Creating the Perfect Car Listing - Photos, Description & Platform Guide

Your car listing is essentially a job application for your vehicle. In a market where buyers scroll past hundreds of options, you have seconds to capture attention and minutes to convince them to enquire.

A well-crafted listing doesn't just attract more buyers - it attracts better buyers. Detailed descriptions filter out time-wasters. Quality photos build trust. Professional presentation justifies your asking price.

This guide covers everything you need to create listings that stand out, attract serious buyers, and help you achieve the best possible price.

Photography: The Make-or-Break Factor

Listings with high-quality photos receive up to 3 times more enquiries than those with poor images. Before you write a single word, get your photography right.

Preparation Before Shooting

Clean your car thoroughly:

• Wash and dry exterior completely
• Clean all glass inside and out
• Vacuum and wipe interior
• Clean wheels and tyre walls
• Remove all personal items
• Clear the boot
• Consider a quick wax for exterior shine

Choose the right time:

• Overcast days provide even lighting (no harsh shadows)
• Early morning or late afternoon on sunny days
• Avoid midday sun (creates harsh shadows)
• Never shoot in rain or with wet car (looks neglected)

Select your location:

• Clean, uncluttered background
• Residential driveway or quiet street
• Avoid busy locations with distracting elements
• Grass backgrounds work well
• Don't shoot in car parks (looks like dealer lot reject)

Essential Shots (Minimum 12-15 Photos)

Exterior shots:

1. Front three-quarter view (hero shot)

   • Angle camera at headlight height
   • Show front and one side
   • Most important image - this appears in search results

2. Rear three-quarter view

   • Opposite angle to front shot
   • Shows rear styling and overall profile

3. Both side profiles

   • Straight on, full length of car
   • Camera at centre of car height
   • Shows proportions and any side damage

4. Front straight-on

   • Grille, bonnet, headlights
   • Shows front-end condition

5. Rear straight-on

   • Boot, lights, bumper
   • Shows rear-end condition

6. Wheels and tyres (close-up)

   • Shows alloy condition
   • Displays tyre tread depth
   • Shoot at angle showing both wheel and tyre

Interior shots:

7. Dashboard/driver's view

   • From driver's door looking in
   • Shows steering wheel, dash, centre console
   • Ensure display is on if possible

8. Front seats

   • Shows condition of driver and passenger seats
   • Capture any wear honestly

9. Rear seats

   • From side door looking in
   • Shows legroom and seat condition

10. Boot space

    • Full boot with parcel shelf up
    • Show spare wheel well if applicable

Detail shots:

11. Mileage/odometer

    • Clear shot proving stated mileage
    • Turn ignition on to illuminate display

12. Engine bay

    • Shows cleanliness and care
    • Gives mechanical confidence

13. Service book stamps (if applicable)

    • Proves service history claims

14. Any special features

    • Sat nav screen
    • Panoramic roof
    • Premium audio
    • Leather interior detail

15. Any damage or wear

    • Be upfront about imperfections
    • Prevents wasted viewings

Photography Techniques

Camera height:

• Shoot at the car's eye level (roughly hip height)
• Never shoot from standing height looking down
• Get low for dramatic angles if car warrants it

Distance:

• Stand back and use zoom rather than wide angle
• Wide angle distorts proportions
• 2-3 metres for full car shots

Framing:

• Leave space around the car
• Don't crop off wheels or mirrors
• Centre the car in frame

Interior lighting:

• Open all doors for maximum light
• Use car's interior lights if needed
• Never use flash (creates reflections)

Quality:

• Use best camera available (modern smartphones are excellent)
• Clean lens before shooting
• Use landscape orientation (horizontal)
• Maximum resolution settings

Common Photography Mistakes

Avoid these errors:

• Reflections of yourself in paintwork
• Messy background (bins, other cars, clutter)
• Dirty car or streaky windows
• Dark interior shots
• Blurry images
• Portrait orientation (vertical)
• Too few photos (less than 10)
• Only showing best angles

Writing the Description

Your description should inform, reassure, and persuade - in that order.

