Writing an advert for a car.

Howard

Howard

Howard

Soldato
Joined
12 Jul 2007
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Location
South East
Hi guys,

It's been ages since I've actually sold a car, and am just wondering how to craft an advert so as best to "convey" the car and ensure the confidence of potential buyers; in this case the car is aimed at a more 'enthusiast' buyer I guess.

What should I say (apart from the basics)? What shouldn't I say? Should I simply write a bit about how long I've owned the car and what has been done to it, how well it has been looked after, list the specification/relevant details and any modifications, bad points (I see this a lot on 'lengthy' PH adverts and such, but never really know if it's a good thing to include them or not?) and what figure I'm looking for?



Thanks for any advice.
 
I've found from a viewing adverts perspective that I'm more interested in the ones that have as much detail as possible, whereas ones that have 3/4 lines of text with just the features (usually dealers) don't get my attention.

I'd say provide as much detail as possible - sell the good bits as best you can, mention the bad bits but don't go into a massive amount of detail.
 
Lots of other MX5 ads to look at on the forums and on Pistonheads.

Just think at that the buying guides say what to look out for issues wise like rear sill rust, HLA clatter etc. To be honest, I doubt you're going to have much trouble shifting the 5 at this time of year with a blower under the bonnet. Everyone seems to be doing it now and yours has a genuine kit, not the cobbled together Eaton M45 kit from the Mini :)
 
Enough detail that people wishing to consider the car have the info they need, without burrying them in pages of description.

The more text there is the less likely someone is to read it all.

Be honest, upbeat and businesslike. Those "funny" ads are all very well but attract messers like you wouldn't believe. Also people then think you will sell the car cheap for some reason.

Ask a mate who knows the car to read the ad before you post it to give a 2nd opinion.

Use a word processor to produce your text, ensure it is good spelling and grammar.

As many good, clear photos as possible.

Don't go on about how much you hate timewasters or other pointless negatives in the ad.
 
When I buy
I want to know
Service history, how many miles, how much MOT and tax
and condition.
Then if I am still interesed I will contact the seller.

I am not interested that you have spend £££ on a new steering wheel and it has 500w speakers and 40" wheels made of cheese.
 
Also get some GOOD photos of the car in a decent location properly cleaned. It is REALLY offputting when you see photos of a car that hasn't been washed properly, taken with a phone camera outside of a terraced on a council estate, composed so poorly that bits of the car are chopped off etc. Good, detailed photos that show off the condition will stop people hassling you if it isn't really what they want.

I do have to say that my eye is quite obviously biased though
 
plenty of photos of the car, not just 10 differnt angles of the exterior but plenty of the interior. Allows the buyer to get a feel for the car easier
 
Alistairk said:
The more text there is the less likely someone is to read it all.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately this is completely true.

I have a habit of writing really long and wordy ads when it comes to selling cars just because that is what I personally like to see as a buyer, but in every single case that I can remember I've always gotten more interest/replies using an abridged version of my original wordy add.
 
The main thing I'd say is that someone reading your advert already wants an MX5. You don't need to tell them why she should buy an MX5 over a TT, and you don't need to tell them all the standard features of an MX5 of that generation.

You need to tell them why to buy your MX5 over someone elses.
 
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