how hard can it be to sell a car?!

[tfeb]

So I've added my car to Piston Heads classified, ebay, dealerbid and Autotrader.

Its an 07 Focus in what I think is in good condition, reasonable mileage and at a fair price.

But I've hardly had any interest. Here is my ad on Piston heads

Just wondered if anyone has any thoughts? Any ideas on how I can increase my chances of getting a sale at a fair price? I have reduced it in price a couple times already too.

Only reason I'm selling is Ive ordered a new car on contract hire which is ready to collect.

ETA

Sorry no links to ads.

Edited by Big Al. on Thursday 16th June 12:10

[kambites]

Well the photos aren't great - no picture of the back to start with. I have no idea as to the price.

[STW2010]

No test pilots? It's a 1.8 Focus, not a Ferrari.

I would remove that statement

[HUW JONES]

suggest lose all that written in capitals and perhaps suggest viewings at" mutually convenient time". HTH

[300bhp/ton]

tfeb said:

So I've added my car to Piston Heads classified, ebay, dealerbid and Autotrader.

Its an 07 Focus in what I think is in good condition, reasonable mileage and at a fair price.

But I've hardly had any interest. Here is my ad on Piston heads

Just wondered if anyone has any thoughts? Any ideas on how I can increase my chances of getting a sale at a fair price? I have reduced it in price a couple times already too.

Only reason I'm selling is Ive ordered a new car on contract hire which is ready to collect.

Do you really want an opinion?


- Price
- Loads of choice of cars like this and yours is nothing special (sorry)
- It's a 1.8, so truly the middle ground. Not speedy, yet not a small engine for tax/insurance and mpg. It's sort of that limbo model in the line up
- Ad is a bit wofferly
- Bit negative on some points (exterior). Sometimes you can be just a bit too honest in an add. And as said, it's not a specialist car, so if yours comes across wrong, most will simply move onto the next one
-Ad rather aggressive at the end. That sort of view in an ad certainly wouldn't inspire me to want to view it or do business with you

Edited by Big Al. on Thursday 16th June 12:10

[anonymous-user]

Have you considered hiring female models to pose with your car?

+ I agree with 300bhp, towards the end it gets aggressive and gives off 'probably a cock' vibes.

[tfeb]

thanks all for feedback.

Ok so yes i know the car itself is nothing special so there is no way of getting away from that.

I didnt mean to come across aggressive in the ad but at the same time ive no interest in time wasters. Anyways iv'e taken on board the feedback and updated the ad.

Though re the photos are they really that bad? I mean not sure what else someone would expect? Im in the process of uploading a photo of the rear. That was just a mistake by me not adding it.

[tfeb]

PSBuckshot said:

Have you considered hiring female models to pose with your car?

lol thing is my mate is a photographer and he did offer to take some shots of it for a small fee which I have considered. But is that what people really what to see when looking for a car?

Re a female model I could always ask the gf whos done some in the past. lol

[wolves_wanderer]

Does it have any service history? If so mention it.

[stones_throw]

If the scratches are that pathetic that they could be "easily fixed" with a touch up kit from halfords. How about you purchase a touch up kit and do that then.

[300bhp/ton]

tfeb said:

thanks all for feedback.

Ok so yes i know the car itself is nothing special so there is no way of getting away from that.

I didnt mean to come across aggressive in the ad but at the same time ive no interest in time wasters. Anyways iv'e taken on board the feedback and updated the ad.

Though re the photos are they really that bad? I mean not sure what else someone would expect? Im in the process of uploading a photo of the rear. That was just a mistake by me not adding it.

Trouble is, selling a car involves dealing with timewasters. If you don't want this send it to auction or chop it in at a trader/dealer. But you'll take a hit on the money you get. But that's the trade off, more hassle = more money. Less hassle = less money.

[StottyZr]

Good ad, looks like a good car tbh. I actually wonder how much traffic people usually selling a car private. I had my 54 plate punto up for sale 43k miles in Feb 2009. I ended up selling it for £2200 (practially nothing as trade in would have given me 2000). It took 4 weeks and I barely had anybody come view it perfect condition, lots of photos with a good ad on autotrader!

The 1 line that could be improved is "Viewing of the car is welcome but strictly by appointment only. "

But all the important information is there

[E30M3SE]

wolves_wanderer said:

Does it have any service history? If so mention it.

As you (the OP) make no mention of any S/H I would move on to the next without phoning, especially with only a 'Phone Safe' number to call.

[kambites]

Yes, I would put a completely list of services with mileages, dates, garage names and details of what was done in the advert.

[stones_throw]

If the scratches are that pathetic that they could be "easily fixed" with a touch up kit from halfords. How about you purchase a touch up kit and do that then.

[SSBB]

The ad says it has rear child-proof door locks, but it's a 3 door?

[tfeb]

E30M3SE said:

As you (the OP) make no mention of any S/H I would move on to the next without phoning, especially with only a 'Phone Safe' number to call.

Yes it has service history and ive added to the ad. Thanks

[Matt_N]

stones_throw said:

If the scratches are that pathetic that they could be "easily fixed" with a touch up kit from halfords. How about you purchase a touch up kit and do that then.

Yep, to me this means that they can't be easily fixed, otherwise you would have done it wouldn't you?

Same as the old "aircon just needs a re-gas" line.

Which really means the condenser / pump is shot.

[tfeb]

stones_throw said:

If the scratches are that pathetic that they could be "easily fixed" with a touch up kit from halfords. How about you purchase a touch up kit and do that then.

To be totally honest ill probably fu*k it up but then again maybe its worth a visit to a paint/chip repair service then

[tfeb]

SSBB said:

The ad says it has rear child-proof door locks, but it's a 3 door?

I actually took this and all the other info from the stats of the car from a website. I'll remove that now. Cheers