Before advertising, clean the car inside and out and make sure it's tidy. Take photographs of the front, back, both sides and the inside of the car. Consider getting a new MOT too as this says a lot about the car's basic condition. If your vehicle has a serious defect and is unroadworthy, you could be breaking the law by selling it if you haven't described it accurately. Repair any minor paintwork damage and simple mechanical faults.

Price your car realistically. Check the prices of similar cars and compare mileage / condition / optional extras etc. Build in a margin for haggling, so the buyer is happy and you still get close to the amount you want.

You can't sell a car with outstanding finance, including outstanding hire-purchase or conditional sale agreements, so if you do want to sell, get the finance company's permission or settle the finance first.

Describe the car as accurately as possible, and stick to facts that will interest potential buyers. Take care how you word your advert, and be precise, accurate and honest. State the condition of the car in adverts and on the receipt.

Keep all documents, history, receipts, MOT certificates and service records to hand. A fully-stamped dealer service record adds value if you've got one, and don't forget to hand over all relevant documents when you sell.

You must look after your own security and your car. If you feel vulnerable, ensure you have a friend or relative around. Meet them at your home in daylight hours to give them plenty of opportunity to examine the car thoroughly.

Check the buyer is insured to test drive the car, or that your own insurance covers them (please read the Car Hunter Test Drive Advice for more advice on insurance cover). Always go with them and avoid becoming a victim of car theft – if you change seats part way through, take the keys with you and hand them over when you get back in the car.

Ask to see a driving licence, make a note of the licence number and make it clear to the person driving that any speeding fines incurred on the drive will be their responsibility. Allow the buyer to drive on a variety of roads if possible and for a decent amount of time – at least half an hour. If you try to cut it short, they might think you have something to hide.

Once a price has been agreed, take a deposit, making it clear that it is non-refundable. That way, if the buyer pulls out and you have to re-advertise, you won't be out of pocket. Print off and complete two copies of the Car Hunter Deposit Receipt (one for you and one for the buyer).

Never hand over the car until you have been paid the full agreed price. Print off and complete two copies of the Car Hunter Receipt of Sale (one for you and one for the buyer), but remember that no wording on the receipt is foolproof. Ensure you and your buyer sign and date the receipts, and make sure you each keep a signed copy as proof of the purchase. Don't let anyone drive your car away until you're satisfied that you've been paid in full. Cash is always the best way to be paid. If you are given a personal or building society cheque, wait for it to clear in your bank before you hand the car over.

After the sale, it's important to tell the DVLA that your car has changed hands. After all, you don't want to be landed with any of the new driver's future offences and convictions. Simply follow the instructions on the V5/registration document.