Sell My Car in Isles Of Scilly

Your Guide to Selling a Car in the Isles of Scilly

Selling a car in the Isles of Scilly? Well, it’s not exactly like selling one in Cornwall or London, is it? Things work a little differently here. Fewer buyers, smaller roads, and, of course, the logistics of getting it off the islands if your buyer isn’t local—it’s all part of the charm. But don’t worry. Start with the basics: run a vehicle history check. It’s quick, easy, and it gives buyers—whether they’re from St. Mary’s or even mainland Cornwall—the peace of mind they need to take the plunge. Once you’ve ticked that off, here’s how to handle the rest.

1. Gather Your Paperwork (Because Everyone Will Ask)

Let’s get this bit out of the way first. Nobody loves paperwork, but it’s essential. Whether your buyer’s local or traveling over from Penzance, they’ll want to know your car’s been looked after. Start with your MOT certificates, service history, and any receipts for repairs. Even small stuff like a wiper replacement or a tyre check can help—it shows you’ve been keeping on top of things.

And if your car’s picked up a few scrapes—maybe from navigating the tight lanes on St. Mary’s or dealing with sandy parking spots—don’t try to hide them. When I sold my car, I made sure to point out a little dent near the rear bumper. The buyer actually appreciated it. Being upfront saves you from awkward “I didn’t notice that before” conversations later.

2. Clean It Up (Because Island Life Leaves Its Mark)

Let’s face it—cars on the Isles of Scilly take a bit of a beating. Between the salty air, sandy boots, and muddy tracks, they tend to wear their adventures on their sleeve. Mine was no exception when I decided to sell it. Sand in the carpets, streaks on the windows, and let’s not even talk about the mysterious sticky patch on the back seat. Definitely not buyer-ready.

Set aside an afternoon to give it a proper clean. Hoover the carpets, polish the dashboard, and clear out the boot (trust me, people always check it). If you’ve been using the car to haul around beach gear, make sure there’s no leftover sand lurking in the corners. And while you’re at it, check your MOT. A current MOT certificate instantly makes your car more appealing—it’s one less thing for the buyer to think about.

3. Take Photos That Show Off the Car (and the Islands)

Here’s the fun part—photos. You’ve got some of the most stunning backdrops in the UK right on your doorstep, so use them! A clean car parked near the beaches of Tresco or along one of St. Mary’s quieter coastal roads can really make your listing stand out. If you’re on St. Martin’s, the vineyard views make a lovely backdrop, and let’s not forget the iconic views over the harbor at Hugh Town.

Get shots from all angles: front, back, sides, interior, and (yes) the boot. Be honest about any dings or scratches—it’s better to show them now than have a buyer spot them later. When I sold my car, I included a close-up of a tiny scuff near the driver’s side door. The buyer thanked me for being transparent—it saved us both time and stress.

4. Think About Your Market (It’s Different Here)

Selling a car on the Isles of Scilly isn’t quite the same as selling one in a big city. Your buyer pool is smaller, so you’ll need to get creative. Start with local noticeboards or community groups—whether it’s a Facebook post for islanders or a notice up at the Co-op in Hugh Town. If you’re open to selling to someone on the mainland, make sure your listing includes information about transport. Ferries and logistics are part of life here, so factor that in from the start.

5. Price It Realistically (But Don’t Forget Transport Costs)

Pricing your car here can feel tricky, especially when you factor in ferry costs or shipping. Start by looking at what similar cars are selling for in Cornwall or Devon, then adjust for your car’s mileage, condition, and any recent work. When I sold mine, I made a point of mentioning the new tyres I’d fitted and a recent oil change—it helped reassure the buyer they wouldn’t have to spend extra money straight away.

And be upfront about how transport will work. Will you arrange for it to get to Penzance, or is that on the buyer? Clarity here will save you a lot of back-and-forth later.

6. Plan a Test Drive That Fits the Isles of Scilly

Test drives here are... well, a little different. If you’re on St. Mary’s, plan a route that includes a mix of narrow lanes and open stretches along the coast. If you’re selling from one of the smaller islands, it might just be a quick loop, but that’s fine—buyers will understand. The key is to let them get a feel for how the car handles.

Quick tip: check your petrol gauge before they arrive. Running out halfway through a test drive is awkward anywhere, but on the Isles of Scilly? It’s a whole other level of inconvenient. Just fill it up beforehand—it’s worth it.

7. Do a Final Check Before Handing Over the Keys

Once you’ve found your buyer, the hard part’s done. Fill out the V5C logbook together, make sure they take the green slip, and write up a quick receipt. Keep it simple—just the basics: price, date, and signatures. Before you hand over the keys, though, do one last sweep of the car. I once sold a car and left a favorite jacket in the boot—it wasn’t my proudest moment. Always check twice—you’ll thank yourself later.

Wrapping Up

Selling a car on the Isles of Scilly might come with a few extra challenges, but it’s nothing a bit of preparation can’t solve. With great photos, a clear plan, and a vehicle history check ready upfront, you’ll be set. Once it’s sold, enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done—and maybe treat yourself to something special with the proceeds. Good luck!