So you’ve decided to sell your premium, performance or collectable car. You’ve loaded up PistonHeads, hit the ‘sell my car’ button and seen there are not one, not two, but three different ways of moving it on to its next owner. Each is tailored-made for helping you sell your pride and joy in a way that suits you best, so whether you’re looking for a swift sale or to bide your time to attract the right buyer, we’ve got your covered. Here’s how it all works:
Instant offer
Want a quick, hassle-free sale? We’ve got you covered. Just hit the link to get an instant quote here, enter your reg and contact details, and our partner will send you an offer. If you accept, you could have the money in your account within 24 hours. While it might not match what you’d get from an auction or private sale, it’s a fast and straightforward way to sell your car with zero stress.
Classified ad
If you’d rather sell your car on your own terms and at your own pace, then the classifieds could be the way to go. It’s been the go-to marketplace for premium, performance, and collectable cars for over 20 years and is always full of enthusiasts looking for their dream car. With a classified listing, you’re in full control from start to finish. You set your own price, write your own description, and upload your own images that show your car in its best light. There’s a small upfront fee to advertise, but every penny from the sale goes straight to you.
Getting started is nice and simple. Just follow the ‘sell my car’ link, select your car’s make and model, and enter your details. Accuracy is key (an E36 BMW M3 is a world apart from an E46 M3) so be specific as you can. After all, you’ll be tapping into a market that really knows its stuff. Once you’ve done that, set your asking price, craft a headline, and write a detailed description covering your car’s history, servicing, and condition. Highlight anything that makes it stand out, such as a rare colour, limited-edition trim, or desirable performance upgrade.
Next, choose your contact preferences and ad type, and then upload your photos. Our research shows that 20 to 30 high-quality images is the sweet spot, as it showcases every angle of the car without overloading potential buyers. Focus on clear, well-lit shots of the exterior, interior, engine bay, and boot. Avoid endless close-ups of a single detail, as buyers want to see the whole picture. A clean car and an attractive backdrop go a long way in catching attention, so maybe avoid your local graveyard.
Once your ad is live, it’s simply a matter of waiting for the right buyer to come along — and with thousands of car lovers browsing PistonHeads every day, that might not take long. And if you spot something you’d like to buy while you’re there, check whether the seller accepts part exchanges. Many private sellers and dealers on PistonHeads are open to swaps, making it easier than ever to move on from your current car and into your next one.
Auction
Finally, there’s PistonHeads auctions: our hassle-free way to sell your car. When you list with us, you’ll get full support from start to finish. A dedicated consignment expert will guide you through the process, a professional writer will craft a detailed description, and you can even have your car photographed by one of our experts, all in the name of maximising its value. Your listing will reach millions of enthusiasts via the homepage and our social media channels, ensuring it gets all the attention it deserves. Best of all, listing your car for auction is completely free. We only charge a buyer’s premium plus VAT — and that’s it.
To get started, head to our ‘sell by auction’ page and enter your car’s details. One of our consigners will get in touch to learn more about your car — things like ownership history, maintenance, and condition. Don’t worry if you can’t recall everything immediately; we’ll send you a simple questionnaire to fill out at your own pace. Since buyers bid without seeing the car in person, we’ll need as much detail as possible, including any imperfections or mechanical issues.
Once we have the information, our expert writers will create a comprehensive listing. You’ll have the option to include professional photos for a small fixed fee, or you can submit your own. Your consigner will also help you agree on a guide price, informed by years of data and experience from our classifieds platform.
Your car will then enter a seven-day ‘coming soon’ period, building interest before the auction opens. During this time, buyers can make direct offers — it’s up to you whether to accept or let the auction run. After that, your listing enters a seven-day live auction, prominently featured on the PistonHeads homepage. If the final bid meets or exceeds your reserve price, we’ll run a quick background check on the winning bidder and connect you to complete payment securely. And if your car doesn’t sell the first time, your consigner won’t leave you hanging — they’ll reach out to top bidders and other interested buyers to help you get the best possible deal.
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