell used car online” into Google and you'll see that you have plenty of options. However, all have their pros and cons. eBay for example may lead to a much lower sale price. Ad sites can often take a long time for results, and you still have to deal with viewings and enquiries. However, if you're looking for the quickest, most hassle-free way to sell your car for a great price, then it's worth considering online used car specialists such as Sell Car UK.
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