Selling your car to a professional: Comprehensive guide and practical advice

Vente Auto Prestige Avis

91% Customer Satisfaction : With Vente Auto Prestige, choose a fast, professional and secure service.

Alexis F.
Alexis F.
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Very good service for an M4, the dealer handled everything from start to finish (cleaning, visits, payment).
Ludovic B.
Ludovic B.
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I sold my Toy yesterday with Vente Auto Prestige and couldn't be happier with my experience. Exceptional customer service and fast transaction. Go with your eyes closed
David B.
David B.
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The dealer found me a serious buyer in less than 1 month.
Lydia M.
Lydia M.
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They surpassed my expectations, originally I just wanted to sell my vehicle, but in the end they even had a replacement! I didn't know what the concept was, but it's really practical.
Tarik A.
Tarik A.
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I was able to sell my Twingo in less than 2 weeks, very practical service, efficient, I recommend.
Dimitri S.
Dimitri S.
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Very professional relationship with the salesperson, who really specializes in high-end products (unlike other services).
Idriss M.
Idriss M.
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I sold my 2012 C-Class without a hitch, and the professional was very helpful.
Alex P.
Alex P.
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Professional, efficient service, friendly agency manager
Igor M.
Igor M.
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I was able to sell my Golf without having to deal with visits, curious onlookers or people who wanted to negotiate excessively, who didn't have the funds... A real time-saver.
Mike V.
Mike V.
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Sale of my car thanks to Thomas, thank you for the responsiveness of the team.
Patrice H.
Patrice H.
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Good estimate, quick response and immediate contact with the network.
Renée B.
Renée B.
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Contact made 3 weeks ago, partner contacted quickly and sold this afternoon at asking price.

Table of contents

Why choose to sell your car to a professional?

Selling your car to a professional is a strategic decision for many vehicle owners. There are several tangible advantages to this choice. Firstly, a transaction with an automotive professional offers unrivalled speed . Unlike a sale between private individuals , which can take weeks or even months, a sale to a professional can be concluded quickly. This option is particularly attractive for those looking to dispose of their vehicle without the usual hassle of negotiations and complex administrative procedures.

In addition to speed, selling to a professional also means convenience. Car owners often face logistical challenges when trying to sell their vehicle independently. Dealing with phone calls, meetings with potential buyers, and paperwork can be time-consuming. By opting for a professional, these aspects are taken care of efficiently, freeing the seller from the constraints associated with selling between private individuals.

Professional vehicle is another key advantage of this option. Automotive professionals have in-depth expertise in valuing vehicles, taking into account various criteria such as mechanical condition, maintenance history, mileage, and current market demand. This detailed analysis guarantees the seller a fair and transparent proposal, eliminating the uncertainty associated with setting the sale price.

What's more, selling to a professional is often perceived as a more financially secure option. Transactions between private individuals can be a source of concern in terms of payment reliability and the risk offraud. By choosing to sell to a trusted professional, the seller can be assured of a secure transaction free from financial risk.

In short, selling your car to a professional is an option for those who prefer simplicity and speed in selling their vehicle. At Vente Auto Prestige, we understand the importance of these aspects, and are committed to offering our customers an exceptional sales experience, combining efficiency, expertise and security.

The best garages and dealerships to sell your car to a professional

Company

Benefits

Disadvantages

Year of creation

Customer reviews

La Centrale (Le Rachat Express)

Long-established company in the sector

Estimate sometimes inflated, few appointments available

1999

Inflated, over-optimistic estimates.

Sellyourcar.com

Easy to use, extensive network

Exaggerated estimates in some cases, sometimes unexplained payment delays

2014

Repurchase sometimes at knock-down prices, with limited sales availability

Prestige Car Sales

Interesting alternative, large network of over 60 sites throughout France.

Sale of the vehicle, at the desired price, in 1 to 6 weeks.

2023

Quick sale, express pick-up of the vehicle for sale

Via Automobile

Reliable dealer network

Few dealerships, especially in the north of France, prefer to sell their products through a depot.

2010

Empathetic after-sales service.

Agence Automobilière

Has also been selling second-hand goods for 20 years

Little or no cash redemption, very few branches in France.

2004

Salespeople available, low commission

AutoEasy

Offers trade-in and depot-sale services

Too few sales outlets in France, especially in certain regions.

2009

Good customer service

The advantages of selling to a professional in a nutshell

Selling to a professional offers several significant advantages. First and foremost, it offers unrivalled speed, ideal for those looking to sell their vehicle quickly. What's more, professionals often carry out personalized valuations, taking into account various criteria such as mechanical condition, maintenance history and current market demand .

