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Selling
Where to sell a vehicle
Before you advertise
Preparing your vehicle
Selling advice
Placing a trade advertisement
Do you want to sell your vehicle online?
Our selling section will give you the steps to getting the maximum out of your vehicle sale
This is the easy part!
Auto Trader is a fantastic place to sell your vehicle - even if we do say so ourselves! Simply follow the links according to whether you are a TRADE or PRIVATE seller and let us do the work.Sections to help you
Advertise your vehicle to the Ireland's biggest buying audience. Prices start from just €20 for an online ad.
Traders get a great deal with Auto Trader. Simply register and you can put up to NINE pictures in an online advert.
Back to top
No need to get Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen in - but it is worth making the most of the vehicle you're selling to get the maximum price. From sprucing up your motor to making the most of your advert - we're here to help.
It's your first point of contact with potential buyers, so it's important the advert conveys the right message. Get it right and you’ll save money re-advertising.
A perfect Auto Trader ad will include all of the following:
If you advertise online you can include up to nine photos, give a greater description and edit it at any time.
Here's a list of favourites that tell the buyer nothing. Lovely driver, good condition for year, beautiful condition, one lady owner, no time wasters, first to see will buy. Leave them out!
If you get the price wrong, you'll either have your vehicle on your hands for weeks, or be taken for a mug…neither is desirable, or necessary. A little research will see you easily get the true market value for your vehicle.
Price Guides
Nowadays, there are plenty available, either as separate books or incorporated into magazines. However, the most comprehensive source of used prices is Auto Trader web site - and it's completely free of charge, too!
But remember they are only a guide. You'll be offered several prices, for differing conditions of vehicle, with registration letters and model years both being listed. A suggested mileage is also given. However, there are many more variables over and above those covered by price guides, meaning 'exact book price' sales are rare.
Consider any options your vehicle has; is it a rare model or one in particular demand? Is the colour is a desirable one? Are there any other considerations that could affect your price e.g. low mileage, a sought-after special edition or a particularly generous specification.
Classified advertisements
A look through Auto Trader will usually help you set the price of your vehicle. Look for models similar to yours, and see what the 'going rate' is; you can then price your vehicle accordingly!
This works especially well for popular models, because there's so much choice. It's also a good trick for rarer or older models, as they may not actually be listed in price guides.
Owners clubs
Some owners clubs offer valuation services. You may have to pay - or join the club - but this will probably be more accurate than other methods, because of the breadth of knowledge available. Enthusiasts know your vehicle better than you do, and can account for any extras, as well as the overall condition and mileage.
Trade-ins
Visit dealers, to get an idea of your vehicle's trade-in value; anything you get over and above that will thus be a profit. Don't, however, look at dealer forecourt stock and expect to get similar prices for your vehicle; you're not offering a warranty or any guarantees, remember, and therefore should charge a lot less. Some manufacturer web-sites also offer on-line trade price valuations, and can be another source of guidance for trade-in values.
Back to top
This is what everyone sees first so it needs the greatest attention. It's also the easiest part of the preparation to get right. Wash the vehicle then leather it dry.
Bird droppings, tar and deposits from trees can be removed with special cleaners purchased from your local accessory shop.
Consider touching in paint chips.
A quick polish can do wonders for the appearance.
If the paint looks really dull try a paint restoring polish.
Don't forget the wheels, nice wheels make a vehicle look great.
Liven up black and chrome trim with the right polish.
The trouble with vehicle interiors is that they gradually get shabbier without you realising it. The key areas to tackle are:
Vacuum thoroughly.
Seats: vacuum and, if really grubby, shampoo.
Glass: polish out that greasy film on the inside.
Instruments and dashboard: thoroughly clean with a damp cloth.
Smells! Empty ashtrays and fumigate!
The biggest and best selling point you can possibly have is a brand new NCT certificate
Call in the Pros
If all this sounds too much, a professional vehicle valet, inside, outside and under the bonnet will help your vehicle sell faster at a better price.
