Car Selling Guidance
Everything you need to sell your car safely, legally and for the best price
Already know you want to sell?
How much is my car worth ?
If you want a clearer picture of how prices are calculated, our car valuation guidance explains what affects your car’s value and how valuations work.
The simple 5-step guide to selling your car
1. Check your documents and ownership details
2. Decide how you want to sell your car
3. Prepare your car for sale
4. Set realistic expectations on price and condition
5. Complete the DVLA steps after the sale
Stay safe when selling your car
Selling a car privately or online can attract scams if you’re not careful. Understanding the most common risks — and how to avoid them — helps you protect both your money and your personal information.
Special selling scenarios
Some cars need a little extra consideration when it comes to selling. If your vehicle falls into one of the categories below, these guides explain what to expect and how to sell safely.
If repairs aren’t worthwhile, our guide on scrapping your car explains when it makes more sense to scrap rather than sell.
DVLA, ownership and paperwork
Completing the correct paperwork is essential when selling your car. These guides explain what you need to do before and after the sale to stay compliant and avoid future issues.
Selling a car can feel overwhelming, especially if you want the strongest price without wasting time.
This Car Selling Guidance hub brings together all of our best tips to help you sell your car quickly, safely, and for the highest possible value — whether you’re dealing with a private buyer, a dealer, or an online car-buying service.
You’ll find expert advice on documents, valuation, MOT issues, ownership transfers, and how to avoid common mistakes that can cost you money.
Get a free car valuation in minutes
Enter your registration above to get a fast, fair valuation for your car. Jamjar lets you sell your vehicle online without the usual hassle — there’s no obligation, and you stay in control throughout the process.
👉 Get a free car valuation
Learn how to prepare your car for a quick sale, understand how mileage and condition affect your valuation, and discover the best ways to compare genuine offers online.
Good maintenance plays a big role in how buyers view your car, and our car maintenance guidance explains what really matters and what doesn’t.
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Car Selling Guidance
Car Selling Guidance Everything you need to sell your car safely, legally and for the best price Already know you want to sell? Get a
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More information
You can increase your sale price by preparing your vehicle properly and understanding the selling process.
Start by ensuring the car is clean, well-maintained, and fully documented. Our full guide — How to get the best price for your car — explains exactly what buyers look for and how to present your vehicle to maximise its value.
Yes — you can sell a car that still has finance on it, but there are steps you must follow.
We explain how to settle the balance, deal with lenders, and avoid legal issues in our guide:
Can I sell my car with outstanding finance?
ou’ll need your V5C logbook, service history, MOT certificates, receipts, and ID.
For a full checklist covering every document and scenario, see:
What documents do I need to sell my car?
Selling privately can help you achieve a higher price but requires more effort and preparation.
Our complete step-by-step walkthrough covers pricing, advertising, safety, paperwork, and common mistakes:
How to sell my car privately
Preparation plays a major role in both the speed of sale and the price you achieve.
Our detailed guide — How to prepare your car for sale — covers cleaning, minor repairs, photos, documents, and final checks.
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