Sell My Car in Surrey

Your Guide to Selling a Car in Surrey

Selling a car in Surrey? Whether it’s been crawling through Guildford’s rush hour traffic, tackling the winding roads of the Surrey Hills, or parked up during a weekend trip to Box Hill, your car has put in the work. Thankfully, getting it sold doesn’t have to be a faff. With a little preparation and some clear steps, you’ll find a buyer in no time. First things first: run a quick vehicle history check. Buyers in Woking, Epsom, or Farnham want to know exactly what they’re getting, and showing them the car’s history upfront puts you ahead of the game.

1. Get Your Paperwork Ready (It Makes You Look Professional)

Trust me—buyers love paperwork. Before listing your car, gather everything: MOT certificates, service records, and receipts for any work you’ve had done, whether it’s a fresh set of tyres or a battery replacement. People love knowing the car has been well looked after—it gives them peace of mind.

And here’s the golden rule: don’t try to hide any marks or scratches. Maybe there’s a small scuff from a tight squeeze in the Waitrose car park in Weybridge or a scrape from a hedge-lined road near Cranleigh. Just point it out. When I sold my car last year, I mentioned a scratch on the door straight away. The buyer thanked me for being upfront—it saved us both the awkwardness of playing detective later.

2. Clean the Car Like It’s Going to a Wedding

If you want to impress buyers, make the car look its absolute best. Surrey roads can leave their mark—mud from country lanes near Godalming, leaves from autumn drives through Esher, or even sand from summer trips to Frensham Ponds. When I cleaned my last car before selling it, I found a crumpled parking ticket under the seat and enough crumbs to start a bakery. Not exactly a great look!

Start with a proper hoover—under the seats, in the boot, and around the mats. Wipe down the dashboard, clean the cupholders (buyers always check those), and give the windows a polish so they sparkle. Don’t forget the boot—buyers almost always take a peek. A light air freshener—something like “new car” or “fresh linen”—finishes it off nicely. Just keep it subtle; you don’t want to overdo it.

Oh, and check your MOT. If it’s due soon, getting a new one done now will make the car more appealing and save buyers any hassle down the line.

3. Take Photos That Show the Car (and Surrey) in Its Best Light

Good photos can make or break a listing, so don’t rush them. Surrey’s full of stunning spots that make great backdrops—think Box Hill, a leafy road in Cobham, or even a quiet village green near Shere. Steer clear of cluttered driveways or snapping it between wheelie bins—buyers will notice.

Take your photos in good daylight (cloudy but bright days work best). Cover all the key angles: front, back, both sides, wheels, the interior, and the boot. If there’s a scratch or dent, show it clearly—buyers appreciate honesty. When I sold my last car, I included a close-up of a small scuff, and the buyer actually said, “At least I know you’re not hiding anything.” Being upfront saves time and builds trust.

4. Highlight Why Your Car Suits Surrey Living

Think about the type of buyer who’ll snap up your car and tailor your description to them. Surrey attracts a mix of busy commuters, growing families, and countryside explorers, so play to your car’s strengths.

Got a small, economical car? Mention how great it is for navigating Guildford’s traffic or parking in tight spaces in Reigate. Selling something bigger? Highlight the comfort, boot space, and reliability—perfect for school runs, family weekends at RHS Wisley, or road trips to the Surrey Hills. Buyers want to see how your car fits their lifestyle, so help paint that picture for them.

5. Price It Fairly (And Be Ready to Wait)

Setting the right price makes all the difference. Start by checking similar cars for sale in Surrey towns like Epsom, Dorking, and Farnham. Factor in your car’s age, mileage, condition, and any recent work you’ve done—new tyres, brakes, or a full service can add value. Buyers love knowing they won’t have to shell out extra cash straight away.

If you don’t get offers immediately, don’t panic. The right buyer will come along. A small price tweak—£50 or £100—can give your listing fresh attention, but there’s no need to slash the price too quickly. If it’s priced fairly, it’ll sell.

6. Plan a Test Drive That’s Stress-Free

The test drive is where buyers decide if the car’s right for them, so make it a smooth experience. Avoid peak traffic on the A3 or getting stuck behind tractors on narrow roads near the Surrey Hills—it’s not exactly confidence-inspiring. Instead, plan a route with a mix of quiet streets, a few bends, and some open road so they can get a proper feel for the car.

And here’s a simple tip: check the fuel gauge beforehand. I once forgot and ended up making a pit stop mid-test drive—not my finest moment! Buyers notice the little things, so show them you’ve got it all under control.

7. Do a Final Sweep Before Handing Over the Keys

Before the buyer drives off, give the car a final once-over. Check under the seats, in the glovebox, and in the boot for anything you might’ve missed. I nearly handed over my car with my sunglasses still in the centre console—caught them at the last minute. A quick sweep saves you from chasing after the new owner with, “Sorry, I think I left something…”

Wrapping It Up

Selling a car in Surrey doesn’t need to be complicated. Get the paperwork sorted, clean the car properly, and take photos that show it off at its best. Add a well-thought-out description, and you’ll be shaking hands with a buyer in no time. And once the deal’s done? Treat yourself—maybe grab a coffee in Guildford or take a relaxing walk up Box Hill. You’ve earned it. Good luck with the sale!