Frequently Asked Questions
How to sell my car in Bristol with Bristol Street Motors
Want to sell your car in Bristol? Who better to do it with than Bristol Street Motors! Our simple, fuss-free process allows you to enter your registration to get a free, instant valuation. This remains valid for seven days, meaning there's no rush to decide.
Once you've decided, simply book an appointment and we'll get things rolling! Our friendly team will check your vehicle's condition and all the paperwork, before completing your payment. That's it!
What paperwork do I need to sell my car in Bristol?
To sell your car in Bristol, you'll need to come along to your appointment with:
- Your driver's licence
- A recent bank statement (from the last three months) stating your name and address
- Your Vehicle Registration Document (V5C) with the vehicle listed in your name
- Any service history records associated with your vehicle
- A valid finance settlement letter, if this applies. This should show both the final settlement figure and your finance company's details
- Both sets of keys
Any accessories you received with the vehicle originally. This could be things like locking wheel nuts or the user manual
What to be careful of when selling a car
When selling your car, you should be careful when stating its condition. It's important to reflect this accurately, otherwise we may need to change your valuation which could delay the process. It also helps to have all the required items and paperwork with you so we can go ahead with the sale.
What do I do with my V5C when I sell my car to a dealer?
All you need to do is fill out the section titled 'selling, transferring, or part exchanging this vehicle to a motor trader'. We'll then take care of the remaining paperwork.
Can I sell my car from anywhere in Bristol?
Yes, of course! We may have started originally in Bristol Street, Birmingham, over a hundred years ago. But we also serve the city of Bristol, as well as numerous other locations nationwide.
Just make sure to attend an appointment at your closest dealership, so we can check the car's condition, sort any paperwork, and process your payment.
Is selling a car with Bristol Street Motors free?
It certainly is! We offer free, instant valuations, and all your admin is taken care of free of charge.
Is it worth selling my car to a dealer?
If you're looking to get the job done quickly, selling your car to a dealership like ours is more than worth it. You'll save yourself the job of doing all the admin, while being guaranteed a fair price for your vehicle. Neither of which you'll find when selling privately.
How much time does it take to sell my car with Bristol Street Motors?
Not much at all! When entering your reg in our online tool, you'll receive your valuation instantly. When it comes to appointment time, you should be all done and dusted within the hour once we've sorted the paperwork.
At the end, we'll process the payment which you should receive within the next three to five days.
How and when will I be paid for my car?
You should receive the payment for your car within three to five business days. This will arrive in your account via bank transfer.
Can I sell my car on finance?
Yes! The process will vary slightly depending on the type of car finance you have but we can absolutely help.
You can find out more information in our helpful article about selling your car on finance.
If I sell my car, can I keep the insurance running and number plate?
It's not recommended that you keep your insurance running when you sell your car. The new owner will need to take out their own policy, so you will be continuing to pay for insurance that is not being used. If the new owner is also involved in an accident, you could be liable for the claim.
If your number plate is private, you can keep it. Simply apply to the DVLA who will then send you a V778 retention document.
If I sell my car, do I have to pay taxes in the UK?
Private car sales are currently exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT). This tax is applied to the profits of specified possessions over £6,000. There are a few vehicles that are subject to pay CGT, these include:
- Taxis
- Racing cars
- Single-seat sports cars
- Vans, lorries, and commercial vehicles
Can I sell my car to Bristol Street Motors without buying a new one?
Of course. You are under no obligation to buy a new car with us and can just receive the proceeds of the sale if you prefer.
What happens if I sell my car with a private plate?
There are a few options you can choose if your car has a private plate. Ownership can be transferred to the buyer, or you can apply to the DVLA to retain the plate. Once the application is approved, you'll then receive a V778 retention document. With this, you have up to 10 years to assign your private plate to a new vehicle.