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Selling your car , Market and prices · Updated 2026-10-18

Writing a good car ad

A good ad answers a buyer's questions before they ask. It is clear, complete and honest. That reduces the number of messages you must answer, filters out people who are not really interested and builds trust with those who are. You do not need clever sales language. You need facts, laid out in an order people can scan quickly.

Write a plain title

Put the make, model, engine or version, and year in the title. Add one or two strong facts if there is space, such as the fuel type or the gearbox. Avoid capital letters, exclamation marks and vague words such as perfect or bargain. A plain title is easier to find in search and looks more trustworthy.

Cover the key facts

Make sure buyers can find these basics without asking:

• Make, model, version, body type and year of first registration.
• Mileage, and how you know it is correct (service records, inspection papers).
• Engine size, power, fuel type, gearbox and drive type.
• Number of previous owners, if you know it.
• Service history: when it was last serviced and what was replaced. Mention major jobs such as the timing belt, clutch or brakes, with dates.
• Tyres: type, condition and whether you have a second set.
• Equipment and extras that add value.
• The date of the next inspection or roadworthiness check, if your country requires it.

If you offer a vehicle history check, you can say the VIN is available to serious buyers who want to run it through the VIN checker. Our guide on reading a VIN explains what this tells a buyer.

Tell the truth about flaws

List the known faults and cosmetic damage briefly and without drama: a scratch on the rear bumper, a chip in the windscreen, a sensor that sometimes shows a warning. Honest disclosure protects you. If you hide something and the buyer finds it later, you risk an argument, a request for money back or worse. A buyer who knows what to expect usually accepts it and negotiates calmly. Mention accident repairs if there were any, and what was done. See after an accident for context on how buyers think about this.

Set a sensible price

The price is the most important part of the ad. Look at similar cars, with the same age, mileage, engine and condition, and treat them as a guide to what sellers are asking. Do not confuse asking prices with real sale prices: asking prices are hopes, and many cars end up sold for less. Use the fair price tool and read how to value your car to sell to build a realistic range.

Decide whether to state a fixed price or leave room for talking. If you add some room, do not go too far: an inflated price scares off the buyers you want, and the ad sits unanswered. If you write that the price is negotiable, expect negotiation. A good approach is to set a price you would be happy with and a lowest price you would accept. For negotiating see dealing with buyers and tyre kickers.

Structure the text

Short paragraphs and short lists are easier to read on a phone. A good order is:

1. One or two sentences on what the car is and why you are selling.
2. Technical facts and mileage.
3. Service history and recent work.
4. Equipment.
5. Known flaws.
6. Price, viewing arrangements and how to contact you.

Write in complete, simple sentences. Check spelling. Do not copy text from other ads, since descriptions that do not match your car create confusion.

Add good photos and contact details

Text and pictures work together. See photos that help your car sell for how to take them. Choose contact methods you are comfortable with and say when you can be reached. Avoid putting your home address or full personal details in the ad; you can arrange a meeting place with serious buyers.

Words and promises to avoid

• Do not say no problems or like new unless you can prove it.
• Do not promise a warranty you cannot give.
• Do not use text like no time wasters in capital letters; it only sounds hostile.
• Do not write the car has never had an accident unless you truly know the whole history.

Keep the ad alive

If the car does not attract interest in a week or two, review the price, photos and text before doing anything else. When the car is sold, remove the ad quickly so people stop calling.

What to remember

• Be factual: plain title, full details, honest flaws.
• Price based on comparable cars and realistic expectations, not hopes.
• Short, structured text is easier to read.
• Do not publish private details you do not need to share.

Documents Negotiation Prices Selling Service history Valuation