Selling via Motorway - documenting my experience
Discussion
We're selling our 2020 Model 3 Performance, decided to give Motorway a try.
Initial valuation they gave was £16,500.
I tried to go through the process of taking photo's etc, but their system kept telling me the vehicle needed an MOT even though it doesn't run out until February 2027. In the end I had to create a new account and go through the process of taking photos again. It takes 10-20 to get all the pictures, so it was a bit of a pain having to go through it twice, but if I get more money for the vehicle, then it's worth it.
Once I'd taken photo's the app then prompted me to ring them to finish things.
Once I'd spoke to someone on the phone and they confirmed some other details, they adjusted the valuation to £15,127.
Since, I've received an email saying that the quality team have reviewed the vehicle and have adjusted the valuation even lower (to £14,845) because it has no service history. Apparently because it was due a cabin filter two years ago, it has no service history dispite me providing copies of all MOT certificates, break fluid changes (every 2 years), and a receipt showing all control arms etc replaced just over a year ago.
That's still higher than the £13k WBAC are offering and that's before they knock you down.
Apparently the process takes between 7-10 days, but I should have an offer by 3:30pm tomorrow. So we'll see how that goes.
I know the service history thing is technically correct, but it's a bit harsh given all that's missing is a cabin filter.
Even when I get an offer, reading others experiences I'm expecting someone to turn up and try and knock the price down even more.
Initial valuation they gave was £16,500.
I tried to go through the process of taking photo's etc, but their system kept telling me the vehicle needed an MOT even though it doesn't run out until February 2027. In the end I had to create a new account and go through the process of taking photos again. It takes 10-20 to get all the pictures, so it was a bit of a pain having to go through it twice, but if I get more money for the vehicle, then it's worth it.
Once I'd taken photo's the app then prompted me to ring them to finish things.
Once I'd spoke to someone on the phone and they confirmed some other details, they adjusted the valuation to £15,127.
Since, I've received an email saying that the quality team have reviewed the vehicle and have adjusted the valuation even lower (to £14,845) because it has no service history. Apparently because it was due a cabin filter two years ago, it has no service history dispite me providing copies of all MOT certificates, break fluid changes (every 2 years), and a receipt showing all control arms etc replaced just over a year ago.
That's still higher than the £13k WBAC are offering and that's before they knock you down.
Apparently the process takes between 7-10 days, but I should have an offer by 3:30pm tomorrow. So we'll see how that goes.
I know the service history thing is technically correct, but it's a bit harsh given all that's missing is a cabin filter.
Even when I get an offer, reading others experiences I'm expecting someone to turn up and try and knock the price down even more.
TheBinarySheep said:
We're selling our 2020 Model 3 Performance, decided to give Motorway a try.
Initial valuation they gave was £16,500.
I tried to go through the process of taking photo's etc, but their system kept telling me the vehicle needed and MOT even though it doesn't run out until February 2027. In the end I had to create a new account and go through the process of taking photos again.
Once I'd taken photo's the app then prompted me to ring them to finish things.
Once I'd spoke to someone on the phone and they confirmed some other details, they adjusted the valuation to £15,127.
Since, I've received an email saying that the quality team have reviewed the vehicle and have adjusted the valuation even lower (to £14,845) because it has no service history. Apparently because it was due a cabin filter two years ago, it has no service history dispite me providing copies of all MOT certificates, break fluid changes (every 2 years), and a receipt showing all control arms etc replaced just over a year ago.
That's still higher than the £13k WBAC are offering and that's before they knock you down.
Apparently the process takes between 7-10 days, but I should have an offer by 3:30pm tomorrow. So we'll see how that goes.
I know the service history thing is technically correct, but it's a bit harsh given all that's missing is a cabin filter.
Even when I get an offer, reading others experiences I'm expecting someone to turn up and try and knock the price down even more.
Ive just been through something similar. Initial valuation they gave was £16,500.
I tried to go through the process of taking photo's etc, but their system kept telling me the vehicle needed and MOT even though it doesn't run out until February 2027. In the end I had to create a new account and go through the process of taking photos again.
Once I'd taken photo's the app then prompted me to ring them to finish things.
Once I'd spoke to someone on the phone and they confirmed some other details, they adjusted the valuation to £15,127.
Since, I've received an email saying that the quality team have reviewed the vehicle and have adjusted the valuation even lower (to £14,845) because it has no service history. Apparently because it was due a cabin filter two years ago, it has no service history dispite me providing copies of all MOT certificates, break fluid changes (every 2 years), and a receipt showing all control arms etc replaced just over a year ago.