How does the trade-in procedure work?

The professional trade-in procedure is an easy way to sell your car. At Vente Auto Prestige, we have put in place a transparent and efficient process to ensure an optimal trade-in experience.

1. Estimate request: It all starts with an online estimate request. Vehicle owners can provide their license plate and mileage, or alternatively fill in the detailed form, providing essential information such as make, model, year of manufacture, mileage and other relevant details. This step provides an initial assessment of the vehicle's value.

2. Making an appointment: Once the initial estimate has been obtained, our experts invite the vehicle owner to make an appointment for an in-depth appraisal. This involves a physical inspection of the vehicle, taking into account criteria such as mechanical condition, bodywork, interior, and maintenance history. The appointment can be made with the partner closest to the owner.

3. Buy-back proposal: Following the in-depth appraisal, the owner receives a buy-back proposal. This offer is based on a detailed analysis of the vehicle's market value, taking into account all relevant factors. At Vente Auto Prestige, we strive to make realistic offers in line with the current market.

4. Acceptance of the offer: Once the offer has been submitted, the owner has time to consider it. If the offer is accepted, the details of the transaction are discussed, including payment terms and administrative procedures.

5. Payment and administrative formalities: Once the details have been agreed, payment is made according to the agreed terms. In addition, our team takes care of the administrative formalities involved in the vehicle transfer. This includes drawing up the certificate of sale and all the necessary formalities with the prefecture.

At Vente Auto Prestige, we understand the importance of a smooth, well-orchestrated trade-in process. Our process is designed to provide a hassle-free experience for vehicle owners who want to sell quickly and confidently. We emphasize transparency, efficiency and professionalism at every stage of the trade-in process.

American sports cars on a wooded street

Criteria influencing a trade-in offer

Several criteria influence a trade-in offer from a professional.
Vehicle age, mileage, general condition, market demand and other model-specific factors can all play a role in the final proposal.
Professionals take these elements into account to ensure a fair and transparentevaluation.

Selling your car to a professional VS selling between private individuals: full comparison

Selling your car is often a challenge, and the choice between selling to a professional and selling privately can have a significant impact on the overall experience. Let's start by taking a closer look at the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision.

Selling to a professional:
When you choose to sell your car to a professional like Vente Auto Prestige's partners, there are several advantages. First, the simplicity of the process is a major strength. No need to manage adsand lengthy negotiations or complex complex appointments. You can get an online estimate and receive a competitive buyback proposal.

Another advantage is speed of the transaction. Selling to a professional often means close the sale in a few days days. This can be particularly advantageous if you need to liquidate your car quickly.

However, the main disadvantage is the much lower trade-in price compared to a sale between private individuals. Professionals have profit margins to consider, and this may be reflected in the offer they make for your vehicle.

Selling between private individuals:
On the other hand, selling your car directly to a private individual can be seen as an option offering the potential to sell at a higher price. By negotiating directly with the buyer, you have more control over the final sale price. What's more, with the rise of online platforms, it's easier than ever to create attractive ads to reach a wide audience.

However, this process can be more complex and time-consuming. Managing appointments, negotiations and administrative formalities can be stressful. What's more, selling between private individuals often involves a degree of uncertainty as to the speed of the sale, and this can take weeks or even months.

When comparing these two options, the choice between selling to a professional and selling between private individuals often depends on your personal priorities. If speed and simplicity are essential, selling to a professional(or via a professional, through a consignment shop) may be the ideal solution. However, if you're looking for the best possible price and are prepared to invest time and energy in the process, selling between private individuals may be the preferred option.

The perfect alternative, the garage sale:
At Vente Auto Prestige, we offer a unique unique alternative with our of depot-sale service. This option combines the advantages of both worlds, offering a fast, streamlined transaction while while maximizing sales potential at a competitive price. Find out how we can help you sell your car with confidence and at an excellent price.

Red Ferrari in a showroom

Selling your car to a professional or opting for a garage sale: What are the differences?

When it comes to selling your car, the choice between selling to a professional and opting for the consignment service can be a daunting one. That's where the dilemma lies, and let's explore how depot-sale stands out as an advantageous solution, offering the best of both worlds.

Selling to a professional
Selling to a professional may seem like the simplest route, but it can also mean compromising part of the resale value. Sure, the process is fast, efficient and hassle-free, but the trade-in price may not fully reflect the true value of your vehicle.

