How to get the best price when selling your car in London

1. Know exactly what you're selling

Start with what buyers will check: the model and trim, engine, mileage, number of previous owners, service history and MOT record. Look at similar cars for sale to get a feel for prices. Remember that advertised prices are usually higher than what cars actually sell for.

Write down the options your car has. A panoramic roof, a better stereo, heated seats or a tow bar are easy to forget and can add to the price.

2. Check your ULEZ status

The ULEZ covers all of Greater London. As a rough guide, petrol cars usually comply if they meet Euro 4 (most from 2006 onwards) and diesels if they meet Euro 6 (most from September 2015). Check your exact car on TfL's vehicle checker.

Compliant cars are easier to sell to Londoners. If yours isn't compliant, your buyers will mostly be outside London or in the trade, so it's even more important to compare offers.

3. Make it look its best

• Clean it properly inside and out. A valet is often worth paying for.
• Clear out child seats, the boot and anything personal.
• Fix cheap things like blown bulbs, worn wipers and empty washer fluid.
• Get warning lights checked. A diagnostic test tells you whether it's minor or something a buyer will knock money off for.
• Take photos in daylight from every angle. Include the interior, the dashboard showing the mileage, and the tyres.

4. Get the paperwork together

A full service history, a recent MOT, both keys and receipts for work done all make buyers more confident, and confident buyers pay more. Our documents checklist lists the lot.

5. Pick your moment

• Sell before the MOT is due. A car with a long MOT is easier to sell than one due a test next week.
• Think about big services. If a major service or cambelt change is due soon, selling first saves you the bill (though a recent one adds value).
• Seasons matter. Convertibles sell better in spring and summer, 4x4s and SUVs in autumn and winter.
• March and September bring new registrations and a wave of part-exchanges onto the market.

6. Compare your options

• Private sale. Can get the highest price, but takes time. You deal with adverts, calls, viewings and test drives, and you have to watch out for scams. Never hand over the car or keys until the money has cleared in your account.
• Part-exchange. Convenient if you're buying another car, but the trade-in figure is often lower. Discounts on the new car can make it hard to see what you're really getting for the old one.
• A car buying service. Quicker, and someone else handles collection. Compare the offer with what you'd realistically get privately once you count your time.

7. Be honest about condition

Describe the car accurately: damage, faults, warning lights, mileage. That's the surest way to get paid the price you were offered. Surprises on the day almost always mean a lower figure. Honest descriptions also protect you legally in a private sale.

8. Tie up the loose ends

If there's finance on the car, get your settlement figure early. If you want to keep a private plate, take it off before you sell. On the day, tell the DVLA and remove the car from TfL Auto Pay, parking permits and any apps.