That's still higher than the £13k WBAC are offering and that's before they knock you down.
Apparently the process takes between 7-10 days, but I should have an offer by 3:30pm tomorrow. So we'll see how that goes.
I know the service history thing is technically correct, but it's a bit harsh given all that's missing is a cabin filter.
Even when I get an offer, reading others experiences I'm expecting someone to turn up and try and knock the price down even more.
Was really meticulous with pictures, every last blemish had a picture uploaded.
There is an warning light on my car which is a low speed collision sensor so on the relevant screen ticked 'other' box as none of the preset options suited this.
It valued my car at £6k vs WBAC at £4.5k exc some bodywork damage.
Got all the way through but the system prevented listing as it needed more than 2 weeks MOT despite it having a fresh MOT a couple of days before and Gov website being up to date.
I then called them and had to go through every detail and they then said the value is £4.8k. I then explained about the earning light, all fine.
A dealer bid for it but never contacted me so I called them and had to go through everything again and thry then said they cant sell due to the warning light despite me telling them twice about it!
End result is a dealer coming round today but overall, a pony experience and would think twice about using them again.
There's a long running thread in the (iirc) car buying section.
I've done quite a few through Motorway, both mine and probate sales, it's very dealer dependent but generally unless they're a Derby based dealer it's worked well.
The system they use is very rigid, and generally their staff don't have any technical knowledge so a missing Tesla cabin filter receipt or a warning light will most definitely produce a computer says no.
ETA ah it's now moved from GG.
I also had a lovely low miles Up! cancelled as there was a historic mileage error between MOTs that was obviously a typo but their staff refused point blank to allow the sale to proceed to auction. I sold that one very easily to a local dealer who I've used before - I definitely prefer the local face to face route but he's quite specific on what he'll buy.
I've done quite a few through Motorway, both mine and probate sales, it's very dealer dependent but generally unless they're a Derby based dealer it's worked well.
The system they use is very rigid, and generally their staff don't have any technical knowledge so a missing Tesla cabin filter receipt or a warning light will most definitely produce a computer says no.
ETA ah it's now moved from GG.
I also had a lovely low miles Up! cancelled as there was a historic mileage error between MOTs that was obviously a typo but their staff refused point blank to allow the sale to proceed to auction. I sold that one very easily to a local dealer who I've used before - I definitely prefer the local face to face route but he's quite specific on what he'll buy.
Edited by andy43 on Wednesday 29th April 12:27
Selling your car privately is arguably the highest return on effort you’ll ever see. People complain about the hassle, but the math doesn't lie.
Take my wife’s car for example: We were offered £6k from WeBuyAnyCar, £7.5k on Motorway, and £8k as a dealer part-exchange. I sold it privately for £10k.
The whole process took about five hours of work. That effectively means I earned £400 per hour. Unless you’re a high-end solicitor or a brain surgeon, you aren't making that kind of money anywhere else.
It honestly blows my mind that people leave thousands on the table just out of pure laziness
Take my wife’s car for example: We were offered £6k from WeBuyAnyCar, £7.5k on Motorway, and £8k as a dealer part-exchange. I sold it privately for £10k.
The whole process took about five hours of work. That effectively means I earned £400 per hour. Unless you’re a high-end solicitor or a brain surgeon, you aren't making that kind of money anywhere else.
It honestly blows my mind that people leave thousands on the table just out of pure laziness
paddy1970 said:
Selling your car privately is arguably the highest return on effort you ll ever see. People complain about the hassle, but the math doesn't lie.
Take my wife s car for example: We were offered £6k from WeBuyAnyCar, £7.5k on Motorway, and £8k as a dealer part-exchange. I sold it privately for £10k.
The whole process took about five hours of work. That effectively means I earned £400 per hour. Unless you re a high-end solicitor or a brain surgeon, you aren't making that kind of money anywhere else.
It honestly blows my mind that people leave thousands on the table just out of pure laziness
That's the perfect sweet spot pricewise between facebook marketplace intellectual struggles and higher end buyers who usually need finance imho. Take my wife s car for example: We were offered £6k from WeBuyAnyCar, £7.5k on Motorway, and £8k as a dealer part-exchange. I sold it privately for £10k.