Structure Your Description

Opening paragraph: Hook and summary

• Lead with the strongest selling point
• Summarise what makes this car worth viewing
• Create interest immediately

Middle section: Details and features

• Specification and equipment
• Service history and maintenance
• Recent work and new parts
• Condition description

Closing: Call to action

• Viewing invitation
• Contact preferences
• Any important notes

Essential Information to Include

Basic details:

• Year, make, model, variant
• Engine size and fuel type
• Transmission type
• Body colour
• Mileage

History and documentation:

• Number of previous owners
• MOT expiry date
• Service history (full/partial/stamps/receipts)
• HPI check status

Equipment and features:

• Standard features worth mentioning
• Optional extras fitted
• Technology and safety features
• Any recent additions

Condition:

• Honest assessment
• Any wear or issues
• Recent repairs or maintenance

Practical information:

• Reason for sale (if genuine and relatable)
• Viewing arrangements
• Contact preference

Example Descriptions

Good description:

"2019 Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI Match, finished in Atlantic Blue metallic with black cloth interior. 34,000 miles with full VW dealer service history (stamps in book, all invoices available).

This car has been my daily driver for the past two years - genuinely reluctant sale due to company car now provided. Drives beautifully with no mechanical issues whatsoever.

Specification includes: Adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, auto lights and wipers, 16-inch alloy wheels.

MOT until September 2025 with no advisories on last test. Recent service completed at 32,000 miles including oil, filters, and brake fluid change.

Condition is excellent throughout - a few minor stone chips on bonnet as expected for motorway use, otherwise unmarked. Interior has been kept clean and shows minimal wear.

Comes with both keys, full book pack, and all service documentation. Viewings welcome any evening or weekend - happy to answer any questions by phone first."

Poor description:

"Golf 1.5 petrol 2019 blue colour good runner mot drives perfect no problems selling as got new car bargain price!!!! CALL NOW!!!!"

Words and Phrases That Work

Trust builders:

• "Full service history"
• "HPI clear"
• "Genuine reason for sale"
• "Two keys"
• "All invoices available"
• "Viewings welcome"

Value signals:

• "Low mileage"
• "One owner"
• "Recent service"
• "12 months MOT"
• "Maintained regardless of cost"

Confidence builders:

• "Drives beautifully"
• "Excellent condition"
• "Well maintained"
• "Reluctant sale"
• "Happy to answer questions"

Words and Phrases to Avoid

Desperation signals:

• "Quick sale needed"
• "Must go this weekend"
• "Offers" (without a price)
• "Bargain"
• "Cheap"

Vague and unhelpful:

• "Good condition" (without specifics)
• "Drives well" (be specific)
• "Some age-related wear" (describe it)

Unprofessional:

• Excessive exclamation marks!!!
• ALL CAPS TEXT
• Text speak (gr8, u, 4 sale)
• Spelling errors

Choosing Where to Advertise

Different platforms reach different audiences. Choose based on your car and priorities.

Auto Trader

Best for: Maximum exposure, mainstream cars, highest traffic

Pros:

• UK's largest car marketplace
• Professional presentation
• High buyer traffic
• Good search functionality

Cons:

• Paid listings (from around £20-80)
• Competitive - your car among thousands
• Basic packages have limited features

Tips for Auto Trader:

• Pay for enhanced photos package
• Use all available photo slots
• Complete every field in the listing
• Respond quickly to maintain ranking

Facebook Marketplace

Best for: Local sales, free advertising, quick sales

Pros:

• Completely free
• Large local audience
• Easy communication
• Can see buyer profiles

Cons:

• More casual buyers
• Higher rate of timewasters
• Less professional feel
• Harder to search for buyers

Tips for Facebook:

• Join local car selling groups
• Share to your personal network
• Respond quickly to messages
• Be selective about who you engage with

eBay Motors

Best for: Fixed price or auction sales, nationwide reach

Pros:

• Large audience
• Auction option can drive up price
• Buyer ratings visible
• Payment protection options

Cons:

• Fees (listing and final value)
• Some scam risk
• Auction unpredictability

Tips for eBay:

• Use "Buy It Now" with "Best Offer" for control
• Set reserve price on auctions
• End auctions on Sunday evenings
• Specify collection only

Gumtree

Best for: Local sales, budget vehicles, free advertising

Pros:

• Free to list
• Good local visibility
• Simple to use

Cons:

• Higher scam rate
• Less professional
• Lower traffic than Auto Trader

Specialist Platforms

PistonHeads: Performance cars, enthusiast vehicles Car and Classic: Classic and vintage cars Brand forums: Model-specific communities

