Check out a used car price guide like Glass's to find out how much your car is worth. When looking at a valuation make sure you factor in features that affect the price, such as condition, mileage, special features. Also keep in mind whether you are looking for a valuation for a private sale or a trade in/part exchange.

A good looking car and well organised portfolio will help you achieve a better price. As a minimum, thoroughly clean your car inside and out and make sure your MOT is up to date. If your car doesn't have an MOT it will put perspective buyers off as they will assume it needs serious repairs. Prepare a portfolio for the vehicle with registration log, service book, MOT certificate, vehicle hand book etc. If you want to get the best price possible, think about changing your tyres so that they are all matching and have any minor repair works carried out. A professional valet is also a good idea if your car is particularly dirty.

If you are advertising your car privately, give a good honest description. Be sure to include make, exact model (Audi A4 SE 3dr) year of registration and plate (e.g. 2005/05), mileage, engine size, colour, condition, number of owners (if low), MOT & Tax, location and contact details in your ad. Stick to hard facts that buyers will understand such as: clean, low mileage, one owner, full service record, etc. Include special features such as a car alarm, immobiliser, Sat Nav, CD changer etc. Always try to include at least one photo of the interior and one of the exterior and preferably more - you will receive a better response!

First of all make sure the driver has adequate insurance cover otherwise you could be liable for any accidents they may have. Never let a buyer go out alone as they might not come back! When swapping seats never leave the keys in the ignition as thieves mastermind such situations and leave you stranded at the side of the road!

These days buyers are more willing to pay for a used car inspection. If you are serious about selling your vehicle and have nothing to hide, you shouldn't object in having one carried out. But be aware this can take a few days to arrange and means you would have to place other perspective buyers "on hold". To make sure the buyer is seriously interested in your car take a deposit.

Set a price in your mind that you will accept that is a little below the asking price and negotiate. Stay firm but without being unreasonable. Remember it will cost you time and money to re-advertise your car again.

If you are paid by cash look out for forgery notes and make sure you count it to double check it's all there. If you are paid by cheque make sure the funds have hit your account before you arrange to hand over your car. The best payment method is a bank or building society draft. This is as good as cash as it proves the buyer has the funds in his/her account. Lastly always provide a receipt and ask the buyer for ID. If anything goes wrong you will know where to find them.

Before you visit any dealer, do your homework and find out what your car is worth at trade in value. Use a used-car valuation guide like Glass's. Based on this information, set a price in your mind that you will accept that is a little bit below the valuation guide price and negotiate. A car dealer will usually try to haggle, it's their business, but stay firm and be prepared to walk away if they don't offer the price you're looking for. However, remember it will cost you time and money to go elsewhere.