The advantages of a garage sale
1. Price maximization : Unlike an immediate sale to a professional, consignment offers the opportunity to take full advantage of your car's market value. The buy-backs are often 1,500€ to 6,000€ below market price.
2. Professional expertise: Our experienced team takes care of everything from valuation to promotionto ensure a successful sale.
3. Increased visibility: Thanks to our extensive network and effective publication strategies, your car enjoys maximum maximum visibilityattracting a wide range of potential buyers.
4. Total transparency: You're kept informed at every stage of the process, from initial evaluation to final sale, ensuring total transparency and greater confidence.

The right choice: Opting for depot-sale means choosing a solution that combines the best of both worlds. The convenience of a dedicated team, the speed of the process, and above all, the possibility of achieving the best selling price. At Vente Auto Prestige, we're redefining the car sales experience by offering an alternative that skilfully combines efficiency and profitability. Discover how depot-sale can be the ideal answer to your car sales dilemma.

evening traffic jam in the city

Depot-sale VS Sale to a professional: understanding the financial difference

The significant financial difference between depot-selling and selling to a professional lies in the costs and margins associated with these two approaches.

The cost of consignment
Opting for the Vente Auto Prestige consignment service offers the advantage of transparent and competitive pricing. On average, depot-sale fees are around €1,300. This covers the entire process (publication of paid advertisements, addition of a 12-month warranty, assumption of responsibility for technical inspection), from appraisal to final sale, with a team of experts dedicated to each stage. These fees offer an affordable solution, especially as the end result always significantly outstrips immediate buy-back offers. On average, you get a sale price that's 20% more attractive than a cash buyout.

Margins when selling to a professional
On the other hand, selling your car to a professional often involves a significant margin between the proposed buy-back price and the vehicle's actual market value. This margin can vary from 1 500€ à 6 000€, depending on the buy-back price quoted by the professional. Professionals aim to make to make a profit on the resale of your vehicle, and this margin is often deducted from the money you could have made with a more more personalized approachsuch as depot-sale.

The added value of depot-sale
Depot-sale stands out for its pricing transparency and value proposition. Rather than yielding to a high margin in the context of an immediate trade-in, depot-sale makes it possible to maximize the return on investment for the vehicle owner. At Vente Auto Prestige, we believe that every car deserves to be sold at its fair price, and our approach aims to reflect this in your final estimate, without surprises or exorbitant margins.

The question of price: why is selling your car to a professional often less advantageous?

Although professional trade-in can offer a quick transaction, it is often associated with a trade-in price below the vehicle's market value. Depending on your vehicle range, trade-in prices can range from €1,500 to €6,000 below market value.

Professionals aim to profit from the resale of the vehicle, which can reduce the initial offer. For those seeking a better financial return, options such as depot-sale are far more advantageous.

Black Russian Maybach parked on the street

Can a professional take action against a private individual following the sale of a vehicle?

In principle, when a private individual sells a used vehicle to a professional, the transaction is governed by the same legal provisions that apply to a sale between private individuals. However, there are a number of specific aspects to the automotive sector and consumer rights, especially when it comes to warranties and hidden defects.

Seller's liability and guarantee against hidden defects
Article 1641 of the French Civil Code requires the seller to guarantee the buyer against hidden defects in the goods sold. This means that if the vehicle has a defect which is not apparent at the time of sale, and which renders its use impossible or significantly diminishes its value, the buyer(even a professional) can request repairs, a price reduction, or even cancellation of the sale.

The professional can invoke this warranty even if he or she has greater technical expertise than the private individual. However, to engage the seller's liability, the professional must prove that the defect existed prior to the sale and was not apparent, even to the eye of an expert. In the event of a dispute, case law shows that judges take into account the nature of the buyer: a professional must be more vigilant and better informed than a private individual, which limits his or her margin of recourse for certain visible defects.

Professional recourse
A professional can take recourse against a private individual in the following situations:
- Concealed defect: if the private individual has deliberately failed to inform the professional of a serious problem affecting the vehicle (such as a major repair or an accident not mentioned).
- Major hidden defect: if the vehicle has a serious mechanical or structural defect, not identifiable at the time of purchase, rendering the car dangerous or unusable.

Statistics and jurisprudence: rare but possible recourses
In 90% of cases, transactions between private individuals and professionals go off without a hitch, but vehicle sales account for a significant proportion of consumer law disputes. According to a study by UFC-Que Choisir, 1 in 10 sales are the subject of complaints, although the majority of these cases concern sales between private individuals or between professionals. When there is a dispute between a private individual and a professional, the private seller is often protected by the courts, but he must ensure that he provides an honest and detailed history of the vehicle to avoid any problems.

