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Wording your Advert
It's your first point of contact with potential buyers, so it's important the advert conveys the right message. Get it right and you’ll save money re-advertising.
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Make sure you prepare your car properly before placing an advert.
The ideal ad
A perfect Auto Trader ad will include all of the following:
- Exact type of car: if it's a Mondeo 1.8 GLX 5-door, write that - not 'Mondeo GLX'
- Year and registration letter: 1999/T or 2006/56 are the most precise. 'T-reg' or '2000 model-year' might sound better, but the buyer will find out soon enough.
- Mileage: If your car has low mileage, say how low
- Colour: be helpful - 'metallic blue' means more to most buyers than 'Sorrento Shimmer'
- Car tax & MOT: Say how much is left
- Service history: Don't lie. If it has a proper recorded history, mention it. If it's complete, put 'full service history' or 'fsh'
- Number of owners: Include if there aren't many for the age of the car.
- Features: Sell the great features on your car - air conditioning, alloy wheels, electric windows, central locking and so on - to entice the buyers and set your car apart from the others
- Price: Buyers expect to bargain so if £2500 really is your final price, ask for a little more in the advertisement. But be realistic, check other similar vehicles on Auto Trader to gain an idea of the right asking price.
- Colour photograph: Attach a photo, it'll make your advert stand out and you'll get a better response.
If you advertise with Auto Trader online you can include up to nine photos, give a greater description and edit it at any time.
Things not to say…
Here's a list of favourites that tell the buyer nothing. Lovely driver, good condition for year, beautiful condition, one lady owner, no time wasters, first to see will buy. Leave them out!
Related articles
- Preparing your car for sale
- Setting a price for your car
- Dealing with car buyers
- Car depreciation
- Selling a car homepage
Buying advice
