Sell My Car in Devon

How to Sell Your Car in Devon

Selling a car in Devon? Well, it’s not your average car sale, is it? Between the winding lanes, seaside charm, and the odd tractor holding up traffic, you’ve got a unique challenge on your hands. But don’t worry—it’s completely doable. First thing’s first: Run a vehicle history check. Trust me, it’s worth it. Buyers love knowing exactly what they’re getting, and it’ll save you from those awkward “Oh, I didn’t know about that” moments later on.

Whether you’re in Exeter, Barnstaple, or some tiny hamlet where the postbox doubles as the village landmark, here’s how to get your car sold without losing your mind—or your patience.

Step 1: Clean It Up (Devon-Style)

Devon’s roads are gorgeous, sure, but they don’t exactly leave your car spotless. Mud splashes from country tracks, sandy seats from beach days, and crumbs from snack stops at a farm shop? Sound familiar? When I sold my hatchback, it looked like it had survived a summer of camping trips and rainy picnics—which, well, it had. A solid weekend of hoovering, scrubbing, and clearing out old parking receipts made it look like a completely different car.

Pay attention to the little things, too. Empty the glovebox (you never know what’s hiding in there), wipe down the dashboard, and give the boot a once-over. A light air freshener can help—something subtle like lemon or sea breeze. Oh, and double-check your MOT. Buyers love seeing everything in order, and honestly, it just makes you look like you’ve got your act together.

Step 2: Snap Photos That Tell the Story

If there’s one thing Devon has in abundance, it’s stunning backdrops. Take advantage of it! Park your car near the cliffs at Exmouth, along the rolling hills of Dartmoor, or by the water in Salcombe. Just avoid rainy days—Devon might look dramatic in the rain, but a soggy car doesn’t exactly scream “buy me.”

Take clear photos of every angle—front, back, sides, and interior. And if there’s a scratch or dent, don’t try to hide it. When I sold my last car, I included a picture of a scuff on the bumper, and the buyer actually thanked me for being upfront. Turns out, people really appreciate honesty (who knew?).

Step 3: Save Your Sanity with Car Owl

If you’ve ever tried selling a car privately, you know it can be... interesting. One buyer sends a hundred messages and then ghosts you. Another spends half an hour looking under the bonnet like they’re about to enter *Formula 1* and then offers you half the asking price. It’s a lot. That’s why I used Car Owl—it’s like handing the stressful parts off to someone else.

All you have to do is upload your car’s details, add a few photos (remember that Dartmoor backdrop!), and Car Owl connects you with real buyers. I sold my SUV through them last year, and I couldn’t believe how much easier it was. No endless back-and-forth, no random meetups in car parks, just proper offers from people who actually wanted the car. Highly recommend.

Step 4: Get the Price Right (And Be Flexible)

Pricing a car can feel like a guessing game, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by looking at what similar cars are going for in places like Exeter, Plymouth, or even smaller spots like Totnes or Tiverton. Mileage and condition matter, of course, but don’t forget the extras. When I sold my estate, I mentioned the nearly-new tyres and battery I’d replaced. The buyer loved it—less hassle for them, and it made my asking price feel more justified.

If you’re not sure where to start, Car Owl has pricing tools that can help. And remember, if your price isn’t attracting interest, you can always tweak it. It’s not like you’re carving it into stone!

Step 5: Plan a Test Drive That Works

Test drives in Devon are... let’s call them “character-building.” Narrow lanes, sudden hills, and the occasional sheep crossing are just part of the fun. When planning a route, pick something scenic but sensible. A loop around Dartmoor or a drive along the coast near Exmouth can show off how your car handles. Just steer clear of rush hour in Exeter—or the A38 when it feels like every caravan in the country is passing through.

Oh, and here’s a tip: check your fuel gauge before the buyer arrives. I once had to awkwardly stop for fuel mid-test drive because I hadn’t noticed the tank was nearly empty. Not my finest moment. Save yourself the embarrassment and top it up beforehand.

Step 6: Close the Deal (And Don’t Forget Your Sunglasses)

When you’ve found your buyer, the rest is simple. Fill out the V5C logbook together, hand them the green slip, and write up a quick receipt with the price, date, and signatures. Nothing fancy—just enough to keep things clear. And before you hand over the keys, do one last sweep of the car. I once left my favorite pair of sunglasses in the glovebox and didn’t realise until the buyer was halfway back to Plymouth. Let’s just say that was an awkward phone call.

Looking Ahead

Selling your car in Devon doesn’t have to be a headache. With a bit of prep, some great photos, and Car Owl to handle the tricky parts, you’ll have it sorted in no time. After that? Well, maybe it’s time to plan a road trip or simply enjoy that extra driveway space. Whatever’s next, good luck with your sale!