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Sell my car.

Get a quote in less than 30 seconds!

Enjoy no admin fees

We'll settle any outstanding finance

Any make, any model, any price!

How it works

How to sell your car with Arnold Clark

Enter your reg
and mileage

Enter your car's registration number and mileage for an instant online car quote.

Tell us about your
car's condition

For a more accurate quote, tell us more about your car's condition, such as any mechanical faults or chips to paintwork.

Book an
appointment

Book an appointment at your nearest dealership.

Arrive at your
appointment

One of our friendly and helpful product consultants will check your car to see if it matches the information you gave online. Then you'll receive a final appraisal quote.

Sell your car

Get the money for your car sent straight to your bank account. Easy!

Why sell your car to Arnold Clark?

Free and reliable car quotes with our online calculator

We've been buying cars since 1954

Which means we know a thing or two about how much they're worth.

We'll settle your outstanding finance.

If you have finance on your car, we'll take care of it.

Know the price of your car in less than 30 seconds

It's that fast.

No hidden admin fees

Unlike some other car buyings services, we don't charge a transaction or admin fee.

We won't ask for your personal details

Get the best price for your car online without telling us your name or email address.

We buy any
make and model

Get our best price for your car no matter its manufacturer brand or model.

How much can I sell my car for?

Check how much your car is worth

Your quote depends on the information you tell us about your car. We have broken down the process into these simple steps:

1

Enter your registration and mileage.

When you type in your registration and mileage, you'll get an instant guideline offer.

2

Tell us more about your car's condition

Completing a full online car assessment will give you a more accurate online price.

3

Book an appointment

We have dealerships across the UK. At your appointment, one of our friendly experts will check your car over and give you a final offer.

4

Sell your car to us

Once your car has been checked over, we'll offer you our best price!

FAQs

Find the answers to all your questions

How much will I get when I sell my car?

Your quote depends on the information you tell us about your car. When you type in your registration and mileage, you'll get an instant guideline offer.

You can complete a full online car assessment to tell us more about your car's overall condition, which will give you a more accurate online price. All that's left to do is book an appointment at one of our dealerships across the UK and our friendly experts will then check it over to see if everything matches. Once checked we'll make you an offer.

Why should I sell my car to Arnold Clark?

We are the UK's largest independently owned car retailer. We've been buying cars since 1954, so you can be sure we have the experience and expertise to offer a fair and accurate quote for your car. And the great thing is, you can use this service even if you're not planning on buying a car from us. You can also use our online offer tool before you book an appointment at one of our branches.

If you want to buy, though, you can also choose to part-exchange your old car. Search the site for your perfect car and customise your finance quote online to suit your budget. You can then choose to deduct the quote for your current car from your deal.

Is it free to sell my car to Arnold Clark?

Yes, it's free to sell your car to Arnold Clark.

We do not charge you any transaction, admin, or any other hidden fees when you sell your car to us at one of our dealerships. Unlike some of our competitors, especially those who sell to auction, we make it completely free for our customers meaning you get exactly what your car is quoted to be worth.

See more about fees in our terms and conditions.

What do I need to sell my car?

When you bring your car to one of our dealerships, it is important to bring the following paperwork, digital records, and items so that we can quickly finalise your sale:

  • Your V5C logbook*
  • Proof of identification such as your driving licence or passport photo ID.
  • Proof of your home address, which also includes your name and is dated within the last three months.
  • All sets of car keys. The quote for your car is under the assumption you have 2 sets of car keys. If you only have 1 key this may affect your original quote. Read more about our car quote assumptions here.
  • Your car handbook.
  • Your car locking wheel nut.
  • Car service / MOT handbook.
  • Number plate retention form (V317), if applicable
  • Any other extra accessories related to the vehicle or that were included with the car when you purchased it. These may include manuals, memory cards, entertainment/audio cables, or first aid kits.

*If you've owned the car for less than 180 days, we'll also need a Main Dealer VAT invoice as proof of purchase (proof of payment may be required). Any backdated ownership documentation will also be required.

Can I sell my car with a private registration plate?

Yes, you can sell your car to us with a private registration plate. We are the only car-buying dealer that will buy your car on the day and then allow you to process the plate retention. At Arnold Clark, we have access to the new DVLA portal, which will retain the plate at the point of purchase. All we ask is that you pay a retention fee of £80 for ten years and a £250 deposit which will be refunded when the V5C logbook is returned to us. Both can be paid via debit card or credit card.

If I am selling my car with remaining road tax, can I claim this back?

