There are many ways to sell a car. Selling it privately will probably get you the most money. If you don’t want the hassle of a private sale, you could part exchange your car. You’ll still want to get the best possible price, so here are a few helpful tips on what to do to get the most money from a part exchange deal.

How much is your car worth?

You want to begin negotiations from a position of strength so you need to know what you’re car’s worth before you cut a deal.
• Make sure you understand the difference between a selling price and a trade price. The trade price can be up to 30% less than the selling price. Dealers will only be interested in paying the trade price for your car.
• Do some research. How much are similar cars selling for locally? Check out the used car value guides that list dealer, trade and private values. You can pick one up at your local newsagent. Use the prices listed as a guide. You will need to adjust the price of your car to reflect its condition and mileage.

Present a clean car
Give your car a good clean. A good wash and a vacuum will freshen it up making it look cared-for and easier to sell. Take all the junk and any personal items out of the car. The dealer will then get a clean, uncluttered car that is ready to sell-on.

Private part exchange
While this is an option, part exchanging your car privately is a risky business. Car traders sometimes pretend to be private sellers to dodge the legalities that dealers are bound by. It is also difficult to agree on the value of a car. If the car breaks down after the deal has been done, you will have to foot the bill. You could try to go back to the seller, but as it was a private sale, don’t expect to have much success.

Dealer part exchange

Wait until the end of the deal process to introduce your old car. Bringing in your car at the end will stop the dealer subsidising the part exchange price with a discount off the new car. Instead, you will get the discount and the dealer will have to value your car and give you a ‘price to change’. So, if the dealer asks you if you want to part exchange your old car before you’ve talked discounts, say you’re undecided.

Supermarket part exchange
Car supermarkets sell cars at low prices so expect a low part exchange for your old car. There’s also the possibility that they will refuse to take your old car.

Minimum part exchange deals
These deals are popular with car owners that know their car isn’t worth a fraction of what they’re being offered i.e. minimum £1,000 for your old car that you know is worth 2p.
It sounds good but there is a catch. Most minimum part exchange deals are linked to a finance deal. Before you pocket the cash, understand what you are signing up for. You may have to pay a percentage rate over a fixed period of time. Work out whether the cash component up front is really worth being tied into a finance deal that will cost you money over a number of years.

You should also keep in mind that you will need car insurance. However you decide to buy a new car, you will need to organise motor insurance before you hit the road. Most car insurance companies offer quick and easy motor insurance quotes online. For a car insurance quote and more information about the types of car insurance available from Churchill, visit www.churchill.com/motor/car_information.htm