Selling a used car may seem straightforward, but in reality it involves several important decisions: where to advertise it, how much to ask, how to evaluate the vehicle and which platform offers the best visibility. With the Portuguese automotive market constantly evolving, choosing the right place can make a big difference in selling quickly, safely and at a fair price.
Below is a complete guide explaining the best places to sell your used car in Portugal, along with the advantages of each option.
1. Online listing platforms — the most practical and effective option
Automotive marketplaces have become the most popular choice among Portuguese sellers. They allow you to publish an ad in minutes, reach thousands of potential buyers and negotiate directly, without intermediaries.
moto.pt — recommended platform for those who want to sell fast
If you’re looking for a Portuguese website dedicated exclusively to cars and motorcycles, where buyers are actively searching for vehicles, you can publish your listing on moto.pt.
Advantages:
- simple and quick listing process
- high visibility among real buyers
- platform focused solely on vehicles
- avoids the noise of non-automotive websites
For many users, this is one of the most efficient ways to sell a used car in the current Portuguese market.
2. Car dealers — quick sale, but lower price
Many dealerships buy used vehicles directly from owners.
This option is ideal when:
- you need to sell urgently
- you prefer not to deal with calls and negotiations
- you want to avoid bureaucracy
However, the price offered is usually lower than market value because the dealership must resell the vehicle at a profit.
3. Trade-in (retoma) when buying another car
If you're planning to buy a new car, dealerships can accept your used vehicle as a trade-in.
Benefits:
- reduces the price of the new car
- paperwork handled by the dealership
- quick and straightforward process
Downside:
- trade-in value is often lower than what you would obtain selling privately
A trade-in is convenient but not ideal if your goal is to maximise the sale price.
4. Selling privately — the traditional method
You can still sell directly to a private buyer using:
- word of mouth
- local groups
- social media
This method can work well, although it's less secure and may involve more time, negotiation and low-quality leads.
5. How to choose the best option
The right choice depends on your priorities:
If you want to sell quickly:
- dealerships
- trade-in
- online marketplaces with active buyers (such as moto.pt)
If you want the best price:
- post your ad on a specialised platform
- take professional-quality photos
- negotiate directly with buyers
If you want the simplest process:
- dealership trade-in
- immediate-purchase used car dealers
Tips to sell your car faster
- Take high-quality photos
- Clean the car, choose good lighting and show interior and exterior clearly.
- Organise all documentation
- A valid inspection, service history and spare keys increase buyer confidence.
- Set a realistic price
- Compare similar models and consider mileage, age and overall condition.
- Write a complete description
- Transparency reduces repetitive questions and builds trust.
Selling a used car in Portugal has never been easier. You can choose between online platforms, dealerships, trade-ins or private buyers. For most drivers, the best balance between visibility, speed and control is achieved by advertising online.
And if you want a platform that is specialised, simple to use and focused exclusively on vehicles, you can publish your used car on moto.pt, connecting directly with real buyers across Portugal.