Buy and sell cars: free ads and a safe checklist

If you are selling your car

• Clean the car and take bright photos from all sides, the dashboard, engine bay and boot.
• State make, model, year, mileage, condition, service history and price honestly.
• Mention any faults. Honest ads sell faster and avoid disputes later.
• Have ownership and registration papers ready to show serious buyers.

If you are buying a used car

• Check the body for rust, repainted panels and uneven gaps.
• Look for oil or coolant leaks and listen to the engine from cold.
• Test every light, window, brake and the air conditioning.
• Take a test drive on different road types.
• Ask a trusted mechanic to inspect it before you pay.

Check the paperwork

Confirm that the seller is the registered owner and that the chassis or VIN number on the car matches the documents. Ask about unpaid fines or loans. Requirements differ by country and region, so check the rules where you live before you transfer ownership.

Pay safely

Do not transfer money before you have seen the car and the documents. Complete the sale in a secure place, write a simple sale agreement and keep a receipt.