The whole process took about five hours of work. That effectively means I earned £400 per hour. Unless you re a high-end solicitor or a brain surgeon, you aren't making that kind of money anywhere else.
It honestly blows my mind that people leave thousands on the table just out of pure laziness
paddy1970 said:
Selling your car privately is arguably the highest return on effort you ll ever see. People complain about the hassle, but the math doesn't lie.
Take my wife s car for example: We were offered £6k from WeBuyAnyCar, £7.5k on Motorway, and £8k as a dealer part-exchange. I sold it privately for £10k.
The whole process took about five hours of work. That effectively means I earned £400 per hour. Unless you re a high-end solicitor or a brain surgeon, you aren't making that kind of money anywhere else.
It honestly blows my mind that people leave thousands on the table just out of pure laziness
Depends what you're selling. WBAC offer some very attractive prices occasionally. I sold my dads 2.0d Jag XE last autumn and with what they offered i couldnt do the deal quick enough! Take my wife s car for example: We were offered £6k from WeBuyAnyCar, £7.5k on Motorway, and £8k as a dealer part-exchange. I sold it privately for £10k.
The whole process took about five hours of work. That effectively means I earned £400 per hour. Unless you re a high-end solicitor or a brain surgeon, you aren't making that kind of money anywhere else.
It honestly blows my mind that people leave thousands on the table just out of pure laziness
However some people think that they are going to get rrp for a car in less than forecourt condition. The OP's case sounds entirely reasonable if the car wasnt mint and then missing the paperwork for a fsh again is reasonable.
I tried motorway once and like you all the chipping to get your reserve lower was more than annoying. The price knocks were greater that if you sorted it out at retail prices, let alone what a dealer would get them done for in prep and tbh they wouldn t get done unless a potential buyer from them picked them up too.
In the end I went with Carwow, similar set up but much nicer, sold the car for what I wanted and no silly Herbert s trying to knock you back on collection either.
I declared and photographed all the minor stuff and got a reduced estimate as you’d expect, then some expert then viewed the photographs and tried to knock another £300 for plastic centre caps (evidence marks they been pried off with the correct tool, absolutely nothing to pick up imho) despite that a full OEM set were £60. That was the straw that broke the deal….
In the end I went with Carwow, similar set up but much nicer, sold the car for what I wanted and no silly Herbert s trying to knock you back on collection either.
I declared and photographed all the minor stuff and got a reduced estimate as you’d expect, then some expert then viewed the photographs and tried to knock another £300 for plastic centre caps (evidence marks they been pried off with the correct tool, absolutely nothing to pick up imho) despite that a full OEM set were £60. That was the straw that broke the deal….
Edited by HarryW on Wednesday 29th April 16:47
Sold mine to motorway last Septmeber BMW 630D
In brief
Valued £14k
Top offer £15.4 happy days
Guy calls, my assistant made a mistake, we were the only bidders and it should have been £14.4k
Bit of sales pressure then asked for my mobile number and told me not to speak to motorway.
Further calls back and forward and he wants it for £13k after some more photos and video via whaspapp.
Calls and tells me he wants it not via motorway and he wil pay cash to me or 50/50 and he will come from London to collect.
Agreed and he turned up as promised and apparently car needed tyres and brakes another £500 off!
Basically same experience as a private sale!!
In brief
Valued £14k
Top offer £15.4 happy days
Guy calls, my assistant made a mistake, we were the only bidders and it should have been £14.4k
Bit of sales pressure then asked for my mobile number and told me not to speak to motorway.
Further calls back and forward and he wants it for £13k after some more photos and video via whaspapp.
Calls and tells me he wants it not via motorway and he wil pay cash to me or 50/50 and he will come from London to collect.
Agreed and he turned up as promised and apparently car needed tyres and brakes another £500 off!
Basically same experience as a private sale!!
jonwm said:
Sold mine to motorway last Septmeber BMW 630D
In brief
Valued £14k
Top offer £15.4 happy days
Guy calls, my assistant made a mistake, we were the only bidders and it should have been £14.4k
Bit of sales pressure then asked for my mobile number and told me not to speak to motorway.
Further calls back and forward and he wants it for £13k after some more photos and video via whaspapp.
Calls and tells me he wants it not via motorway and he wil pay cash to me or 50/50 and he will come from London to collect.
Agreed and he turned up as promised and apparently car needed tyres and brakes another £500 off!
Basically same experience as a private sale!!
