Guide and tips

When you sell via a listing, you're likely to get a higher price, but it requires more effort and takes longer. Selling to a mobile.de acquisition station is not as lucrative, but it is more convenient, and you receive the purchase price directly.

The price should be realistic. Make a price comparison on mobile.de. The most important factors besides brand, model, and variant: year of manufacture, mileage, condition, and (additional) equipment.

Indicate in the listing if it is a fixed price or "negotiable" (VB). In the latter case, leave room for negotiation – but consider the minimum price beforehand.

Is a paid listing package worth it? Better visibility and additional images increase your chances of selling.

Describe your vehicle as accurately as possible – the more precise and personal the description, the more likely you are to succeed in selling.

Especially for higher-priced vehicles, it might be worth having any existing defects professionally repaired to increase the sales value. Signs of wear or minor damage (paint, glass, fabric) can possibly be removed by professional vehicle preparation (smart repair).

Clean the car thoroughly before the inspection appointment – the first impression is important.

Take your time to take pictures in a suitable place with good lighting. Also, take pictures of details that might interest a buyer. Besides the listing photos, take additional pictures that you can send to interested parties upon request.

Respond to inquiries promptly; check at least daily to see if you have received any questions.

Prepare all important documents that might interest the potential buyer: vehicle registration and title, service booklet, receipts for maintenance and repairs, the last MOT report.

Mention relevant disadvantages (e.g., existing accident damage, paint damage, etc.) in the listing or during the first phone call/contact. This will save you from fruitless viewing appointments.

Avoid test drives during rush hour (if possible). Make sure you are not pressed for time if you have scheduled multiple appointments.

If the car is already deregistered, you will need a short-term license plate (red license plate) for the test drive. This means that either you or the interested party must apply for this at the traffic authority.

Think of a suitable route (including highway) that you can suggest. Plan for at least one hour.

For safety, take a printout of the listing to the meeting with the buyer to avoid disputes over details.

Do not let yourself be pressured; wait it out. It's better to relist than sell your car for less than its worth.

Before the meeting, think about whether you are willing to lower the price - and if so, where your limit is.

Prepare the purchase contract. On mobile.de, you can print out a standard contract. You can find the contract for download here (PDF). You can find an article with important tips on concluding contracts in the magazine.

In the worst case, an alleged buyer may have criminal intentions. Avoid unusual meeting places (e.g., parking garages, highway rest stops). If possible, take a friend with you to the vehicle handover. In case of doubt, maintain phone contact with a friend.