When it comes to selling your car, two of the most common options are selling privately or using a professional car buying service. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s compare them to help you decide which is right for you.
Private Sale: The Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Potentially higher price – You’re selling directly to the end buyer, cutting out the middleman.
- Full control – You set the price and choose who to sell to.
- Negotiation opportunity – You can try to achieve your ideal price.
Disadvantages
- Time-consuming – Creating listings, responding to enquiries, arranging viewings, and negotiating takes significant time.
- Advertising costs – Premium listings on major sites can be expensive.
- Time-wasters – You’ll likely deal with no-shows and tyre-kickers.
- Security risks – Inviting strangers to view your car and handling cash carries risks.
- Payment risks – Bank transfer scams and counterfeit money are real concerns.
- Ongoing costs – Insurance, tax, and depreciation continue while you wait for a sale.
- No guarantees – Your car might not sell, or might sell for less than hoped.
Car Buying Service: The Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Speed – Sell your car in as little as 24 hours.
- Convenience – Free collection from your location; no viewings to arrange.
- Guaranteed sale – Once you accept an offer, the sale is certain.
- Secure payment – Same-day bank transfer with no risk of fraud.
- No advertising costs – Valuations and the service are free.
- Any condition accepted – They buy cars regardless of condition.
- Paperwork handled – The service takes care of DVLA notification and documentation.
- No time-wasters – Professional, straightforward process.
Disadvantages
- Lower price – Typically 10-20% less than a successful private sale, as the service needs to make a margin.
Which Should You Choose?
Consider a private sale if:
- You have time to manage the sale process
- Your car is desirable and likely to sell quickly
- You’re comfortable with viewings and negotiations
- Maximising price is your top priority
Consider a car buying service if:
- You need to sell quickly
- You value convenience and certainty
- You don’t want the hassle of viewings and negotiations
- Your car isn’t in perfect condition
- You want guaranteed, secure payment
- You’d rather spend your time on other things
The Real Cost Comparison
When comparing prices, consider the true costs of private selling:
- Advertising fees (£20-100+)
- Your time (viewings, enquiries, negotiations)
- Ongoing insurance and tax while waiting to sell
- Depreciation during the selling period
- Risk of the sale falling through
Factor these in, and the gap between private and trade prices often narrows considerably.
Try Berkshire Car Buyer
Want to see what your car is worth? Get a free, no-obligation valuation from Berkshire Car Buyer. You might be pleasantly surprised by our offer, and there’s no pressure to accept.
We make selling your car simple, fast, and stress-free.