I’ve heard similar stories with motorway, what you must do though is go via motorway though. They are trying it on. It’s an auction and they bid, tyres are photographed for the auction so should not be a surprise.In brief
Valued £14k
Top offer £15.4 happy days
Guy calls, my assistant made a mistake, we were the only bidders and it should have been £14.4k
Bit of sales pressure then asked for my mobile number and told me not to speak to motorway.
Further calls back and forward and he wants it for £13k after some more photos and video via whaspapp.
Calls and tells me he wants it not via motorway and he wil pay cash to me or 50/50 and he will come from London to collect.
Agreed and he turned up as promised and apparently car needed tyres and brakes another £500 off!
Basically same experience as a private sale!!
Reporting the bidder to motorway can also get them removed from the auction process, ergo removing shiity back street chancers from the bidding process helps everyone.
jonwm said:
Sold mine to motorway last Septmeber BMW 630D
In brief
Valued £14k
Top offer £15.4 happy days
Guy calls, my assistant made a mistake, we were the only bidders and it should have been £14.4k
Bit of sales pressure then asked for my mobile number and told me not to speak to motorway.
Further calls back and forward and he wants it for £13k after some more photos and video via whaspapp.
Calls and tells me he wants it not via motorway and he wil pay cash to me or 50/50 and he will come from London to collect.
Agreed and he turned up as promised and apparently car needed tyres and brakes another £500 off!
Basically same experience as a private sale!!
I hope you didn't let them buy it.In brief
Valued £14k
Top offer £15.4 happy days
Guy calls, my assistant made a mistake, we were the only bidders and it should have been £14.4k
Bit of sales pressure then asked for my mobile number and told me not to speak to motorway.
Further calls back and forward and he wants it for £13k after some more photos and video via whaspapp.
Calls and tells me he wants it not via motorway and he wil pay cash to me or 50/50 and he will come from London to collect.
Agreed and he turned up as promised and apparently car needed tyres and brakes another £500 off!
Basically same experience as a private sale!!
I sold my Q3 on motorway last year. Got a price in the bid range. Dealer arrived and spent ages going over it. Commented no one usually presents their cars to them like mine. Paid the cash in full and drove away.
Incidentally they had it up for sale for MONTHS and actually reduced it over and over... close to what they paid me for it in the end.
Nice and easy though. Do take photos of any little defects. The dealers will kick you for it otherwise. And have it clean as a whistle for pick up.
Incidentally they had it up for sale for MONTHS and actually reduced it over and over... close to what they paid me for it in the end.
Nice and easy though. Do take photos of any little defects. The dealers will kick you for it otherwise. And have it clean as a whistle for pick up.
Vegasphil said:
I sold my Q3 on motorway last year. Got a price in the bid range. Dealer arrived and spent ages going over it. Commented no one usually presents their cars to them like mine. Paid the cash in full and drove away.
Incidentally they had it up for sale for MONTHS and actually reduced it over and over... close to what they paid me for it in the end.
Nice and easy though. Do take photos of any little defects. The dealers will kick you for it otherwise. And have it clean as a whistle for pick up.
Same experience selling my wife's Mini Countryman via Motorway a few years back. Straightforward and paid the full offer price, but as you say I ensured that any issues were made clear up front.Incidentally they had it up for sale for MONTHS and actually reduced it over and over... close to what they paid me for it in the end.
Nice and easy though. Do take photos of any little defects. The dealers will kick you for it otherwise. And have it clean as a whistle for pick up.
Obviously everyone's experience will vary as Motorway are just a middleman connecting you to interested dealers, unlike WBAC where they handle things themselves ands dump everything at auction.
paddy1970 said:
Selling your car privately is arguably the highest return on effort you ll ever see. People complain about the hassle, but the math doesn't lie.
Take my wife s car for example: We were offered £6k from WeBuyAnyCar, £7.5k on Motorway, and £8k as a dealer part-exchange. I sold it privately for £10k.
The whole process took about five hours of work. That effectively means I earned £400 per hour. Unless you re a high-end solicitor or a brain surgeon, you aren't making that kind of money anywhere else.
It honestly blows my mind that people leave thousands on the table just out of pure laziness
Sounds like you had a very good experience and sold a car that was in the sweet spot value wise.Take my wife s car for example: We were offered £6k from WeBuyAnyCar, £7.5k on Motorway, and £8k as a dealer part-exchange. I sold it privately for £10k.
