Everything you need to know to sell your car safely and successfully on Motohive.
• Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC / logbook)
• Valid NCT certificate (if applicable — vehicles 4+ years old)
• Service history records, invoices, and stamped service book
• Finance settlement letter if there is outstanding HP or PCP
• Proof of ownership if you purchased the vehicle privately
If your vehicle has outstanding finance, you must settle it or obtain written consent from the finance company before listing. Selling a vehicle subject to undisclosed finance may be a criminal offence.
We strongly recommend running a MotorCheck or similar check on your own vehicle before listing. This lets you identify and disclose any issues — outstanding finance, NCT failures, previous write-offs — before a buyer asks.
Listings with clear, high-quality photos receive significantly more enquiries. Take photos in good daylight, ideally in a clean, uncluttered background.
• Exterior: front, rear, both sides, all four corners
• Interior: dashboard, driver's seat, rear seats, boot
• Detail shots: odometer reading, service book, any damage or wear
• Engine bay (optional but appreciated for older vehicles)
Use only photos of the actual vehicle. Stock images or photos of a different car are prohibited.
A good description gives buyers confidence. Include:
• Full service history status (full dealer, partial, or none)
• NCT expiry date
• Any recent work done (tyres, brakes, timing belt, etc.)
• Known faults or cosmetic issues — be honest, it builds trust
• Reason for selling
• Whether the price is negotiable
Research comparable listings on Motohive and other Irish platforms before setting your price. Overpricing leads to a stale listing; underpricing leaves money on the table. Setting a realistic price typically results in a faster sale.
• Respond promptly — buyers often contact multiple sellers at once
• Answer questions honestly; if you don't know something, say so
• Arrange viewings at a safe, public location if possible
• Never share your home address with someone you have not verified
• Be wary of enquiries that offer to pay more than your asking price, ask you to ship the car, or request payment via unusual methods — these are common scams
• Always ask to see the buyer's driving licence before handing over keys
• Check the buyer is insured to drive your vehicle (they may need a specific policy)
• Accompany the buyer on the test drive
• Do not hand over keys or documents until payment has cleared
• Bank transfer (EFT) — verify funds have cleared before releasing the vehicle
• Bank draft — accept only from a recognised Irish bank and verify it with the issuing branch
Be cautious with cash for high-value transactions. If accepting cash, count it carefully. Consider meeting at your bank branch where a cashier can verify large amounts.
• Cryptocurrency — difficult to reverse if something goes wrong
• PayPal Friends & Family — offers no buyer protection and no recourse for you
• Cheques — can bounce after you have handed over the vehicle
• Requests to pay you via a third party or agent
• Complete the Change of Ownership section on the VRC (logbook) and give the buyer their portion
• Notify the DVLA / Revenue Commissioners of the change of ownership at MyVehicle.ie to protect yourself from future liability
• Cancel your motor insurance only after the buyer has driven away with the vehicle
• Remove your personal belongings, garage door remotes, and spare keys
• Provide a signed receipt confirming the sale price and condition at point of sale
If you regularly buy and sell vehicles for profit — even without formal premises — you are likely a motor trader under Irish law and must register as a Dealer account on Motohive. Misrepresenting yourself as a private seller is a breach of our Terms of Use and may be an offence under the Consumer Protection Act 2007. See our Terms of Use for full details.
Questions about selling on Motohive? Contact us at support@motohive.ie.
