Why sell privately?
Trading in your car at a dealership is fast but expensive. Dealers typically offer 15–25% below market value so they can make a profit on the resale. Selling privately puts that margin back in your pocket.
On a €15,000 car, that difference can be €2,000–€3,500. For most people that's worth the effort.
Average extra earned
Private sellers in Ireland earn €1,400–€3,500 more than trade-in value on the same car.
Average time to sell
A correctly priced, well-listed car in Ireland typically sells within 7–21 days on Done Deal.
Best platforms
Done Deal is Ireland's #1 car selling platform. Facebook Marketplace is useful for lower-value cars.
Main risks
Scams, underpricing, and time-wasters are the three biggest problems. All are avoidable with preparation.
Step 1: Know your price
This is the single most important step. Price too high and you get no calls. Price too low and you leave money on the table — or signal to buyers that something is wrong with the car.
How to research your price
- Search Done Deal for your exact make, model, year and similar mileage
- Look at what's actually selling, not just what's listed — listed prices are often aspirational
- Check Cars.ie and AutoTrader.ie for a secondary data point
- Factor in your condition honestly — service history, NCT date, any cosmetic damage
- Account for your county — Dublin cars typically sell faster but face more competition
Step 2: Prepare the car
You don't need to spend a fortune, but presentation matters. A clean, well-presented car signals to buyers that it's been cared for — and that translates into confidence and higher offers.
Before you list
- Full valet — inside and out. Cost: €40–€80. Return: often €300–€500 more
- Fix any cheap cosmetic issues (scuffs, bulbs, wipers)
- Gather all paperwork: service history, NCT cert, V5, receipts for any work done
- Get a fresh NCT if it's due within 3 months — buyers will use it as a negotiation point otherwise
Step 3: Write a great ad
Most private seller ads are terrible — vague titles, missing information, bad photos. Standing out is easy if you put in 20 minutes of effort.
Your title
Include: Year · Make · Model · Engine · Trim · Mileage. Example: 2019 VW Golf 1.6 TDI Comfortline — 62,000km — Full Service History
Your description
- Full spec list — every feature, especially ones buyers search for (heated seats, parking sensors, Apple CarPlay)
- Service history detail — where serviced, how often, last service date
- NCT expiry date
- Any recent work done (tyres, brakes, timing belt)
- Reason for selling (optional but builds trust)
- Viewing location and availability
Photos
Take at least 12 photos. Exterior: front, rear, both sides, both 3/4 angles. Interior: dashboard, front seats, rear seats, boot. Engine bay. Any imperfections (show them — hiding them wastes everyone's time).
Step 4: Handle enquiries
Most enquiries will be time-wasters or scammers. Learn to qualify quickly.
- Ask every caller: "Are you looking for a car in this price range, or is it subject to finance/part exchange?"
- Only arrange viewings for people who confirm they can buy without those conditions
- Always meet at your home address in daylight — never a car park at night
- Bring someone with you to the viewing if possible
Step 5: The viewing and test drive
- Check the buyer has a valid licence before any test drive
- Go with them on the test drive — never let a stranger drive alone
- Have all paperwork ready to show
- Don't feel pressured to accept an offer on the day — it's fine to say "I'll think about it"
Step 6: Closing the sale
Only accept bank transfer or cash. Never accept cheques, PayPal, or any third-party payment service.
- For cash: count it in front of the buyer. Use a counterfeit detection pen if over €2,000
- For bank transfer: wait until the money clears in your account before handing over the keys. Same-day transfers (Faster Payments) are immediate — SEPA may take a day
- Complete the change of ownership on MyVehicle.ie before the buyer drives away
- Give the buyer a signed receipt with date, price, reg, and both names