Frequently Asked Questions
How to sell my car in Leeds with Bristol Street Motors
Got a car to sell in Leeds? At Bristol Street Motors, we make it easy. All you need to do to sell your car with us is enter your registration online and get a free, instant valuation. This will be valid for seven days, giving you plenty of time to decide.
Once you've decided, you can then book an appointment at your local dealership to complete the sale. At your appointment, we'll complete all the paperwork and check your car matches the condition described.
What paperwork do I need to sell my car in Leeds?
To sell your car to us, we'll need the following:
- A copy of your driver's licence
- A recent bank statement from the last three months showing your name and current home address
- The Vehicle Registration Document (also known as the V5C) listed in your name
- Your service history records
- A valid finance settlement letter where applicable. This should show the final settlement figure and finance company bank details.
- Both sets of keys
- Any accessories originally included with the vehicle (e.g. the user manual, locking wheel nuts, memory cards etc)
What to be careful of when selling a car
When selling your car, the most important thing to ensure is that it matches the condition you've described. If it doesn't, your valuation could decrease. Another important thing to remember is all the required paperwork to make the process smoother.
What do I do with my V5C when I sell my car to a dealer?
When you sell your car, you'll need to complete a specific section on your V5C form. This is the 'selling, transferring, or part exchanging this vehicle to a motor trader' section.
Can I sell my car from anywhere in Leeds?
Yes, you can! Though you'll need to make sure you can get to an appointment at your nearest dealership. This allows us to check the condition of your vehicle, process your payment, and complete the sale.
Is selling a car with Bristol Street Motors free?
Yes, it's completely free! This includes your valuation and all the admin too.
Is it worth selling my car to a dealer?
If you're looking for a quick, hassle-free way to sell your car, selling it to a dealership is a great idea. We'll take care of all the admin for you, and you can trust that you'll receive a fair valuation.
How much time does it take to sell my car with Bristol Street Motors?
Selling your car at Bristol Street Motors takes little time and zero fuss. You'll receive your online valuation within seconds, which will remain valid for seven days.
Once you've booked your in-person appointment, you should be all done and dusted within an hour. You'll then receive your payment within three to five working days of completion.
How and when will I be paid for my car?
We'll process your payment at your appointment. This will be sent via bank transfer and should take between three to five working days to reach you.
Can I sell my car on finance?
The good news is that you can still sell your car if it's on finance. Even if you owe more than the value of the car, we can help you. It's important to note that the process will vary slightly depending on the type of car finance you have.
Find out more about selling your car on finance in our helpful article.
If I sell my car, can I keep the insurance running and number plate?
It's recommended that you cancel your insurance policy as soon as you sell your car. This is because the new owner will need to take out their own insurance so you would be paying for a policy that you no longer use. You could also be at risk of a claim against your policy if the new owner is involved in an accident.
You can keep your number plate, providing it's a private plate but you'll need to get a V778 retention document from the DVLA.
If I sell my car, do I have to pay taxes in the UK?
In short, no. In the UK, Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is applied to the profits of certain possessions sold over £6,000. However, cars are exempt from this tax. Some other vehicles are subject to 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?
Absolutely. Even if you aren't looking to part-exchange, we can still buy your old car from you.
What happens if I sell my car with a private plate?
If you sell your car with a private plate, you have two options. You can transfer ownership to the buyer or retain it and transfer it to your new vehicle. If you wish to retain the plate, you'll need to apply to the DVLA. If the application is approved, you'll be sent a V778 retention document. This allows you to assign your private plate to a new vehicle within the next 10 years.