The price difference
A private sale will typically achieve a higher price than selling to a car buyer — this is the honest truth and any car buyer who tells you otherwise is not being straight with you. The gap is typically 5 to 15 per cent, depending on the vehicle.
However, the private sale price is an asking price, not a selling price. Many sellers ask one figure and achieve another after negotiation. The final private sale price is often closer to a car buyer's offer than the initial listing suggests.
Time and effort
Private sale requires significant time and effort:
- Preparing and photographing the car
- Writing an accurate listing
- Managing enquiries (many of which lead nowhere)
- Arranging and conducting viewings and test drives
- Negotiating with buyers
- Dealing with last-minute dropouts
- Verifying identity and payment
- Completing the paperwork correctly
The average private sale takes three to six weeks. With a car buyer, the entire process typically completes within 24 hours.
Risk
Private sales carry more risk:
- Unknown buyers visiting your home
- Test drives with strangers
- Risk of payment fraud (fake bank transfers, counterfeit cash, bounced cheques)
- Buyer attempting to claim issues after purchase
- Finance company pursuing the car if undisclosed finance was present
With a reputable car buyer, these risks are removed. The buyer is known, the payment method is traceable and the paperwork is completed professionally.
When private sale makes sense
- You have a desirable car with strong private demand
- You have the time and patience for the process
- The price premium justifies the effort
- You are comfortable with the risks
When a car buyer makes sense
- Speed matters — you need the car gone quickly
- The car has faults that would complicate a private sale
- You want certainty — no viewings, no no-shows, no negotiating
- The car is difficult to sell privately (high mileage, unusual colour, condition issues)
- You value convenience over maximising the price