Back to top
Selling a vehicle is easy
But unless you do it for a living then the more you prepare the better. This is where we help you prepare for buyers and show you how to steer clear of the most common vehicle crime dangers.
You should NEVER hand money over to canvassers over the phone.
Auto Trader has been contacted by a number of users who are concerned about canvas telephone calls they have received while advertising a vehicle on autotrader.ie. Auto Trader wants to make clear it does not pass any customer information on to these companies and that it does not work in partnership with companies of this nature in any way.
There are various companies of this nature operating and they generally contact vehicle sellers by telephone after seeing their adverts in classified magazines or online.
These companies try to persuade the vehicle seller to advertise with them for a fixed fee and some promise that they have a number of buyers on their database who are waiting to buy their vehicle and offer to refund the fee if the vehicle does not sell.
Customers have reported they have been called repeatedly by the same company in a bid to wear the seller down until they offer their credit vehicled details, sometimes calling up to six times a day.
Unfortunately in many cases the promised buyers do not materialise and neither does the promised refund. When sellers have later checked the companies’ websites they have found the firms’ terms and conditions state refunds will not be given under any circumstances. Some companies have been found to have numerous addresses and have proved very difficult to track down when trying to complain.
If you feel you have been treated unfairly by one of these companies get in touch with your local Trading Standards office and lodge a complaint. It may be possible for your credit vehicled company to help you if you complain you haven’t received the service you were promised, so ensure you ring them as well.
Auto Trader has been alerted to individuals claiming they’re from Auto Trader and are recruiting people to canvass for them.
This is a scam. Don’t give them your bank details.
They may be providing accurate information which they have taken from the Auto Trader website but the job opportunity doesn’t exist and we have NO affiliation with them.
Auto Trader will never ask for your bank details by email.
If you are concerned or have been affected by this, please contact our customer service line on: 01 449 0600
Selling a vehicle can be a daunting prospect, but by knowing what to expect, you can avoid being caught out by experienced hagglers, time wasters or criminals.
Never let the buyer go out alone, there's a risk they won't come back. Check they have adequate insurance cover, otherwise you could be liable for any accidents they may have.
Let the buyers follow their own route, as many are suspicious if you dictate which roads to take. Be prepared for people to drive your vehicle hard - but if it's a performance model and they are seriously abusing it, ask them to calm down.
NEVER leave the keys in the ignition when swapping seats. Thieves may try to engineer such situations, so you should be especially aware.
Vehicle buyers are now far more willing to pay for used vehicle inspections. If you're serious about selling the vehicle, you shouldn't have any objections. A deposit from the buyer will prove their interest, as should the fact they're spending money on checking your vehicle.
Buyers inevitably haggle about the price; it's all part of buying a vehicle. You need to be firm, without being unreasonable. Set a price beforehand and keep it in your head during negotiations.
Don't refuse to take offers - this will see buyers walking away - and don't decline a sale for the matter of €50 or so. It'll cost you far more in re-advertising fees, time and hassle.
In an ideal world, you’ll be paid cash during normal office hours and be able to pay it in immediately (checking for forgeries, of course), but this won’t always be the case.
If you do receive cash, try to get it handed over to you in a bank, so you can pay it in straight away and the cashier can check for fake notes. If your buyer gives you cash outside of banking hours, pay it in as soon as possible.
A far better way is electronic transfer. It allows you to transfer funds online, but it can take a few days, so don’t release the vehicle until the bank tells you the funds have been successfully transferred.
Cheques and bank or building society cheques can cause problems. Personal cheques can be cancelled or issued without the available funds in the account, meaning that if you’ve handed the vehicle over, it could be the last you’ll see of it.
Despite common belief, bank or building society cheques aren’t as good as cash. With quality forgeries changing hands, don’t release the vehicle until the money has cleared.
You should ask the bank if you can draw funds against the cheque. Don’t ask the bank if the cheque has cleared as this can mean something different. If possible, go with the buyer to the bank to draw the cheque.
