Advertising your carWriting a car advert

Jargon can help you cram lots of information into your advert

Make every word and picture count with these useful tips - a succinct ad should draw in the buyers and save you money.

Advertising a car is a question of doing the important things right. The wording is vital and, if your ad gives the information that will answer all the buyer’s questions, they’ll be much more inclined to ring you. Also, take some decent pictures to accompany it, and then place your ad where most buyers will look.

Here’s how to do it…

Wording a car advert

For press ads, you’ll pay extra if the ad rambles on, but with online ads or eBay, it’s less of an issue.

Always avoid adjectives such as ‘immaculate’ or ‘cherished’. They add nothing. Nor do phrases such as ‘drives well’ or ‘good runner’. And don’t put ‘ono’ - ‘or near offer’ in ad-speak - after the price. Buyers will haggle without being encouraged.

All the right details in the right order

As for the information about your car, the make, model, engine size, year and registration letter or number are all essential and should come first. After these should come the mileage and details of the MoT test expiry date (if applicable), tax and service history.

Also, state whether the car has any warranty (manufacturer’s or third-party) left to run, and for how long. A car with just one previous owner is attractive, so mention that if it’s true. And, if the car has automatic transmission, mention that, too.

Finally, give a telephone contact number, day and evening, and also mention the town or neighbourhood you’re in.

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