If My Car is on Finance, Can I Still Sell it?
If you're wanting to sell your car, but it has outstanding finance it can be tricky to work out the rules. Find out what is possible in our guide.
1. Value it
Use Sell My Car at Vertu Motors to get a free, instant car valuation online. We will check your car, its condition and the latest market prices to give you an accurate quote.
2. Book it
With dealerships nationwide, it's easy for you to bring your car to us. Book your appointment and visit at a convenient time.
3. Sell it
Once we've checked your car, we will process your payment based on the car valuation. No admin fees, no obligation to sell your car and a free, instant valuation.
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Why Sell My Car to Vertu Motors?
Want to sell your car? Vertu Motors make it easy for you to get a no obligation valuation, and will help you through every step of our simple process.
You have 7 days to decide if you want to continue, and you can sell any make or model of car to us.
- Free, instant valuation
- Guaranteed price for 7 days
- No admin fees
- No obligation to sell your car
- Any make, any model
- Dealerships nationwide
What improves the value of my car?
High specification models
In a busy resale market, the more desirable elements your car has compared to other models, the better. Optional extras like technology upgrades, leather interiors, factory-optioned body styling, limited edition paint work all increase the potential value of your car.
Good mpg
A car that is economical to run will always go down well, especially for those needing to do long journeys. The efficiency of a car will inevitably reduce with age, but regular servicing can be a great indication that the car will keep close to its original from-factory mpg.
Low mileage
An advantage you can make the most of is low mileage when selling your car. Take a look at other models of your same year and check how your mileage compares to theirs. If you do a lot of miles, keep this in mind when deciding on the best time to sell your car.
Full service history
Reassurance that the car has been well looked after comes from the service history. Keep the service history without gaps and completed by reputable providers, keep the MOTs up to date, correct any advisories and you will be able to prove the car has been looked after in your care.
In-date warranty
A valid warranty adds value for any future owner, especially when it comes to a used car. A warranty will give you peace of mind that your car is covered throughout your ownership, but also that it can give you value back when it comes to sell it too.
What lessens the value of my car?
Bad condition
Should your car suffer from poor bodywork, a worn and torn interior or rough mechanical conditions, it might be worth getting all or some of these checked out for repair. They all play a role in decreasing the value of your car in the eyes of a new buyer.
Previous owners
The higher the number of previous owners, the less likely others will be to buy your car. If there are several previous owners, questions start to be asked about why the car has changed hands so frequently. It's also more likely that the car will have poorer quality or missing service history.
Higher mileage
Having higher mileage than most similar models of its age counts against your car's value. It's worth bearing this in mind before it happens. Though, if it's unavoidable, be sure to look after the car's repairs, and keep the service history up to date and complete.
Increased age
If your car is an older model, it will usually be less desirable than the newest and improved models available on the market. There are some exceptions to this, perhaps they have desirable qualities that have been replaced within the newer model, but it is the general rule.
Patchy service history
Missing or inconsistent service history doesn't paint a reliable picture of a well-looked-after car. Keep this in mind when buying any car, as it will impact resales. If it's something you can rectify, such as contacting your local garage for a receipt from some past work on the car, it's worth doing.
How the Sell My Car valuation works
The condition of your car is just one factor. Our valuation is created using the latest data, to ensure you get a fair price against similar cars on the market.
There are thousands of cars listed each day on auctions and across advertising. We use this data to create an accurate, real-time valuation for your car.
Get your free, instant car valuation online now. You are under no obligation to sell your car, and there are no admin fees.
Conditions of the car valuation online
- Your car has not been used as a taxi or by a driving school
- Your car must have a valid MOT certificate on the day of hand over
- Your car is not an import and was first registered in the UK (mainland)
- Your car has not been in a major accident and has never been an insurance write off
- You must have been the registered owner of the vehicle for a minimum of 6 months and be able to provide us with the logbook (V5c)
- Your car has 2 sets of keys
- Where applicable the SatNav memory or Sim Card must be in the car
- Vehicle must have a spare wheel with a legal tyre or where applicable a tyre inflation kit
- The car valuation is valid for 7 days when you book an appointment and is based on the mileage and condition described
- All interior fixings such as the parcel shelf are included in the car
Should your vehicle not match the description, we reserve the right to change your valuation.
Ready to sell your car?
Get started with a free, instant valuation.
We will check your car's condition and mileage against the latest marketplace data.
Enter your reg below to find out how much your car is worth.
Frequently asked questions about selling your car
What will I need in order to get a valuation for my car?
You will need to provide us with the following in order to receive your online valuation:
- - Your vehicle registration number
- - The current mileage of your car
- - Personal contact information
If you would like to make an appointment with us following your online valuation, we will request some more details from you.
What factors affect the value given to my car?
There are many things which can impact the valuation given to your car. These could include the vehicle's condition, service history, optional extras, number of previous owners and even the colour.
What is the process for valuing my car?
In order to generate an accurate valuation for your car, we use the vehicle information which you provide us, our own expertise and current market data. You will receive an online valuation first, and will then need to book an appointment at your local dealership for a follow-up inspection.
How long is the vehicle valuation valid for?
Our expert valuations are valid for up to 7 days. We understand that selling your car isn't something you want to rush, so that's why we give you time to think about things. Whilst we are confident that you will always be getting the best price from us, there is zero pressure for you to accept straight away.