Ask the buyer for ID with an address and landline telephone number. If something goes wrong, you’ll know where to find them. If they are reluctant to give this information, you should be wary.
Write a receipt for both you and the buyer, stating the vehicle is being sold and make sure you both sign it.
Back to top
Advertise your vehicles in Ireland's best selling weekly motoring magazine and they will also appear FREE OF CHARGE on Auto Trader.ie.
Simply contact your local Auto Trader office detailed below and we will arrange for a representative to call.
Free creative design and artwork service.
Free copy collection and vehicle photo service.
Free advertising on Auto Traders web site for dealers who advertise in the printed magazine.
Attractive terms for regular advertisers.
Banner advertising opportunity on Auto Traders web site with hyperlink to your own web site. Sponsorship opportunity of Auto Traders search channel and vehicle classifications.
Website & Magazine
1 week in Ireland's Auto Trader magazine plus 2 weeks on website from €40.00 (Ex VAT)
Website & Magazine
2 weeks in Ireland's Auto Trader magazine plus 2 weeks on website from €70.00 (Ex VAT)
Dublin office
Phone: 01 4490600
Fax: 01 4490607
Email: tradesales@autotrader.ie
Belfast office
Phone: 02890 370 444
Fax: 02890 370 332
Email: tradesales@iat.autotrader.co.uk
Back to top
Before you advertise
Preparing your vehicle
Selling advice
Placing a trade advertisement
Do you want to sell your vehicle online?
Our selling section will give you the steps to getting the maximum out of your vehicle sale
Where to Sell a vehicle
This is the easy part!
Auto Trader is a fantastic place to sell your vehicle - even if we do say so ourselves! Simply follow the links according to whether you are a TRADE or PRIVATE seller and let us do the work.Sections to help you
Place a private advert
Advertise your vehicle to the Ireland's biggest buying audience. Prices start from just €20 for an online ad.
Place a trade advert
Traders get a great deal with Auto Trader. Simply register and you can put up to NINE pictures in an online advert.
Back to top
Before you Advertise
Changing Vrooms
No need to get Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen in - but it is worth making the most of the vehicle you're selling to get the maximum price. From sprucing up your motor to making the most of your advert - we're here to help.
Wording The Advert
It's your first point of contact with potential buyers, so it's important the advert conveys the right message. Get it right and you’ll save money re-advertising.
The ideal ad
A perfect Auto Trader ad will include all of the following:
- Exact type of vehicle: if it's a Mondeo 1.8 GLX 5-door, write that - not 'Mondeo GLX'
- Year: 2006
- Mileage: If your vehicle has low mileage, say how low
- Colour: be helpful - 'metallic blue' means more to most buyers than 'Sorrento Shimmer'
- Tax & NCT: Say how much is left
- Service history: Don't lie. If it has a proper recorded history, mention it. If it's complete, put 'full service history' or 'fsh'
- Number of owners: Include if there aren't many for the age of the vehicle.
- Features: Sell the great features on your vehicle - air conditioning, alloy wheels, electric windows, central locking and so on - to entice the buyers and set your vehicle apart from the others
- Price: Buyers expect to bargain so if €2500 really is your final price, ask for a little more in the advertisement. But be realistic, check other similar vehicles on Auto Trader to gain an idea of the right asking price.
- Colour photograph: Attach a photo, it'll make your advert stand out and you'll get a better response.
If you advertise online you can include up to nine photos, give a greater description and edit it at any time.
Things not to say…
Here's a list of favourites that tell the buyer nothing. Lovely driver, good condition for year, beautiful condition, one lady owner, no time wasters, first to see will buy. Leave them out!
Setting a Price for your vehicle
If you get the price wrong, you'll either have your vehicle on your hands for weeks, or be taken for a mug…neither is desirable, or necessary. A little research will see you easily get the true market value for your vehicle.
Price Guides
Nowadays, there are plenty available, either as separate books or incorporated into magazines. However, the most comprehensive source of used prices is Auto Trader web site - and it's completely free of charge, too!
