Get the details right
Buyers search and filter by the basics, so a missing or wrong detail hides your car from the people looking for it.
- Make, model and variant: the variant matters. A buyer looking for a particular trim level filters for it.
- Year and kilometres: exact, not rounded.
- Transmission, fuel and body type.
- Registration: whether the car is registered, and until when.
Write the description buyers want
Keep it plain and specific. Short paragraphs or a list are easier to read on a phone than one long block.
- Condition: how the car drives, and the honest state of the paint, interior and tyres.
- History: how long you have owned it, how it has been used, and the service history.
- Recent work: new tyres, a recent service, a new battery. These are reasons to buy.
- Extras: tow bar, roof racks, a second key, dash camera.
- Known issues: say them plainly. It saves a wasted trip for both of you and builds trust.
- Why you are selling: one line is enough. Buyers always ask.
Specific beats enthusiastic. “New tyres in March” sells more cars than “excellent condition”.
Phrases to avoid
- “Needs a bit of work”: buyers assume the worst. Say what the work is.
- “First to see will buy”: it reads as pressure, and serious buyers ignore it.
- “No time wasters”: it puts off the polite buyers and does not stop the others.
- All capitals: it reads as shouting and is hard to read.
Before you publish
Read the ad as if you were buying. If you would have a question, answer it in the listing. Then check the price against similar cars for sale near you, and add the photos in order, best first. Our photo guide covers which shots to take.