The whole process took about five hours of work. That effectively means I earned £400 per hour. Unless you re a high-end solicitor or a brain surgeon, you aren't making that kind of money anywhere else.
It honestly blows my mind that people leave thousands on the table just out of pure laziness
Many sellers aren't so fortunate, you only need to read a few threads on here to appreciate just how many different issues can ensue from a private sale..
Edited by SWoll on Thursday 30th April 14:48
TheBinarySheep said:
Offering came in at the guide price. Need to wait now for the dealer to no doubt come out and knock it down.
If your description is clear, and honest, don't let them knock you down.Motorway used to be good (I'm a buyer/inspector)
Now the unscrupulous dealers bid high with the aim to knock down.
Motorway have allowed this practice to happen because they won't ban the dealers that do it.
Remember, the dealer who's bought your car has to pay the motorway fee (unless they convince Motorway it's miss described)
They have also paid the driver to visit you.
If they turn up and start their games, send them on their way.
Good luck.
Trevor555 said:
If your description is clear, and honest, don't let them knock you down.
Motorway used to be good (I'm a buyer/inspector)
Now the unscrupulous dealers bid high with the aim to knock down.
Motorway have allowed this practice to happen because they won't ban the dealers that do it.
Remember, the dealer who's bought your car has to pay the motorway fee (unless they convince Motorway it's miss described)
They have also paid the driver to visit you.
If they turn up and start their games, send them on their way.
Good luck.
Good advice, thanks.Motorway used to be good (I'm a buyer/inspector)
Now the unscrupulous dealers bid high with the aim to knock down.
Motorway have allowed this practice to happen because they won't ban the dealers that do it.
Remember, the dealer who's bought your car has to pay the motorway fee (unless they convince Motorway it's miss described)
They have also paid the driver to visit you.
If they turn up and start their games, send them on their way.
Good luck.
I'm not in a hurry to sell, so I don't need to feel pressured which should helpful.
I'd rather sell for less to WBAC than be messed around.
I see some people have let their cars go before they've received the money in the bank, surely that's not right? A dealer wouldn't let you take a car without the money being in their bank.
TheBinarySheep said:
I see some people have let their cars go before they've received the money in the bank, surely that's not right? A dealer wouldn't let you take a car without the money being in their bank.
That's not right.I've never tried to do that to anyone in 30 years buying.
I sit in the kitchen drinking coffee until the money hits their bank.
TheBinarySheep said:
Good advice, thanks.
I'm not in a hurry to sell, so I don't need to feel pressured which should helpful.
I'd rather sell for less to WBAC than be messed around.
I see some people have let their cars go before they've received the money in the bank, surely that's not right? A dealer wouldn't let you take a car without the money being in their bank.
WBAC will also mess you around though.I'm not in a hurry to sell, so I don't need to feel pressured which should helpful.
I'd rather sell for less to WBAC than be messed around.
I see some people have let their cars go before they've received the money in the bank, surely that's not right? A dealer wouldn't let you take a car without the money being in their bank.
And as above, the keys don't get handed over until the money is in the bank and preferably transferred to another account.
SWoll said:
WBAC will also mess you around though.
And as above, the keys don't get handed over until the money is in the bank and preferably transferred to another account.
I've sold to WBAC before, you expect to get knocked down so you go in with your eyes open and it's straightforward process.And as above, the keys don't get handed over until the money is in the bank and preferably transferred to another account.
Going the Motorway route, I've taken the time to clean the car, take photographs, go through all the processes etc, waiting for an offer, then waiting up to 24 hours for the dealer to contact you, then you're waiting for them to collect, then they'll turn up and try and knock you down.
I'm fine with the dealer coming out, spotting something I missed and knocking the price down a bit, but if someone turns up taking the mick then I'll let them walk away.
The initial motorway valuation on their website was £16,500, once you go through the process of uploading your pictures it was knocked down almost £2k from that, then to have someone come out and knock you down further. Not the dealers fault, but when Motorway are entising you in with a high value based on a vehicle in perfect condition and you end up being knocked down potentially over £2k, it feels a bit sour.
I'm selling a 6 year old EV with 57k on the clock, to then base the initial valuation on it being in perfect condition doesn't seem right. I can't imagine there are many 6 year old daily use vehicles in perfect condition.
I still find it hard to believe that because my car didn't have a cabin filter change two years ago it's classed as having zero service history. Not having a cabin filter replaced knocked almost £500 off the valuation. That's a case of 'computer says no' to me.
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