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How to Write a Car Advert That Actually Sells: UK Guide

Car Owl

Published in English •

Summary

  • First impressions count: Your title and first photo decide whether someone clicks. Make them count.
  • Be honest and detailed: Hiding problems doesn't help. Buyers appreciate honesty, and it avoids problems later.
  • Good photos sell cars: Take clear, well-lit photos from every angle. Read our guide on how to take good car photos.

A good car advert gets more views, more enquiries, and a better price. A bad one sits there for weeks with no interest.

The difference is all in how you write it. This guide shows you exactly what to include and how to stand out from thousands of other listings.

Write a Great Title

Your title is the first thing buyers see. It needs to grab attention and include key details.

What to include

  • Make and model: e.g., Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Zetec.
  • Year: e.g., 2019.
  • Key selling point: e.g., "Low mileage" or "Full service history".

Examples

  • ✅ 2019 Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Zetec - 25k Miles, FSH
  • ✅ 2017 VW Golf 1.6 TDI Match - New MOT, 2 Owners
  • ❌ car for sale good condition - Too vague, no one clicks.
  • ❌ LOOK!!! BARGAIN!!! MUST GO!!! - Looks desperate.

What to Include in Your Description

A good description answers every question a buyer might have. Cover these points:

  1. Year, make, model, and trim: Be exact. "Golf" isn't enough. "2018 VW Golf 1.4 TSI SE Nav 5dr" is.
  2. Mileage: State the current mileage.
  3. MOT status: When does the MOT expire? Any advisories?
  4. Service history: Full, partial, or none? How many stamps in the book?
  5. Owners: How many previous owners?
  6. Condition: Be honest about any marks, dents, or wear.
  7. Extras and features: Satnav, heated seats, parking sensors, alloy wheels, etc.
  8. Reason for selling: Buyers always want to know. Be upfront.
  9. Price: Fixed price, nearest offer, or open to offers?

Pro tip: Mention if you have a recent car history check to share. It builds trust and shows you've got nothing to hide.

Copy this template and fill in the details for your car:

[Year] [Make] [Model] [Trim] - [Key selling point]

Selling my [year] [make] [model] in [colour]. It has [mileage] miles on the clock and comes with [months] months MOT (expires [date]).

The car has [full/partial] service history with [number] stamps. It has had [number] owners from new.

Features include: [list key features like satnav, parking sensors, alloy wheels, etc.]

The car is in [excellent/good/fair] condition. [Mention any imperfections honestly, e.g., "There is a small scratch on the rear bumper - see photos."]

Reason for sale: [upgrading/downsizing/no longer needed].

Asking £[price] [ONO/fixed]. Viewings welcome. Car is located in [area].

How to Describe Condition Honestly

Being honest about your car's condition is important. It saves time, builds trust, and avoids arguments later.

Condition What It Means How to Describe It
Excellent Like new, no marks or issues "Immaculate condition throughout"
Good Minor wear consistent with age "Good condition with minor age-related marks"
Fair Visible wear, some cosmetic issues "Fair condition - some scratches and wear. See photos"
Poor Significant wear, needs work "Needs some TLC. Priced to reflect condition"

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Too little information: "Good car, runs well" tells buyers nothing. Give details.
  • ALL CAPS: It looks like you're shouting. Use normal capitalisation.
  • Hiding problems: If a buyer finds something you didn't mention, they'll walk away. Or worse, come back to complain.
  • Bad photos: Dark, blurry, or messy photos put people off. See our car photography guide.
  • No price: "Call for price" annoys buyers. State your asking price.
  • Being rude to enquiries: Some questions seem obvious, but answer politely. Every enquiry is a potential buyer.

Where to Advertise Your Car

Post your advert on multiple sites for the best chance of selling:

  • AutoTrader: The biggest car marketplace in the UK.
  • Facebook Marketplace: Free and reaches a lot of local buyers.
  • Gumtree: Good for local sales.
  • eBay Motors: Good for reaching nationwide buyers.

For more options, see our guide to free car advertising websites.

Staying Safe When Selling

When strangers come to view your car, stay safe:

  • Meet in a public, well-lit place.
  • Don't let strangers into your house.
  • Take a friend with you for viewings.
  • Accept bank transfers, not cash for large amounts.
  • Don't hand over keys until payment has fully cleared.

Read our full guide on safest ways to accept payment for your car.

A well-written advert with good photos can sell your car faster and for a better price. Be honest, be detailed, and make it easy for buyers to say yes.

Ready to sell? Check out our top 10 tips to sell your car for more advice.

Read our other articles:

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