To set a sensible private-sale asking price, compare similar current adverts and describe your car honestly, including its condition and service history. Prepare clear photos and documents, use secure payment arrangements and follow the official ownership-transfer process. A dealer offer buys convenience; it does not imply a fixed percentage discount for every car.
Direct answer updated 14 October 2026. Earlier guide published 9 April 2026.
Primary sources: Motorly: asking-price comparison limits · CCPC: buying a car
The average dealer trade-in offer in Ireland is 10–20% below market value. That’s €1,000–€3,000 you’re leaving on the table for the convenience of not dealing with private buyers. If you’re willing to put in a bit of effort, selling privately almost always gets you more.
Use our price checker to see what your car is actually worth on the market right now.
Step 1: Know What It’s Worth
Before listing, you need to know the market. Check:
- Motorly price checker — compares against live Motorly listings
- Depreciation calculator — where your car sits on the value curve
- DoneDeal and Carzone — what similar cars are listed for (these are asking prices, and cars often sell for less)
Price it right from the start. Overpricing by €1,000 means your ad gets fewer clicks and sits longer. Price at market or 3–5% above to leave negotiation room.
If you are thinking about selling before the 271 plate arrives on 1 January 2027, our December-or-January guide explains how the registration year shows at resale.
Step 2: Prepare the Car
First impressions sell cars. Budget €50–150 for preparation:
- Wash and wax the exterior. Clean the wheels, dress the tyres.
- Deep clean the interior — vacuum, wipe surfaces, clean windows inside and out.
- Fix cheap issues — replace dead bulbs, top up fluids, inflate tyres correctly.
- If the NCT is due soon, get it done first. A fresh NCT removes a negotiation lever.
Step 3: Take Great Photos
Photos sell the car before the test drive. Here’s what works:
- Shoot in daylight — overcast days give the best even lighting
- Clean background — not your driveway. A quiet car park or scenic spot works better.
- 12–15 photos minimum: front, rear, both sides, each wheel, dashboard, seats, boot, engine bay, mileage display, service book, NCT disc
- Show any damage honestly — nothing kills trust faster than a buyer finding scratches you hid
Step 4: Write the Ad
Good ads include:
- Year, make, model, engine, transmission, mileage (in km)
- NCT expiry date and road tax cost
- Service history (full, partial, none — be honest)
- Number of previous owners
- Any recent work (tyres, brakes, timing belt)
- Reason for selling (not required, but builds trust)
Don’t write “must be seen” or “no time wasters” — these signal desperation.
Step 5: Where to List
- Motorly — free listing with price guidance
- DoneDeal — paid ad packages
- Carzone — dealer-focused listings
- Facebook Marketplace — free, massive reach, but more time wasters
List on all of them. More eyeballs = faster sale.
Step 6: Handle Viewings & Negotiation
- Meet in a public, well-lit place. Never give your home address in the ad.
- Have all paperwork ready: logbook, NCT cert, service history, insurance disc
- Let them inspect the car properly. Rushing them raises suspicion.
- Know your bottom price before they arrive. Don’t make emotional decisions.
- Accept bank transfer or cash only. Never accept cheques.
Step 7: Complete the Sale
- Sign the Vehicle Registration Certificate (logbook) over to the buyer
- Complete the change of ownership form (RF200) on motortax.ie
- Notify your insurance company
- Cancel your direct debit for road tax if applicable
Buying instead? See your buyer’s rights: dealer vs private sale.
Ready to sell? List your car free on Motorly and reach thousands of buyers.