When you’re selling your car online, a good description does more than list the basics. It gives potential buyers confidence, answers their questions upfront, and helps them picture how this vehicle might suit their life. The best listings do more than say what a car is. They help people feel what it might be like to own it, and set the stage for a successful sale.

If you’ve ever scrolled past vague, copy-paste listings that say nothing more than "great car, runs well," you’ll know how frustrating that can be. The good news is, you don’t need to be a writer to do better. With a few top tips and a little thought, your description can show potential buyers that you’re a genuine person who’s looked after your vehicle, and that it’s worth a closer look.

Here’s how to write a car description that actually sells, based on what works for real sellers every day.

Start with the essentials

Buyers want clarity, not guesswork. The perfect car listing starts with the basics, clearly laid out. Mention:

  • Make and model
  • Year
  • Transmission (auto or manual)
  • Engine size or type (for example, turbo diesel or hybrid)
  • Current odometer reading
  • WOF and rego status
  • Number of owners

It sounds simple, but these details lay the groundwork for a confident listing. Once that’s in place, you can move into what makes your car worth it.

Tell them what makes your car worth it

Most private car listings fall short because they say too little or fall back on vague phrases like “great condition.” If you want serious interest, describe the car's condition honestly and in detail. Think about what a buyer would want to know, then tell them.

Have any major parts been replaced? What extras does it come with: leather upholstery, roof racks, a tow bar, upgraded audio? Is anything still under warranty or part of a factory service plan?

Covering these details helps your listing feel more complete and gives buyers genuine reasons to pick your car over someone else’s. Many buyers are not just comparing cars; they’re comparing listings, and a clear, friendly write-up can go a long way.

Take this example:

“This Corolla has been my daily for the past five years and it’s been faultless. Always serviced on time, with records available. Brand new tyres this year and never missed a beat. Super economical around town and surprisingly roomy. I’ve taken it on plenty of road trips without a fuss.”

It’s simple, relevant, speaks to the strengths of the vehicle, and sounds like a real person. And that’s exactly what many buyers are looking for.

Match your tone to the type of car

Think about who is most likely to want your vehicle, and talk to them in a way that makes sense.

If you’re selling a family SUV, highlight the safety features, space, boot size and comfort. If it’s a first car, focus on how easy it is to drive and how cheap it is to run. If it’s a performance car, lean into how it drives and any modifications or upgrades.

You do not need to sound like a professional reviewer. Just aim to be helpful and confident about what you’re offering. Remember that the more aligned your tone is with the market, the more likely you are to attract serious buyers.

Be honest about wear and tear

You do not need to list every minor scratch on your car, but if there is a noticeable dent, faded paint, or evidence of a previous accident, be upfront about it. Buyers appreciate honesty and are more likely to follow through if they feel they are getting the full picture.

You can say something like “small scuff on the left rear door, shown in photo.” It shows you are transparent and that your photos accurately reflect the car.

Mentioning any repairs or replacements also helps paint a picture of the vehicle's history, and signals that you’ve looked after it well.

Support your photos with detail

If your car photos show leather upholstery, a sunroof, or a touchscreen stereo, mention them in the description as well. Reinforce what buyers are seeing by adding useful context. It builds trust and helps your listing feel complete.

Call out the features that matter most. Apple CarPlay, reverse camera, heated seats, lane assist. Think about what made this car enjoyable for you, as that is what buyers want to know.

We've written a full guide about How to Take Great Photos of Your Car, but at the end of the day, it's pretty straightforward: photos should show both the interior and exterior in clear, flattering light. If you have a full service history, say so and back it up with a photo of the records. These small touches can really boost confidence in the quality of the car and how well it's been looked after.

Talk about what it’s good at

Cars don’t just get us from A to B. They carry families, haul gear, do the work commute, and make weekends more fun. Maybe it’s been a great runabout that saves money on fuel, or a workhorse that never lets you down on the job.

So help the buyer see what this car does well. Something like “great for long road trips” or “fits three car seats across the back” is more helpful than simply saying it’s in good condition. Be specific about the benefits and features that suit real needs. Those little details help show buyers that this is the right vehicle for the job they have in mind.

Don’t waffle and don’t undersell it either

There’s a sweet spot in a car listing between not enough info and too much fluff. A few short, clear paragraphs are all you need. Aim for 300 to 500 words, as it's enough space to answer questions without overwhelming the reader. If you’re stuck, just think about what you’d want to know if you were buying this car. That mindset will help you focus on the things that really matter.

Buyers also want to know they’re dealing with a real person. A quick line about why you’re selling can go a long way. Something like “upgrading to a bigger SUV for the kids” or “no longer need a second vehicle now that I work from home” gives the listing a more human feel and builds trust without oversharing.

And don’t forget the little things that buyers care about. If your car has near-new tyres, icy cold air con, or a recently replaced cambelt, include it. These details offer extra value to the right buyer and help confirm the car is in good condition and worth checking out in person or even booking a test drive.

Include a price and be upfront

Always include your asking price in the listing. Even if you are open to offers, buyers need a number to work with. A clear price also helps buyers figure out whether the purchase is realistic for their budget, making the process more efficient for everyone.

You can still note “or nearest offer” or “negotiable” if that applies. But starting with a clear number shows you are serious and ready to talk. It also gives potential buyers a clear idea of what they’ll need to pay.

Think like a buyer

Before you publish your listing, read it back through the eyes of a potential buyer. Is it easy to follow? Does it answer the big questions up front? Would it give you confidence if you were seeing this car for the first time?

You don’t need to overthink it, just focus on what matters most to someone scrolling through dozens of listings. A great way to sense-check your listing is to imagine you're shopping for a similar vehicle. What would stop you from enquiring? What would convince you to book a test drive? That mindset will help you focus on what matters most, and can be the difference between being ignored and getting a message that says, “Hi, is this still available?”

Ready to List? Make it Count with OnlyCars NZ

At Only Cars, we make it easy to sell your car online, with access to thousands of quality buyers across New Zealand. If you're getting ready to sell, use our free car valuation tool to get an idea of what your vehicle is worth and help you set a fair price.

And if you're on the hunt for your next car, explore our range of cars for sale. With an extensive selection of new and used cars for sale, and helpful filters that let you find cheap cars for sale, we're New Zealand's newest home of affordable vehicles.