When it comes to buying a new car privately, there is usually the need to sell your old one. Here are some top tips to get the best price for your vehicle.

Firstly, always prepare your car properly and makes sure it’s thoroughly clean and tidy. Try to remove minor chips and scratches, and clean any stains inside the car. Check the car’s fluid levels too including the oil, coolant in the radiator and brake fluid. Top them up as necessary and then check out the tyres for wear and damage. And a new MOT certificate will go a long way to reassuring a potential buyer that your car is in safe and reasonable condition.

Make sure that your car is fairly priced. You can check out prices on the internet or look around local dealers and in the local paper. Aim to be around the average asking price for your car, unless it’s immaculate.

An easy one to overlook – but check you have all the car’s documents readily available including its service book, which by the way should be stamped by the garage carrying out servicing. You’ll need the V5 vehicle registration document too along with all MOT certificates. Remember to hand all the paperwork over when your vehicle is sold.

Check that any potential buyer is insured to test drive the vehicle that you wish to sell. You may find that your own current insurance policy covers them but don’t assume that this is the case. And, if you are trying to sell your car and it has a defect that renders it dangerous you are likely to be breaking the law. The best course of action? Have the repair work performed by technicians or by yourself before you put the car up for sale.

Be honest. Describe your vehicle accurately and do not make false statements about your car’s condition. If substantial repairs are needed, say so, as this will not only keep you on the right side of the law but should prevent an angry buyer knocking hard on your front door spoiling for a fight.

Stay safe when you sell. Never agree to meet someone in a dark car park or somewhere out the way. Don’t let the buyer drive off in your car on the pretext that they want to take it for a test drive. If they wish to test the car make sure that you go with them even if they hand the keys to their current car to you. You never know. It’s possible that the vehicle they arrive in might be stolen.