Ford Fiesta owners could fetch a surprisingly high amount according to data. They could sell their old cars for over £20,000 if ther car is well maintened and in good condition. Read more in the article below.
How Depreciation Affects Your Car’s Value
Cars begin losing value as soon as they leave the showroom: typically 15–35% in the first year, accelerating to 60% by year five. The key factors determining resale price include:
- Age and mileage
- Condition (bodywork, mechanicals, service history)
- Make, model, and desirability
- Market demand at the time of sale
- Addressing dents and scratches early and keeping mileage moderate can help maintain a higher valuation.
Real Deals: Top Payouts from WeBuyAnyCar
According to WeBuyAnyCar, they recorded some eye-catching payouts in 2024:
Model Maximum Paid
- Ford Fiesta £20,315
- Ford Focus £27,711
- Volkswagen Polo £21,500
- BMW 3 Series (1-year-old) £42,790
- 24-year-old VW Polo £50
These represent peak values — often for newer models in excellent condition. Older or compromised vehicles can receive significantly lower offers.
How to Get a Car Valuation
Valuation tools like WeBuyAnyCar’s are straightforward:
- Enter your registration and mileage.
- Provide contact details (email, postcode).
- Receive an online estimate based on current market data.
- Visit a local branch (UK has 500+) for an in-person inspection.
Finalise the offer and receive payment—often within minutes. Their online estimates are guaranteed for four days and based on CAP data, factoring in vehicle history, condition, extras, and fluctuating market prices.
Pros & Cons of Using WeBuyAnyCar
Pros:
- Fast, hassle-free process
- No private‑sale headaches like negotiating, advertising, or dealing with strangers
- Convenient: instant payment, usually within 15 minute
Cons:
- Offers may be lower than private sale prices
- Inspectors deduct for minor faults, potentially reducing the offer
- Service fees ranging from £49.99 to £124.99 per transaction
Private Sale vs. Instant Offer
Car forums and Reddit threads share common advice:
“Webuyanycar will try to knock whatever they can off the value of the car when they view it, unless it’s pristine—forget the email offer”
“They start at low book price and knock £50 off for every flaw … but for ‘effort-free’ it might be worth it”
A consistent pattern emerges: private sales tend to yield higher returns (often 5–20% more), but involve more effort and risk.
Alternatives: Dealer and Online Auction Platforms
Besides WeBuyAnyCar, other options include:
- Carwow – Harness dealer bids with no fees
- Autotrader – Private sale or auction listing (fees £18.95–£49.95)
- Motorway – Dealer-auction marketplace that often beats WBAC offers by ~15%
- These platforms are worth exploring for those aiming to maximise final sale value.
Tips to Maximise Your Valuation
- Be honest about scratches, dents, and mileage
- Fix minor cosmetic damage prior to sale
- Keep service history up to date and hands it over
- Choose the right timing – SUVs in autumn, convertibles in spring
- Compare offers across multiple platforms before committing
Final Verdict
If you prioritise speed and convenience, WeBuyAnyCar offers a clean, no-fuss solution—even if the price is slightly lower. But if you’re willing to invest time in ads, viewings, and negotiations, private sale or dealer-auction platforms like Motorway and Carwow could net you considerably more. The best approach is to start with a valuation tool, assess the trade-off between effort and return, and choose the option that suits your situation best.