What happens after the online valuation?
Once you have completed your online valuation, you can then book an appointment at any of our dealerships for a time that suits you.
However, you don't have to book your appointment straight away. If you decide to book at a later date, the quickest way for you to do this would be to simply click on the link in your valuation email and arrange your appointment.
All of our appointments are free, with no obligation to sell.
Are there specific valuation conditions?
These are as follows:
- - You must have been the registered owner of the vehicle for a minimum of 6 months and be able to provide us with the logbook (V5c)
- - Your car must have a valid MOT certificate on the day of handover
- - Your car is not an import and was first registered in the UK (mainland)
- - Your car has not been used as a taxi or by a driving school
- - Your car has not been in a major accident and has never been an insurance write off
- - Your car has 2 sets of keys
- - Where applicable the SatNav memory or Sim Card must be in the car
- - Vehicle must have a spare wheel with a legal tyre or where applicable a tyre inflation kit
- - All interior fixings such as the parcel shelf are included in the car
- - The valuation is valid for 7 days and is based on the mileage and condition described
Your valuation is valid for 7 days and is based on the mileage and condition described.
What if I don't meet the valuation conditions?
You may still be able to sell your car to us. Simply find your local dealership and book an appointment. A member of our team will be happy to talk through your specific circumstances.
If there is outstanding finance on my car, will you still buy it?
Yes!
All you will need to do is contact your finance company and request a valid settlement letter. Bring this letter with you to your appointment at Vertu; we will settle the outstanding balance and deduct it from the payment we give you for your car.
If you owe more finance than the value of your car, we can still buy the vehicle from you - you will just need to pay us the shortfall.
Important note: Until we have your car and have confirmed that all finance has been paid, it's important that you do not cancel your direct debit to the finance company. If you do cancel this early, you risk owing a payment which you will be obliged to pay.
What will I need to bring with me to sell my car?
For the vehicle inspection you will need:
- Your driving licence
- A bank statement - addressed to your name and home address and dated within the last 3 months
- Vehicle Registration V5 Document with your name (the seller) on it
- The service history records of your car
- Valid finance settlement letter - which shows the final settlement figure and finance company bank details (if applicable)
- All keys, including spares
- Any accessories related to the use of the vehicle, for example the user manual or locking wheel nut
How long will my appointment at the dealership last?
Your appointment will take between 30-60 minutes.
Are there any administration costs?
No. No matter what the value of your car is, rest assured there are no additional charges if you decide to sell your car to us.
Prior to my appointment to sell my car, should I cancel my car finance?
It's really important that you do not cancel your direct debit early. Once we have received your car and have confirmed that all finance has been paid, you can then cancel the direct debit. If you do this too early, you may risk owing a payment which you will have to settle.
Do you buy cars which are in any condition?
It's easiest to discuss this in person. If you'd like to speak to a member of our friendly team, simply book an appointment at your local dealership.
Do you buy non-runner vehicles?
No, we will not buy non-runners - the vehicle must start up properly.
If my car has a private registration, will you buy it?
Yes, that's not an issue. However, the private registration plates will need to be removed prior to sale.
Can you value any vehicle?
We can only value cars which are priced under £40,000. However, if you think your car is worth more than £40,000, you can arrange an appointment at your local dealership, where a member of our team will be able to run through your options.
Do you accept video valuations?
No, unfortunately we do not. When you come to your appointment, you will need to bring your vehicle with you so we can carry out the valuation in person.
When will I receive my payment?
If you decide to sell your car to us, provided the V5 document, driving licence and bank statement you bring to your appointment (see What do I need to bring with me to sell my car?) are all in the same name, payment will be processed by the next working day.
Is it possible to sell a car belonging to a relative who has passed away?
Yes. We understand that this may be a difficult time, but rest assured, we are here to support you. If you wish to sell the vehicle, we require a few documents to complete the process. Our guidance on selling a deceased relative's car outlines what paperwork you will need.
Am I able to sell a deceased relative's car without the V5C logbook?
Yes, this is possible. We just need a few bits of information from you, which you can include in a letter. For details on this, please check our guide on selling a deceased relative's car.
Where does the payment go if I sell a deceased relative's car?
We must send the payment to the account of the deceased registered keeper or the account of the solicitors dealing with the estate. Our guidance on selling a deceased relative's car explains the process in greater detail.
Can I sell my motorcycle?
If you are interested in selling your motorcycle, please visit our sister company Vertu Motorcycles.
Articles and guides
Guidance on Selling a Deceased Relative's Car
Losing a loved one is a difficult time. And when handling their estate, a little help can go a long way. We have put together this guide to help you navigate selling any vehicles left in their name.
Selling Your Car: Why Choose Vertu Motors?
From giving you seven days to decide on the valuation, to offering numerous ocations across the UK for you to drop your car off, we’ve built the whole process around your convenience.
A Guide to Selling Your Car to Vertu Motors
Selling your car to Vertu Motors couldn't be simpler. This guide outlines the processes involved for you.
We are a credit broker and not a lender. Finance is subject to status and finance company acceptance. We can introduce you to a limited number of lenders and their finance products. We will typically receive a commission from the lender, as either a fixed fee or a fixed percentage on the amount you borrow. The commission we earn does not change by the type of finance. A guarantee may be required. The finance rate will vary dependent of customer personal circumstances for in dealership purchases.