How much your car is worth depends on the market and what a buyer is prepared to pay. Demand for certain models can change during the year - the summer is a good time to sell a convertible, while most off roaders are purchased in the winter months.
To get a rough idea of what your car is worth buy a price guide and be realistic. Check the local papers and internet sites to see what similar vehicles are selling for. There's no point paying for an ad which puts people off before they have even seen the car.
If you are offering your old car in part exchange, a franchised or independent dealer will make things easy but will try to give you as little as possible for it. Make sure you know what your car is worth before you start negotiating.
Selling privately means you will have to deal with the potential buyer. Not everybody enjoys this experience and haggling over money can be awkward - especially when it's on your driveway.
What you say about your car in a newspaper is all a potential buyer has to go on. Your small ad could also appear alongside other vehicles exactly the same as your own - so you need to get as much positive information in as possible. The key details are exact model - e.g. Ford Mondeo 1.8 LX estate, year of manufacture and registration identifier number, colour, mileage and the price. To this you can add plus points like the number of owners or service history, if available, and worthwhile extras. Keep it brief and to the point - a picture can often be a big selling point. Don't use cliches like "first to see will buy" - it makes you sound like a dodgy dealer. Also be selective about what equipment you mention - all Mondeos have power steering, but not all have CD players.
Apart from the haggling, selling your car privately can be stressful. When somebody wants to make an appointment, make sure you get a name, address and telephone number. You can then call them back to be certain they are who they say they are.
Agree to meet at your address and not at a location where you are vulnerable - write down the number of their car when they arrive and keep it safe. For security, it's best if you have somebody with you at all times - even if they know nothing about cars.
Never ever hand over the keys and if they want to hear the engine running, make sure you are in the driver's seat. If they insist on a test drive check their insurance first and accompany them. Always be wary of the fact that you are vulnerable to attack and take precautions.