“New year, new you” is a commonplace phrase. And for some, factoring in a new set of wheels to ring in 2022 may factor high up on your resolution list. Online car trading is currently at an all-time high with buyers enjoying significant savings by purchasing ‘nearly-new’ while sellers benefit from increased demand through quicker transactions and better cash deals.

Speaking of prices, selling your car privately remains the best route to recoup the maximum cashback for your used vehicle. However, should you wish to go alone in the pursuit of the holy grail of “retail value”, you need to be aware of the pitfalls and risks involved. Take a moment to weigh up the following cons and ask yourself if you’re ready for the oftentimes rollercoaster ride of selling your car privately.

Used car listings – A Disneyland for scammers

Desperate times cause some folk to resort to unscrupulous methods. We see it every day with mobile phones, electronics and musical instruments. And sadly, selling your car privately opens you up to the same cowboys and their dodgy tactics. There is an endless list of tell-tale signs to be aware of, but in short, if a buyer’s cash offer or their conditions of sale sound too good to be true, it generally is! Keep your scam radar on high alert and remain patient!

Selling your car privately can be a full-time job

Without the aid of an online marketplace platform when selling your car privately, you are solely responsible for all the admin of marketing of your second-hand vehicle. This involves posting images, descriptions, entertaining test drives and answering every absurd question from potential buyers in your free time. Ask yourself honestly: “Do I have the time and patience to deal with this logistical nightmare?”

Just know that there are other ways to sell your used car that are far less time-consuming.

Maintenance is completely in your court

Much like putting your house up for sale, you will need to ensure that your car is in immaculate showroom condition for every buyer inspection. This will work in your favour if the vehicle is lying idle. However, if she’s still a daily runner, this will involve regular trips to your local car wash, along with costly valets to keep your used vehicle spic and span. Again, ask yourself if it’s worth the maintenance of getting that little extra cash at the negotiating table?

The after-sales dilemma

Unless you are selling your car privately as the only previous owner – with full-service history and logbook – can you confidently deal with any issues once the sale has been concluded? A plain oversight, from your side, may be interpreted as a glaring attempt to deceive the final buyer. And that’s a legal minefield you don’t want to have to navigate.

What are the alternatives to selling your car privately?

There are many online options out there with the promise of selling your car for the best price as well as offering online safety, convenience and a speedy transaction. The cream of the crop, however, is a reputable online marketplace that connects you to serious buyers with the funds available to make an immediate purchase.

You may have the time, patience and admin ninja-skills to sell your used car yourself, but always remember that there are multiple options available to you. Choose the method in which the pros outweigh the cons and good luck with the sale!