How to Write the Perfect Car Sale Advert

Summary

• Good photos are the most important thing: Buyers scroll past dark, blurry photos. Clean the car first and shoot in daylight.
• Be honest and detailed: List every feature, every flaw, and the full service history. Honesty builds trust.
• Price it right: Check what similar cars sell for. Overpricing means no enquiries. See our car valuation guide.

A poorly written advert puts buyers off. A great one makes them pick up the phone. The difference is usually just a few minutes of effort.

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Writing the Title

The title is the first thing buyers see. Include:

• Make, model, and variant (e.g. "Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI Match")
• Year of registration
• Key selling points (e.g. "Low mileage, Full service history, 1 owner")

Example: "2020 Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI Match — 28,000 miles, FSH, 1 Owner"

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Writing the Description

Structure your description clearly:

1. Opening sentence: Highlight the best things about the car.
2. Key specs: Mileage, fuel type, transmission, engine size, number of doors.
3. Features list: Everything the car has — sat nav, parking sensors, heated seats, etc.
4. Service history: Full, partial, or none. Include details.
5. MOT status: When it expires. Any advisories from the last test.
6. Known issues: Be upfront about any scratches, dents, or mechanical issues. Buyers appreciate honesty.
7. Reason for selling: This builds trust (e.g. "upgrading to a bigger car for the family").

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Taking Great Photos

Photos sell cars. Follow these tips:

• Clean the car first: Wash, polish, and vacuum before taking any photos.
• Shoot in daylight: Overcast days give the best, even lighting.
• Take at least 15–20 photos: Front, rear, both sides, all four wheels, interior, dashboard, engine bay, boot, and any damage.
• Show the mileage: A photo of the odometer builds trust.
• Clean background: Park on a quiet street or driveway. No clutter.

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Where to Advertise

Platform	Cost	Audience
AutoTrader	From £19.99	Biggest UK audience — most serious buyers
Facebook Marketplace	Free	Local buyers, quick responses
Gumtree	Free	Local and national reach
eBay Motors	Free to list	Auction or fixed price format
PistonHeads	Free	Enthusiast cars and performance vehicles

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Too few photos: Buyers skip listings with fewer than 5 photos.
• Vague descriptions: "Good condition" doesn't tell buyers anything useful.
• Hiding problems: Buyers will find them during viewing. Be honest upfront.
• Overpricing: If your car doesn't sell in 2 weeks, the price is probably too high.

The best adverts tell a story. "One careful owner, full service history, garaged from new" creates confidence. "Selling due to upgrade" explains why.

For the complete selling process, read our ultimate guide to selling your car.

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