What Car? Q&A - Why won't my car sell?

Q: I've been trying to sell my Vauxhall Astra estate for four weeks and have had no interest whatsoever. What's up with the second-hand car market?

The car is a Y-registered Astra 1.8 CD estate in really good condition, with a full service history and MoT. I've recently had it valeted and it looks great in its silver finish, but I can't seem to give it away. It's only done 57,000 miles and would be ideal for lots of different people.

I've tried advertising it online, but with no success. What am I doing wrong?
Joanne Riley, via email

A: You're doing nothing wrong, but unfortunately petrol-engined estate cars of that age just aren't very popular at the moment. Buyers tend to prefer diesel engines for their greater fuel economy, as well as the extra versatility of an MPV rather than an estate car.

The used car market as a whole is quieter than at this time last year, reflecting the downturn in sales in the new car market.

It also sounds like you've been advertising in the right places, so the most obvious problem might be the asking price. This is always a difficult to get right. You only need to be just over the true market price, and potential buyers will be put off from even calling. Have a good look at the cars already on sale and note the ones that appear to sell and those that don't.

You should use our valuation tool to help you find the perfect price - click here to check out what your car is worth, and to find out how much to pay for anything you are thinking of buying.