Selling your car can seem overwhelming, but with the right preparation, the process will run smoothly and you'll get the best price. Whether you're selling your car privately, trading it in at a dealership, or selling through an online platform, this comprehensive checklist will guide you step-by-step through the process. Many car sellers make the same mistakes: forgotten paperwork, poorly maintained cars, or unclear paperwork. This guide will help you avoid these pitfalls and maximize your car's selling price.
Before the Sale: Administration in Order
The correct paperwork is essential when selling your car. Without complete paperwork, you'll lower the resale value and deter potential buyers. Start gathering all the necessary documents at least two weeks before you put your car up for sale.
Vehicle Registration Certificate Part 1 and 2
The vehicle registration certificate is the most important document. You need both parts: part 1 (registration) and part 2 (transfer certificate). Check that:
- Your name is spelled correctly
- The address is current
- All data correspond to reality
- There is no damage (buyers are suspicious of damaged documents)
- Part 2 has not yet been completed
Are you missing a section? Request a duplicate from the RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority). This costs €7.10 per section and takes approximately 5 business days.
Valid MOT inspection
A valid MOT is legally required and significantly increases resale value. Cars without an MOT are difficult to sell and can fetch as much as 10-15% less. Schedule your MOT inspection in time at FAAY Auto Group from €17.95. Our MOT inspectors will check your car within 30 minutes, and you'll immediately receive clarity on any defects.
If your car fails its inspection, it's wise to have the defects repaired immediately. At FAAY, we combine the MOT inspection and repairs for the best price. A fresh MOT (less than 3 months old) gives buyers extra confidence.
Collecting Maintenance History
A complete maintenance history can increase your car's value by €500-€1,500. Collect:
- All maintenance invoices (minor and major services)
- Repair vouchers
- APK reports from previous years
- Tire service invoices
- Air conditioning maintenance certificates
- Warranty certificates if applicable
Organize these documents chronologically in a folder. This creates a professional impression and shows that you've taken good care of your car.
Original Manuals and Keys
Make sure you have:
- All car keys (including spare key)
- Remote controls for central locking
- Instruction booklets and manuals
- Radio code and navigation codes
- Service carnet (if available)
A missing spare key can knock €100-€300 off the price, depending on the make and model of car.
Preparing Your Car for Sale
First impressions are crucial. A well-prepared car sells faster and for a higher price. Invest time in presentation – it pays off.
Deep Cleaning
Exterior:
- Professional wash with wax treatment (€25-€50)
- Clean rims thoroughly
- Polishing tires with tire black
- Cleaning windows and mirrors without streaks
- Remove small stone chips with paint pen (€10-€20)
- Polish headlights if yellowed (€30-€60)
Interior:
- Vacuuming including under the seats and in the trunk
- Thoroughly clean seats and upholstery
- Remove dashboard and plastic parts
- Treat leather with leather grease
- Wash or replace floor mats
- Remove all dirty items
- Eliminate bad odors (air freshener, ozone treatment)
A complete interior and exterior cleaning costs €80-€150 from a specialist, but can increase the sales price by €200-€500.
Carrying out minor repairs
Tackle small defects that cost little but have a big impact:
- Replace broken bulbs (€5-€20 per bulb)
- Repair minor paint damage
- Replace worn windshield wipers (€15-€40)
- Fill cracks in the windshield (€50-€80)
- Repair loose upholstery
- Replace missing caps or grilles
These small investments (total €100-€250) can increase the resale value by €300-€600 because the car appears “tidier”.
Have your MOT and maintenance done
Nothing gives buyers more confidence than recent maintenance. Consider:
- APK inspection at FAAY from €17.95 – gives buyers certainty
- Small maintenance – oil, filters, inspection (€150-€300)
- Major overhaul – including timing belt if necessary (€400-€800)
- Check brakes and replace if necessary
- Air conditioning maintenance (€60-€100)
A freshly serviced car sells on average 7-12% faster and at a higher price.
Taking Professional Photos
80% of buyers decides whether to view your car based on photos.
- Minimum 15-20 photos
- In daylight and good weather
- All corners of exterior
- Dashboard, front seats, rear seats, trunk
- Engine compartment (if tidy)
- Details such as rims, headlights, exhaust
- Mileage clearly visible
- Show any damage honestly
Valuation: Determining a Realistic Price
A realistic asking price is crucial. Too high and you'll turn buyers away; too low and you'll lose money.
Online Value Check Tools
Use multiple value check tools for an average:
- ANWB Occasion Check – reliable, based on market data
- Autoweek Sales Checker – free, reasonably accurate
- Gaspedaal.nl – compares daily prices
- THAT value check – professional, used by dealers
Please note: these tools are indicative. The actual value depends on condition and timing.
