The only chance you've got to get people interested in buying your car is the sales pitch you create in its advert. That's why the text has to be informative - vague statements are just a waste of space. Make every word count - don't waste the reader's time with statements such as 'no time wasters' or 'lovely driver' because they're meaningless. What you do need to include are:

• The exact make, model and specification of the car. That means its engine, trim and bodystyle are in there, such as 'Ford Focus 2.0TDCi five-door hatch'.
  
• Now there are two plate changes a year, it's essential you include both the year and registration letter, such as 2003/53-plate.
  
• Don't use the manufacturer's colour name as it won't mean much to the reader. Say whether it's a light, mid or dark colour, then say what the basic hue is. Also state if it's metallic.
  
• State the exact mileage - don't just say whether it's low or high.
  
• Say exactly how much tax is left - and the same goes for the MoT. Also state if there's a full service history - and whether or not the work has been carried out by a main dealer.
  
• Say how many owners the car has had - unless that will work against it because it's had dozens of them.
  
• Name the key features that your car has, such as air conditioning, alloy wheels, sat-nav and so on - whether they're standard-fit items or optional extras.
  
• Make sure you put a price - don't just say 'open to offers'. See more about this on the next page; Setting the price.
  

For more examples of good adverts, view our car classifieds to give you some ideas! click here Back to Buying & Selling Advice Main Page