Yes, you can get a refund on the remaining road tax you have paid for. If you are selling your car, you can tell DVLA that you want to cancel your car tax and they will send you out a cheque. If you do not let the DVLA know, they may send you a cheque when we transfer the ownership of the car. If you pay your road via direct debit, this will be cancelled automatically.

How fast will I get my payment when I sell my car?

When you sell your car to us, we will send your quoted amount the same day. You will receive the payment directly to your bank account within 3 working days.

Can I sell my car with outstanding finance?

Yes, and we'll settle any outstanding finance for you. We will contact your finance company and if there is a remaining balance left on the car, we'll pay it. Most of our competitors rely on you to sort out this settlement figure and provide the documentation to them. But we make this process quick and easy for you by doing it ourselves. The amount owed on the car that you have left to pay to the third party will be deducted from your final quoted price.

I owe more on finance than the car is worth. Can I still sell my car?

We will still buy your car even if you are in negative equity. You'll need to pay us the difference between the value of the car and the car finance settlement figure by debit or credit card.

Can I sell the car of a deceased person?

Yes, you can but you'll need to provide certain documents.

An important piece of documentation you will have to provide is a death certificate. If this is something you do not possess, then we are not able to buy the car.

You may also need to provide other documents and evidence such as:

  • A copy of the will or a completed declaration form.
  • Proof of identification such as the driving licence or passport photo ID of the executor/next of kin.
  • Proof of executor/next of kin bank details (bank statement/bank card)

Your ability to sell a car may also depend on its value, if probate/confirmation has been granted, and if a solicitor or family is handling the estate. For help on this process, please use our step-by-step guide.

Should I sell my car before the LEZs begin?

The new Low Emission Zones (LEZs) could mean it's the ideal time to sell your car. The LEZs are beginning to take effect to reduce car pollution in certain areas throughout the UK. Cars that do not comply with LEZs standards will face penalty charges that will double with each subsequent breach. Many of those who commute by car to the impacted areas are having to change the way they travel and, as a result, are selling their cars. For more information on LEZs visit our guide here.

Will Arnold Clark buy my car if it's not LEZs compliant?

Yes, we'll still buy your car. Vehicles outside the LEZs aren't impacted by the regulations meaning all car types are still in demand across the UK.

Can I sell my car without insurance?

No, you will have to reinsure the car to sell it. Selling a car in the UK legally requires the vehicle to have valid insurance cover by the seller.

If you do not have insurance, you must get at least temporary or third-party car insurance otherwise you may have issues when selling. These include:

  • Registration of the vehicle cannot be transferred to the new owner. If the new owner is caught driving the car before they register it in their name, you will be liable to pay the penalty charge.
  • If the car is impounded whilst the new owner isn't the registered owner, you will be liable to pay the release charge and will have to renew insurance cover on the vehicle.
  • Driving the car without insurance, even if it's en route to one of our dealerships to sell your car, you risk being fined and banned.
Can I sell my car without an MOT?

Yes, you can sell a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate. However, this will affect the amount offered for the car. You will also need to arrange transport for the car as it is illegal to drive without an MOT certificate other than to a pre-booked repair or MOT appointment.

How do I book an appointment?

You can book an appointment via our online car quote tool or by phoning your nearest Arnold Clark dealership.

Where is my nearest Arnold Clark dealership?

Search for your nearest Arnold Clark dealership by using our online location tool that lets you find a branch near your postcode or by the car manufacturer.

Do I need to book an appointment before arriving at a dealership?

We advise that you book an appointment before visiting one of our dealerships so that our product consultants can have everything ready for your arrival. Our staff may also be busy with other pre-booked appointments and other customers at the branch. However, yes, you can turn up at a dealership without an appointment. We can give you an offer and purchase your car on the day.

Will I get the amount stated on the online quote?

95% of our customers get the amount they are quoted online. When using our online price tool make sure to be honest and enter as much information about the condition of the car as you can so when our staff check over your car it matches the online description. If the information you provide to get your online price does not match the condition of the car when our product consultants check it over at your appointment, your appraisal quote may change.

How do I get the best price for my car?

Arnold Clark will offer you the best price for your car. If you get an appraised quote from one of our competitors, we will beat their offer by £100 following an appointment at one of our dealerships. Just make sure to bring with you the appraised competitor quote as proof so we can get you that better offer.

Can I sell my modified car?

Yes, but Arnold Clark will only buy a modified car on a case-by-case basis. Some modifications will change the amount you are offered. You must inform us of any modifications that have been made to the car otherwise you may be in breach of the terms and conditions.