Easily online

Each company works slightly differently, but the basic concept stays the same. You enter your cars details online, starting with the registration number and vital statistics such as mileage and MoT test expiry date.

Youre also asked about the overall condition and will need to provide more detailed information about specific areas where the car is less than perfect, and if it has been damaged.

Once youve answered all the questions, you press the submit button, relax with a cup of tea and wait for a price to be e-mailed to you. This will be a no-haggle value, based on the information you provided, and is the maximum the company is prepared to pay.

Itll stay valid for a set number of days and, if youre happy to go ahead, theyll either arrange collection or set a date at a handover centre to complete the deal.