Pre-sale prep checklist
Do these before you list or call a buyer. The more boxes you tick, the more you get for the car.
The car itself
- ☐ Vacuum the interior and wipe down the dashboard
- ☐ Wash the outside (especially before taking photos)
- ☐ Remove all personal items (glovebox, boot, door pockets, sun visor)
- ☐ Check oil and coolant levels
- ☐ Check all tyres including spare — pressure and tread depth (≥4mm ideal)
- ☐ Test all bulbs (headlights, brake lights, indicators, fog, reverse)
- ☐ Make sure all warning lights are off
- ☐ Test wipers (front and rear) and windscreen washers
- ☐ Test air-con / heating
- ☐ Pair phone with infotainment, then unpair to remove your data
Items to hand over
- ☐ All physical keys (usually 2)
- ☐ Locking wheel nut key
- ☐ Owner's manual / handbook
- ☐ Service book (or printed digital service record)
- ☐ Receipts for recent major work (cambelt, clutch, tyres, etc.)
- ☐ Spare wheel / repair kit
- ☐ Roof box, parcel shelf, tonneau cover (if applicable)
- ☐ Any factory-fit accessories you've kept
Photos to take (for an accurate quote)
- ☐ Front 3/4 (driver side and passenger side)
- ☐ Rear 3/4 (both sides)
- ☐ Side-on (both sides, showing wheels)
- ☐ Front and rear straight-on
- ☐ Interior — front seats, rear seats, boot
- ☐ Dashboard with engine on (shows miles + any warning lights)
- ☐ Any damage, scratches or dents (close-up)
- ☐ Service book / receipts (a few key pages)
Paperwork to gather
- ☐ V5C (logbook) in your name
- ☐ Current MOT certificate
- ☐ Two forms of ID (driving licence + utility bill matching V5 address)
- ☐ Bank details for payment
- ☐ Finance settlement letter (if applicable — see also our finance guide)