Conclusion
In short, although the professional has the right to take legal action against a private individual, the situations in which this happens are rare and specific. The private individual is generally protected, but full transparency on the condition of the vehicle is essential to prevent any legal recourse.

Close-up Toyota C-HR Hybrid

Is it possible to sell your car to a professional without a Technical Inspection?

The question of selling a vehicle without a roadworthiness test (roadworthiness test) often comes up, especially when selling to an automotive professional. However, the law makes a distinction between the obligations of the buyer (private individual or professional) and the use to which the vehicle will be put.

The legal rule: roadworthiness tests for sales to private individuals
In France, any vehicle over 4 years old must have a valid roadworthiness test less than 6 months old (or less than 2 months old in the event of a secondary inspection) when sold to a private individual. This document ensures that the vehicle is roadworthy and meets environmental standards.

However, this obligation does not apply in the same way if the buyer is an automotive professional. In this case, the sale without a roadworthiness test is permissible, as the professional is supposed to be able to assess the condition of the vehicle himself and carry out any necessary repairs before resale.

Selling without a roadworthiness test: a common practice
It is therefore possible to sell your vehicle without a roadworthiness test to a professional, and this is a common practice, particularly when the vehicle is intended for resale, specific repairs or demolition. This allows the private seller to avoid the costs and procedures involved in technical inspections, which average between €65 and €90 in France.

According to market studies, around 20% of used vehicle sales from private individuals to professionals are carried out without a roadworthiness test. This applies in particular to old or end-of-life vehicles, which are often resold in refurbishment or dismantling channels for spare parts. Garages, second-hand dealers and companies specializing in vehicle buy-back often accept these transactions, well aware of the costs involved in reconditioning.

Limits and precautions
Although the law permits the sale of a vehicle to a professional without a roadworthiness test, it is advisable to draw up a precise deed of sale stipulating the absence of a roadworthiness test. This document can include the general condition of the vehicle, any known defects and the purpose of the sale. This protects the seller from any subsequent disputes, particularly if the professional decides to reuse the vehicle in an unintended way.

Transparency when selling your car to a professional: myth or reality?

Transparency in professional takeovers depends largely on the choice of professional.

It's essential to work with trusted professionals who offer a detailed appraisal, clearly explain the trade-in process, and are willing to answer any questions the seller may have.

Google reviews are a good first step in assessing a professional's reliability. A professional's reputation and credibility are key indicators of transparency.

DELEGATING THE SALE OF YOUR VEHICLE TO VENTE AUTO PRESTIGE MEANS

100%

Secured & Legally framed

20%

Higher than a trade-in

14j

On average to sell your car

FAQ : How do I sell my car to a professional?

Selling to a professional offers speed and simplicity, avoiding the hassle of negotiating and managing administrative formalities. At Vente Auto Prestige, we ensure a transparent and advantageous process.

Opting for depot-sale avoids the high margins charged by professionals on immediate trade-in. With transparent costs, depot-sale often offers a better return on investment.

The trade-in procedure with Vente Auto Prestige begins with a detailed estimate. If the purchase price is agreed, we take care of all the administrative formalities to ensure a smooth transaction.

Depot-sale costs around €1,300 on a sale at market price, covering the whole process. By comparison, selling to a professional can involve margins ranging from €1,500 to €6,000. Depot-sale offers an alternative that will always be more advantageous.

 For sales to private individuals, a valid and/or current MOT is required. For sales to professionals, a roadworthiness certificate is not mandatory. With a depot-sale, we take care of this procedure to finalize the sale.

To maximize your vehicle's selling price, be sure to provide detailed information on its condition and options. Regular maintenance and a complete vehicle history also help to increase its value.

Yes, it is possible to sell your car to a professional with repairs to be carried out. However, this will influence the trade-in price.

The length of time it takes to sell with a depot-vendor varies according to the market. However, the transparency and efficiency of the process mean that transactions are faster than selling to a private individual: on average, you can expect to find a buyer in 15 days.

Yes, it is possible to sell a leased car to a professional, but specific steps are required. At Vente Auto Prestige, we can help you with this process.

Anticipating market fluctuations means keeping abreast of seasonal trends, manufacturer decisions and model history. At Vente Auto Prestige, we advise you on these aspects to maximize your financial return.