Tips for specialist platforms:

• Know your audience
• Use correct terminology
• Be prepared for knowledgeable buyers
• Pricing can be higher for right buyer

Multi-Platform Strategy

Recommended approach:

1. Primary listing: Auto Trader (paid, maximum exposure)
2. Secondary listing: Facebook Marketplace (free, local reach)
3. Tertiary: eBay or Gumtree (additional coverage)
4. Specialist: Forums if applicable

Keep listings consistent:

• Same photos across platforms
• Identical descriptions
• Same price (or clear reason for difference)
• Remove from all platforms when sold

Handling Enquiries Effectively

Your listing attracted interest - now convert enquiries to viewings.

Responding to Messages

Speed matters:

• Respond within hours, not days
• Quick responses indicate genuine seller
• Slow responses lose buyers to other sellers

Answer fully:

• Address every question asked
• Anticipate follow-up questions
• Provide additional useful information

Move towards viewing:

• Offer specific times
• Suggest phone call for serious buyers
• Confirm arrangements clearly

Sample Response Templates

Initial enquiry response:

"Hi [Name], thanks for your interest in the Golf. To answer your questions: [specific answers].

The car is available for viewing this weekend if you'd like to see it. I'm free Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning - would either work for you?

Happy to have a quick phone chat first if you'd like more details. My number is [X].

Thanks, [Your name]"

Confirming a viewing:

"Hi [Name], great - let's confirm Saturday at 2pm at [address].

I'll have all the paperwork ready including service history and MOT certificates. Feel free to bring someone along and allow about 30 minutes for a proper look and test drive if you'd like.

My mobile is [X] if you need to reach me on the day.

See you Saturday, [Your name]"

Filtering Timewasters

Pre-qualify buyers:

• "When are you looking to purchase?"
• "Have you arranged finance/funds?"
• "Are you local to the area?"

Request phone calls:

• Serious buyers will call
• Scammers prefer anonymous messaging
• Phone calls build rapport

Watch for red flags:

• Won't provide phone number
• Asks unusual questions
• Overseas buyer stories
• Requests to end listing early
• Unusual payment methods

When to Ignore Enquiries

Skip these messages:

• "What's your best price?" (without viewing)
• Obviously copy-pasted responses
• Requests for bank details
• Shipping or courier collection requests
• Anything that feels wrong

Maintaining Your Listing

Your job isn't done once the listing is live.

Keep It Fresh

Update regularly:

• Refresh listing weekly on platforms that allow
• Update photos if car presentation improves
• Add any new maintenance completed
• Adjust price if market changes

Monitor Performance

Track your metrics:

• Views/impressions
• Enquiry rate
• Days on market

If views are low: Improve photos and title If views high but no enquiries: Review price and description If enquiries but no viewings: Improve your responses

Price Adjustments

When to reduce:

• No meaningful enquiries after 2 weeks
• Multiple lowball offers suggesting overpricing
• Market prices have dropped

How to reduce:

• Make meaningful cuts (5-10%)
• Update listing appearance simultaneously
• Relist as "new" if platform allows

The Listing Checklist

Before going live:

Photography:

• Car thoroughly cleaned
• Minimum 12 quality photos
• All angles covered (exterior, interior, details)
• Mileage photo included
• Any damage photographed honestly

Description:

• All essential information included
• Structured clearly with key points first
• Honest about condition and issues
• Contact details and viewing info
• Proofread for errors

Platform setup:

• Listed on primary platform
• Considered secondary platforms
• All fields completed
• Price set strategically
• Notifications enabled for enquiries

Final Thoughts

A great listing does half the selling for you. It attracts qualified buyers, sets appropriate expectations, and positions your car as a trustworthy purchase.

Invest time in quality photography - it's the single biggest factor in whether buyers stop scrolling. Write a thorough, honest description that answers questions before they're asked. Choose platforms that match your car and audience.

Then respond promptly, professionally, and helpfully to every genuine enquiry. The right buyer is out there - your listing's job is to help them find you.

Related guides:

• Complete Guide to Selling Your Car in the UK
• How to Value Your Car - Get the Best Price
• Selling Your Car Safely - Avoiding Scams
• What Repairs Are Worth Doing Before Selling