Factors That Influence Value
| Factor | Value influence |
|---|---|
| Mileage | Below average: +5-10% Above average: -5-15% |
| Number of owners | 1 owner: +5-8% 3+ owners: -5-10% |
| Maintenance history | Complete: +€500-€1,500 Missing: -€300-€800 |
| Condition bodywork | Excellent: +€300-€700 Moderate: -€500-€1,200 |
| APK validity | Fresh: +€200-€400 No MOT: -€300-€600 |
| Colour | Popular (black/gray): +3-5% Unpopular (yellow/purple): -5-10% |
| Options | Leather/navi/cruise: +€500-€2,000 |
Build in negotiation space
Buyers expect to be able to negotiate. Build in some negotiating room in your asking price. If your car is worth €8,000:
- Asking price: €8,500
- Minimum acceptable: €7,900
- Negotiation room: €600 (7%)
This way, buyers feel like they're getting a good deal, while you meet your minimum price.
Compare Selling Methods
Private Sales
Advantages:
- Highest return (5-15% more than trade-in)
- Control over sales process
- No intermediary/commission
Disadvantages:
- A lot of time and effort
- Dealing with time wasters
- Security risks during viewings
- Possibly long sales time
- Responsible for administration
Best for: Cars up to 10 years old in good condition, if you have time.
Trade-in at Dealer
Advantages:
- Fast and easy
- No hassle with viewings
- Dealer takes care of administration
- New car immediately
- Potentially interesting trade-in discount
Disadvantages:
- 5-20% lower yield
- Less transparent (price included in deal)
- Difficult to compare with other options
Best for: If you buy a new car right away and convenience is more important than maximum return.
Online Platforms
Marketplace:
- Largest reach in the Netherlands
- Free basic advertising
- Paid options for more visibility (€25-€75)
- Many comments, including time wasters
AutoScout24:
- Serious buyers
- European reach
- Cost: €40-€90 per ad
- Professional appearance
Gaspedaal.nl:
- Good search options
- Cost: €35-€70
- Many comparison buyers
Tip: Use multiple platforms simultaneously for maximum reach.
Purchasing services (AutoScout24 Direct, Autotelex)
Advantages:
- Extremely fast (sold within 24 hours)
- No hassle
- Instant money
- Guarantee on purchase
Disadvantages:
- 10-25% lower yield than private
- Often low purchase prices
Best for: Quick sale, older cars, or if you don't have time.
During the Sale: Smart Handling
Arrange a Safe Test Drive
- Always ask for a valid driver's license (take a photo)
- Check whether the buyer is insured
- Take a test drive
- Choose familiar, safe routes
- One person in the car at a time
- Deposit keys or valuable object from buyer
Negotiating: Tips
- Stay kind but firm
- Know your minimum price and stay above it
- Substantiate your price with maintenance and condition
- Be prepared to drop a little (€100-€200)
- Do not accept lowball offers (30%+ below asking price)
- “I have other interested parties” works well
What to Ask the Buyer
- Full name and address (for registration certificate)
- Valid ID (make a copy)
- Contact details
- Payment method (cash or bank)
- By bank payment: first receive money, then keys
Beware of fraud: We don't accept checks, third-party international wire transfers, or "I'll send someone to pick up the car" scenarios. Cash or direct bank transfer only.
Correctly Handle Administration
Transfer of vehicle registration certificate
The buyer must register the car in their name within one week of purchase. Your role:
- Complete part 1 of the registration certificate: date, signature
- Give part 1 to buyer
- Keep part 2 for yourself (until the buyer has transferred the car)
- After transfer: buyer returns part 2, or you destroy it
Report date of sale to RDW
Report the sale within 1 week via:
- Online: mijn.rdw.nl (easiest, free)
- By mail: Complete and send Part 2 of the registration certificate
- RDW counter: Visit in person
Why is it important? You remain liable for traffic fines and road tax until the sales date is reported.
Cancel Insurance
Call your insurer immediately after sale:
- Report sales date
- Request a refund for remaining months
- Request a claim-free years certificate (for a new car)
- Some insurers request a copy of the sales receipt
You usually get 80-100% of the premium back for unused months.
Frequently Asked Questions: Selling a Car
Does my car need an MOT when selling it?
Not legally required, but highly recommended. Cars without an MOT are much harder to sell and fetch 10-15% less. Have your MOT done at FAAY Auto Group from €17.95 for a quick, professional inspection.
How do I avoid scams when selling a car?
Accept only cash or direct bank transfer (wait until funds are received). No checks, no "my business partner will handle payment," and no Western Union deposits. Make a copy of the buyer's ID and always participate in the test drive.
What if the buyer does not transfer the car?
If you reported the sale to the RDW, you are not liable. If you haven't, you can still provide the date of sale along with a copy of the buyer's driver's license and proof of sale. The RDW will then restore the registration.
Can the buyer return the car later?
There's no legal cooling-off period for private sales. However, make sure to draw up a purchase agreement stating "Purchased in its current condition, inspected and approved" to avoid claims. Be honest about any known defects – this prevents legal issues.
How long does it take on average to sell a car?
On average, 3-6 weeks for private sales via online platforms. Factors that influence speed: realistic price (sale within 2 weeks), good photos, complete advertisement, popular model, and good condition. Overpricing can delay sales by 2-3 months.
Sell your car with confidence? Have your car perfectly prepared first at FAAY Auto Groep. APK inspection to complete service We'll make sure your car is in top condition for sale. Call 085-0606274 or schedule your appointment online.
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