How to sell a car quickly and safely

Selling in seven steps

Documents and preparation

A buyer who sees documents in order decides more easily and haggles less over the price.

• The registration document and proof that you own the car.
• The service book or service invoices – proof of regular maintenance.
• Receipts for major repairs and new parts (tyres, brakes, battery, cambelt).
• All the keys, the owner’s manual and extras (winter tyres, roof rack).
• Make sure there are no outstanding debts on the car that could make the transfer difficult for the buyer.
• If the car has been in a serious accident, have the repair details ready – the buyer will ask for them anyway.

How to set the price

Overpriced cars sit unsold, while very cheap ones attract suspicion and dealers looking for a bargain. A realistic price is the quickest route to a sale.

• Search Retemax for the same model of a similar year and mileage and look at the price range.
• Take into account the equipment, the number of previous owners, the service history and the condition of the tyres.
• Leave a little room for negotiation, but don’t inflate the price.
• If nobody has been in touch after two weeks, take another look at the price and the photos.
• State the currency and payment method clearly, without vague extras.

Photos that sell

Buyers look at the photos first. This list covers everything they want to see.

• Front and rear at an angle, plus both sides.
• The interior: front and rear seats, steering wheel and dashboard.
• The odometer with the dashboard lit up.
• Boot, engine and tyres.
• Damage and scratches – honestly and close up.
• Daylight, no harsh shadows, no filters and no other cars in the shot.

What to put in the description

A good description answers questions before the buyer asks them.

• Make, model, year, mileage, engine, power, fuel type and gearbox.
• Equipment: air conditioning, sat nav, parking sensors, camera, heated seats and so on.
• Service history: when the last service was and what was replaced.
• The honest condition: faults, damage and what needs fixing.
• Number of previous owners and when the registration expires.
• Where the car can be viewed and how the buyer can reach you.

Viewings and test drives

A test drive is a normal part of selling – with a few simple rules.

• Arrange viewings in daylight and in a place where there are other people around.
• Before the drive, check the buyer’s driving licence and note down the details.
• Go along on the drive and don’t leave the buyer alone with the keys or the documents.
• The buyer may have the car checked at a garage of their choice – agree on a time together.

Payment and handover

Only hand over the keys and documents once the money is safely with you.

• The safest options are a bank transfer you can see in your own account, or cash you collect in person, ideally at a bank.
• A payment confirmation or a screenshot is not proof that the money has arrived – check your own account.
• Draw up a written sales contract with the details of both parties and the car, the price and the date.
• Transfer ownership according to the rules of your country and keep a copy of the contract.
• After the handover, remove the number plates if your country requires it and let your insurer know.

Warning signs of fake buyers

If any of these comes up, stop and think – it is usually a scam.

• The buyer offers more than the asking price or wants to buy without a viewing.
• They ask you to pay for a courier, customs, transport or a money transfer fee.
• They send a fake payment confirmation and ask you to hand over the car straight away.
• They ask for your card details, SMS codes or for you to log in to your banking app.
• They want to move the conversation away from Retemax entirely and keep rushing you.

More about selling safely ›

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to post a car ad?

Nothing. Posting and browsing ads on Retemax is free, with no commission.

How many photos do I need?

The more, the better – at least ten, from every side and inside. Ads with good photos get far more enquiries.

Do I have to mention the faults?

Yes. An honest description saves time for you and the buyer, and a buyer who knows the condition is less likely to back out at the viewing.

What if a buyer contacts me from abroad?

Be especially careful. Only hand over the car and documents once the money is really in your account, and never pay any fees in advance.

How can I move my ad back to the top of the list?

In My Listings, click Raise – your ad goes back to the top of the list in its category.