How to Write the Perfect Car Sale Advert
Car Owl
Published in English •
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.
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"
Writing the Description
Structure your description clearly:
- Opening sentence: Highlight the best things about the car.
- Key specs: Mileage, fuel type, transmission, engine size, number of doors.
- Features list: Everything the car has, sat nav, parking sensors, heated seats, etc.
- Service history: Full, partial, or none. Include details.
- MOT status: When it expires. Any advisories from the last test.
- Known issues: Be upfront about any scratches, dents, or mechanical issues. Buyers appreciate honesty.
- Reason for selling: This builds trust (e.g. "upgrading to a bigger car for the family").
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.
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 |
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.