But remember they are only a guide. You'll be offered several prices, for differing conditions of vehicle, with registration letters and model years both being listed. A suggested mileage is also given. However, there are many more variables over and above those covered by price guides, meaning 'exact book price' sales are rare.
Consider any options your vehicle has; is it a rare model or one in particular demand? Is the colour is a desirable one? Are there any other considerations that could affect your price e.g. low mileage, a sought-after special edition or a particularly generous specification.
Classified advertisements
A look through Auto Trader will usually help you set the price of your vehicle. Look for models similar to yours, and see what the 'going rate' is; you can then price your vehicle accordingly!
This works especially well for popular models, because there's so much choice. It's also a good trick for rarer or older models, as they may not actually be listed in price guides.
Owners clubs
Some owners clubs offer valuation services. You may have to pay - or join the club - but this will probably be more accurate than other methods, because of the breadth of knowledge available. Enthusiasts know your vehicle better than you do, and can account for any extras, as well as the overall condition and mileage.
Trade-ins
Visit dealers, to get an idea of your vehicle's trade-in value; anything you get over and above that will thus be a profit. Don't, however, look at dealer forecourt stock and expect to get similar prices for your vehicle; you're not offering a warranty or any guarantees, remember, and therefore should charge a lot less. Some manufacturer web-sites also offer on-line trade price valuations, and can be another source of guidance for trade-in values.
Back to top
Preparing Your vehicle
Preparation
Exterior
This is what everyone sees first so it needs the greatest attention. It's also the easiest part of the preparation to get right. Wash the vehicle then leather it dry.
Bird droppings, tar and deposits from trees can be removed with special cleaners purchased from your local accessory shop.
Consider touching in paint chips.
A quick polish can do wonders for the appearance.
If the paint looks really dull try a paint restoring polish.
Don't forget the wheels, nice wheels make a vehicle look great.
Liven up black and chrome trim with the right polish.
Interior
The trouble with vehicle interiors is that they gradually get shabbier without you realising it. The key areas to tackle are:
Vacuum thoroughly.
Seats: vacuum and, if really grubby, shampoo.
Glass: polish out that greasy film on the inside.
Instruments and dashboard: thoroughly clean with a damp cloth.
Smells! Empty ashtrays and fumigate!
Mechanical
The biggest and best selling point you can possibly have is a brand new NCT certificate
Call in the Pros
If all this sounds too much, a professional vehicle valet, inside, outside and under the bonnet will help your vehicle sell faster at a better price.
Back to top
Selling Advice
Selling a vehicle is easy
But unless you do it for a living then the more you prepare the better. This is where we help you prepare for buyers and show you how to steer clear of the most common vehicle crime dangers.
Canvassers
How to Avoid Canvassing Calls
You should NEVER hand money over to canvassers over the phone.
Auto Trader has been contacted by a number of users who are concerned about canvas telephone calls they have received while advertising a vehicle on autotrader.ie. Auto Trader wants to make clear it does not pass any customer information on to these companies and that it does not work in partnership with companies of this nature in any way.
There are various companies of this nature operating and they generally contact vehicle sellers by telephone after seeing their adverts in classified magazines or online.
These companies try to persuade the vehicle seller to advertise with them for a fixed fee and some promise that they have a number of buyers on their database who are waiting to buy their vehicle and offer to refund the fee if the vehicle does not sell.
Customers have reported they have been called repeatedly by the same company in a bid to wear the seller down until they offer their credit vehicled details, sometimes calling up to six times a day.
Unfortunately in many cases the promised buyers do not materialise and neither does the promised refund. When sellers have later checked the companies’ websites they have found the firms’ terms and conditions state refunds will not be given under any circumstances. Some companies have been found to have numerous addresses and have proved very difficult to track down when trying to complain.
If you feel you have been treated unfairly by one of these companies get in touch with your local Trading Standards office and lodge a complaint. It may be possible for your credit vehicled company to help you if you complain you haven’t received the service you were promised, so ensure you ring them as well.
