Either accept all the timewasters, or sell through WBAC.

Most people over-value cars (or other items) that they own, and undervalue items they don't own, it's even recognised - it's called the Endowment Effect. You going 'I think it's worth more than that' is the classic Endowment Effect statement.

As to seeing what it's REALLY worth on Ebay, etc. don't look at what cars are 'for sale' at, instead select 'show completed items' in the options bar, and see what they actually have SOLD for.

Another possible alternative would be to sell the car directly to a trader, who then sells it on - they would hopefully be a bit higher than the WBAC price, but possibly not. It depends on their stock levels, and what they feel the local market is like.

Edited by SLO76 on 22/01/2017 at 14:48

Does anyone have any experience of the above methods of selling and which would be the best method. I'm nervous to have people test-drive my car and waste a lot of time, but I think the webuyanycar valuation at £7.8k undervalues the car significantly?

For what it's worth. My review of them Which I'm posting wherever I can which describes my experience last month:

Let me tell you a story. Once upon a time there was a careful owner with a 2006 Renault Clio, with v low mileage at 52k. Some minor scratches to body work in good condition for its age, book value £800-£1000 dependant on condition etc. Had for 6 years with no issues, full MOT history, V5, all service stamps present and loads of receipts/invoices for work done and tyre changes etc. Good news so far, but stick with me for a very UNHAPPY ending.

Recently WeBuyAnycCar (WBAC) valued it at a Milton Keynes branch. The vehicle was inspected in person by the staff, I pointed out ALL marks and the vehicle was running as it was still very much in use. Gave him all information needed to provide an accurate valuation. Note: HE entered all details on to their website with me there. The vehicle is a category D which devalues it from list price to around £600, again dependant on history, mileage, condition etc and (N.B. important plot point coming up ) I informed the guy of this and it was taken into account in their valuation.

Valuation - £415 pounds, which was acceptable as I didn’t want the hassle of selling privately. Yes their very slick adverts focus on this; “Value your time over a few* extra quid?...” We’ve all seen them right? Price guaranteed, right? WRONG. (Also will be a LOT* extra quid).

Fast forward a week. I’ve found a car I want to buy it’s in a different part of the UK, I make an appointment with the local WBAC branch and go to drop off my Clio.

First off I’m kept waiting for 15 minutes, then after several disgruntled customers in front of me in the queue leave, unhappy with their valuation or offers, it’s my turn.

Doing research online I was prepared for them to try and talk me down and not give me what they’d ‘guaranteed’, hence my original precaution of going in person with said vehicle to Milton Keynes and providing ALL documents for this appointment along with the emailed quote which I printed out with reference number.

There followed the most elaborate example of “Computer says NO” you can imagine. Talk about bare-faced. Anything but honour their ‘guaranteed’ valuation. Mysteriously when they entered my details now they couldn’t find my quote, despite Ref. Number, and now could only offer me just over £270. Every excuse was offered;

You didn’t enter your car details properly online– I didn’t enter the details

You cant have described the condition accurately - WBAC inspected/described it themselves

Oh, it’s only valid for 7 days –YES this is day 7, IT’S STILL VALID

Finally; he cant have inputted that it was a Category D – He DID I watched him. On one of YOUR computers. That’s his job, he does it all day, every day.

So when they say it’s a ‘guaranteed’ valuation they are lying, it’s NOT. I had a valuation from Evans Halshaw for £420, also did a valuation myself online which gave me an accurate price for my car. When people make appointments to sell in a different location from their address WBAC know it’s safe to assume the customer will be buying a new car there and therefore need to sell a vehicle to be able to drive away a new one. They feel they have the upper hand and that you will have to give in and accept a lower value. It is COMPANY POLICY to ensure valuations are lowered to at least 25% less than that ‘guaranteed’.

Edited by Avant on 29/01/2017 at 00:50

Print out an honest description of the car and a realistic price and tape it onto the back window with your phone number. Costs nothing and it has worked for me a couple of times. You can't be in a rush this way. It could take several weeks and you can't tell a potential buyer that you want to keep it for another week till your new car gets delivered. If you can put up with those inconveniences this method can work well. Not recommended for ladies to do unless they have a man with them when the potential buyer comes round. It is sad the world is like this but that is the way it is.