Selling Your Classic Car: Auction vs Private Sale

You've decided to sell your classic car. Now comes the strategic question: auction or private sale? Each approach has distinct advantages, and the right choice depends on your vehicle, your timeline, and your tolerance for the selling process.

The Case for Auctions

Speed and Certainty

Auctions produce results within a defined timeframe. A typical online auction runs 7-14 days, and at the end, you either have a sale or a clear signal about market interest. Compare this to private sales that can drag on for months.

Market-Determined Pricing

If you're unsure about your car's true value, auction bidding reveals what buyers will actually pay. This removes the guessing game of pricing and the frustration of "lowball" offers that are actually reasonable market bids.

Access to Qualified Buyers

Auction platforms pre-qualify bidders with payment verification. You're not dealing with tire-kickers or dreamers — everyone who bids has demonstrated financial readiness to complete the purchase.

Professional Presentation

Quality auction platforms handle listing creation, photography guidance, and marketing. For sellers who aren't comfortable writing compelling vehicle descriptions or reaching the right audience, this support is valuable.

When Auctions Work Best

• Desirable, well-documented vehicles that will attract competitive bidding
• Sellers who want a defined timeline and minimal ongoing involvement
• Vehicles in the €25,000-€250,000 range where auction audiences are strongest
• Motivated sellers who are realistic about market values

The Case for Private Sales

Maximum Price Control

You set the price and can reject any offer below your threshold. For patient sellers with highly desirable cars, this can mean capturing full retail value rather than wholesale or auction prices.

Fee Savings

Private sales avoid auction commissions. However, factor in the cost of advertising, your time, and potentially longer holding costs. The "savings" aren't always as significant as they first appear.

Buyer Relationship

Some sellers prefer knowing who's buying their car. The personal connection and ability to vet the next owner appeals to those emotionally invested in their vehicle's future.

When Private Sales Work Best

• Rare vehicles with small but dedicated buyer pools who monitor specific sources
• Cars where you've already identified a likely buyer (through clubs, shows, etc.)
• Sellers with time, sales skills, and tolerance for the process
• Lower-value vehicles where auction fees would eat significantly into proceeds

Fee Comparison

Auction Fees

Platforms vary significantly:

• Finds: No seller commission in our current model. Buyers pay a 5% fee.
• Traditional houses: Often charge both seller (5-15%) and buyer (10-25%) premiums
• Online platforms: Typically 4-8% seller fees or fixed listing charges

Private Sale Costs

• Classified listings: €50-500 depending on platform and duration
• Photography: €200-500 for professional shots (worth it)
• Your time: Responding to enquiries, arranging viewings, negotiating
• Holding costs: Insurance, storage, registration while selling

Preparing Your Car for Sale

Regardless of method, preparation matters:

• Documentation: Gather all service records, MOT/ITV history, and ownership paperwork
• Presentation: A professional detail can add more to the sale price than it costs
• Repairs: Fix easy issues. Leave major work for the new owner to price in.
• Photography: Clean environment, good light, comprehensive coverage
• Honesty: Disclose issues upfront. Hidden problems destroy deals and reputations.

The Finds Approach

We built Finds to combine auction benefits with seller-friendly terms:

• Zero seller commission — our revenue comes from buyer fees
• Curated listings — we review submissions to maintain quality standards
• Reserve prices — protect your minimum acceptable price
• EU-wide audience — reach collectors across Europe
• Seller support — guidance on listing creation and pricing strategy

Making the Decision

Ask yourself:

1. How quickly do I need to sell?
2. Am I confident about my car's market value?
3. Do I enjoy the selling process, or would I rather outsource it?
4. Is my car likely to attract competitive bidding interest?

For most sellers of desirable classic cars, auctions offer the best combination of speed, convenience, and fair market pricing. Private sales remain viable for specific situations but require more work and patience.

Ready to explore your options? Submit your vehicle to Finds for a no-obligation evaluation.