AutoTrader.ie Business Offer Scam
Auto Trader has been alerted to individuals claiming they’re from Auto Trader and are recruiting people to canvass for them.
This is a scam. Don’t give them your bank details.
They may be providing accurate information which they have taken from the Auto Trader website but the job opportunity doesn’t exist and we have NO affiliation with them.
Auto Trader will never ask for your bank details by email.
If you are concerned or have been affected by this, please contact our customer service line on: 01 449 0600
Dealing With Buyers
Selling a vehicle can be a daunting prospect, but by knowing what to expect, you can avoid being caught out by experienced hagglers, time wasters or criminals.
Test drives
Never let the buyer go out alone, there's a risk they won't come back. Check they have adequate insurance cover, otherwise you could be liable for any accidents they may have.
Let the buyers follow their own route, as many are suspicious if you dictate which roads to take. Be prepared for people to drive your vehicle hard - but if it's a performance model and they are seriously abusing it, ask them to calm down.
NEVER leave the keys in the ignition when swapping seats. Thieves may try to engineer such situations, so you should be especially aware.
Inspections
Vehicle buyers are now far more willing to pay for used vehicle inspections. If you're serious about selling the vehicle, you shouldn't have any objections. A deposit from the buyer will prove their interest, as should the fact they're spending money on checking your vehicle.
Haggling
Buyers inevitably haggle about the price; it's all part of buying a vehicle. You need to be firm, without being unreasonable. Set a price beforehand and keep it in your head during negotiations.
Don't refuse to take offers - this will see buyers walking away - and don't decline a sale for the matter of €50 or so. It'll cost you far more in re-advertising fees, time and hassle.
Handling the money
In an ideal world, you’ll be paid cash during normal office hours and be able to pay it in immediately (checking for forgeries, of course), but this won’t always be the case.
If you do receive cash, try to get it handed over to you in a bank, so you can pay it in straight away and the cashier can check for fake notes. If your buyer gives you cash outside of banking hours, pay it in as soon as possible.
A far better way is electronic transfer. It allows you to transfer funds online, but it can take a few days, so don’t release the vehicle until the bank tells you the funds have been successfully transferred.
Cheques and bank or building society cheques can cause problems. Personal cheques can be cancelled or issued without the available funds in the account, meaning that if you’ve handed the vehicle over, it could be the last you’ll see of it.
Despite common belief, bank or building society cheques aren’t as good as cash. With quality forgeries changing hands, don’t release the vehicle until the money has cleared.
You should ask the bank if you can draw funds against the cheque. Don’t ask the bank if the cheque has cleared as this can mean something different. If possible, go with the buyer to the bank to draw the cheque.
Ask the buyer for ID with an address and landline telephone number. If something goes wrong, you’ll know where to find them. If they are reluctant to give this information, you should be wary.
Write a receipt for both you and the buyer, stating the vehicle is being sold and make sure you both sign it.
Back to top
Placing a Trade Advertisement
Advertise your vehicles in Ireland's best selling weekly motoring magazine and they will also appear FREE OF CHARGE on Auto Trader.ie.
Simply contact your local Auto Trader office detailed below and we will arrange for a representative to call.
Free creative design and artwork service.
Free copy collection and vehicle photo service.
Free advertising on Auto Traders web site for dealers who advertise in the printed magazine.
Attractive terms for regular advertisers.
Banner advertising opportunity on Auto Traders web site with hyperlink to your own web site. Sponsorship opportunity of Auto Traders search channel and vehicle classifications.
Website & Magazine
1 week in Ireland's Auto Trader magazine plus 2 weeks on website from €40.00 (Ex VAT)
Website & Magazine
2 weeks in Ireland's Auto Trader magazine plus 2 weeks on website from €70.00 (Ex VAT)
Contacting trade:
Dublin office
Phone: 01 4490600
Fax: 01 4490607
Email: tradesales@autotrader.ie
Belfast office
Phone: 02890 370 444
Fax: 02890 370 332
Email: tradesales@iat.autotrader.co.uk
Back to top