Used Car Seller's Guide London Ontario: Price, List, Sell (2026)

Why it works:

Selling a car privately in London can feel like a part-time job. But with the right strategy, it's a part-time job that pays thousands of dollars.

Let's be honest: selling a car is intimidating. There's the pricing stress, the paperwork maze, the test drive anxiety, and the constant fear of scams. Most people just trade their car in at a dealership and accept thousands less than it's worth just to avoid the hassle.

But here's the thing: London is actually a great place to sell a car privately. Between Western students needing wheels, families looking for reliable second vehicles, and military personnel coming and going from CFB London, there's constant demand.

I've sold seven cars in London over the years. I've made every mistake so you don't have to. Here's exactly how to sell your used car in London for top dollar in 2026.

First: The 2026 London Used Car Market

What's happening right now:

• Prices are still elevated - post-pandemic inventory never fully recovered
• Interest rates are higher - more people buying used instead of new
• Students need cars - Western and Fanshawe enrollment is strong
• Winter is real - cars with winter tires sell faster
• EVs and hybrids are everywhere - more options for buyers

What London buyers want:

• Reliable Japanese cars (Honda, Toyota, Mazda)
• SUVs and crossovers (family favorites)
• Cars with safety certificates (saves them hassle)
• Clean winter records (rust inspection matters)
• Honest sellers (no hidden problems)

What London buyers avoid:

• Rust buckets (we see enough salt here)
• Cars with "check engine" lights on
• Rebuilt/salvage titles (hard to insure)
• No safety certificate (means you're hiding something)
• Modified cars (students might want them, families avoid)

Dealership Trade-In vs Private Sale

Dealership Trade-In

Pros:

• One-stop shop (trade and buy in one visit)
• No paperwork hassle
• No strangers test driving your car
• Tax savings (trade-in reduces taxable amount on new car)

Cons:

• You'll get 20-40% LESS than private sale
• They lowball you (it's their job)
• They'll find every flaw to negotiate down

Private Sale

Pros:

• 20-40% more money in your pocket
• You control the process
• Cash in hand (or certified cheque)

Cons:

• Takes more time and effort
• You deal with strangers
• Test drives required
• Paperwork is your responsibility

The 2026 reality: Selling privately is worth it for most cars under $30,000. For luxury or very new cars, consider both options.

Where to List Your Car in London

Option 1: Fliku (Best for Verified Buyers)

Platform: Fliku.com

Why it's first:

• Verified buyer profiles (no scammer energy)
• Growing London community
• Free to list
• Safe meetup integration
• User ratings protect you
• Car-specific categories

What sells best on Fliku:

• Reliable daily drivers
• Student-friendly cars under $10,000
• Family SUVs and minivans
• Cars with safety certificates included

Listing tips for Fliku:

• 20+ photos (exterior, interior, engine, odometer)
• Include maintenance records
• Be honest about condition
• Mention safety certificate status
• Price competitively (check similar listings)

[List your car on Fliku - London's newest marketplace]

Must Read:-

• How to Post Your First Ad on Fliku
• How To Spot Fake Listings on Facebook & Kijiji
• Kijiji vs Facebook Marketplace Canada : Which Gets You More Money?
• Where to List a Car for Sale in London, Ontario
• How to Sell a Used Car in London, Ontario (2026 Guide)

Option 2: Facebook Marketplace (Most Eyeballs)

Platform: Facebook Marketplace

London-specific: Filter to "London Ontario" within 100km

What sells best:

• Cars under $15,000
• Student-friendly vehicles
• Trucks and SUVs
• "Mechanic specials" (if priced right)

The 2026 reality: Marketplace has the most buyers. It also has the most scammers. You need to be smart.

How to win on Marketplace:

Photos:

• Clean car inside and out
• Natural light (sunset shots = sold)
• 20+ photos minimum
• Show odometer reading
• Show any damage close up

Description formula:

• Title: [Year] [Make] [Model] - [Price] - London
• Detailed condition (honest)
• Maintenance history (records build trust)
• Safety certificate status
• Reason for selling (optional but helps)
• Your area (general, not exact address)

Pricing strategy:

• Check similar cars on AutoTrader and Marketplace
• Price 10-15% above your minimum (negotiation room)
• "Firm" in description = serious sellers only

Option 3: AutoTrader (Premium Audience)

Platform: autotrader.ca

London-specific: Set location to London area

What sells best:

• Cars over $10,000
• Recent models (2018+)
• Luxury vehicles
• Trucks and SUVs
• Rare or special vehicles

Cost: $50-120 depending on package

Why it's worth it:

• Serious buyers only (people pay to search)
• Professional presentation
• Value range tool shows buyers your price is fair
• Certified pre-owned options available

When to use AutoTrader:

• Car is worth over $15,000
• Car is rare or unique
• You want it sold fast to qualified buyers
• You have clean Carfax and safety certificate

Option 4: Kijiji Autos

Platform: kijiji.ca (London section)

What sells best:

• Trucks and work vehicles
• Older cars
• Project vehicles
• Cars under $5,000

The 2026 reality: Kijiji is less active than Marketplace but has an older demographic. Sometimes that means more serious buyers.

Option 5: London Used Car Facebook Groups

Join these groups:

• London Ontario Cars for Sale
• Western University Students Cars for Sale
• London Ontario Used Cars & Trucks
• Fanshawe College Classifieds

Post in all of them. Different groups, different audiences.

Option 6: Western University Student Marketplace

Western's student app requires .edu emails. Great for targeting students.

Best for: Cars under $10,000, first cars, student-friendly vehicles

Step 1: Prepare Your Car for Sale

Clean it (this matters more than you think):

• Exterior wash and wax
• Interior vacuum and wipe down
• Clean windows (inside and out)
• Remove personal items
• Air freshener (subtle, not overwhelming)
• Engine bay cleaning (if you're comfortable)

Gather documentation:

• Owner's permit (ownership)
• Service records (all of them)
• Receipts for recent work
• UVIP (Used Vehicle Information Package) - buy from ServiceOntario ($20)
• Safety certificate (if you have it)
• Carfax report (buy it, include in listing)

Address any issues:

• Check engine light? Get it diagnosed
• Minor repairs? Consider fixing (adds value)
• Upcoming maintenance? Be honest
• Winter tires? Include them (adds $500-1,000 value)

Step 2: Price It Right

The 2026 pricing formula:

Step 1: Research

Check these sources:

• AutoTrader (similar cars within 100km)
• Facebook Marketplace sold listings
• Canadian Black Book (online tool)
• Clutch.ca (online buyer, shows wholesale prices)

Step 2: Adjust for condition

• Excellent: Top 25% of range
• Good: Middle 50% of range
• Fair: Bottom 25% of range
• Poor: "Mechanic special" pricing

Step 3: Add London premium

• Cars under $10,000: +$500-1,000 (student demand)
• Winter tires included: +$500-800
• Safety certificate included: +$1,000
• Rust-free (garage kept): +$500-1,500

Step 4: Add negotiation cushion

• Price 10-15% above your minimum
• Everyone wants to feel like they won

Example Pricing

Step 3: Take Photos That Sell

The 2026 photo standard:

Exterior (10+ photos):

• Front (straight on)
• Driver side
• Passenger side
• Rear
• Front angle (3/4 view)
• Rear angle (3/4 view)
• Wheels (close up, show condition)
• Tires (show tread depth)
• Any damage (close up, honest)

Interior (5+ photos):

• Dashboard (show odometer reading)
• Driver seat
• Rear seats
• Cargo area/trunk
• Headliner (check for stains)
• Any wear (seats, carpet, controls)

Under hood (2-3 photos):

• Engine bay (clean if possible)
• Any modifications
• Fluid levels (show they're maintained)

Underbody (optional but impressive):

• Show rust condition (honesty builds trust)

Video (bonus):

• Cold start (record first thing in morning)
• Walkaround with narration
• Quick drive (smooth acceleration, braking)

Step 4: Write a Description That Sells

Bad description:

"2018 Honda Civic, good condition, $14,000 obo"

Good description:

"2018 Honda Civic LX - 120,000km - London (Masonville area)

Selling because I just bought a truck for work (need to tow). This car has been my reliable daily driver for 3 years.

Mechanical:

• Oil changed every 8,000km at Canadian Tire (records included)
• New brakes front and rear installed October 2025
• Winter tires on steel rims (installed 2024, one season used)
• Passed safety inspection March 2026 (certificate included)

Cosmetic:

• Small scratch on passenger door (Masonville parking lot incident, photo 23)
• Driver seat has normal wear (120,000km worth)
• No rust (garage kept, undercarriage photos included)

Features:

• Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
• Backup camera
• Heated seats
• Remote starter

Price: $16,400

Located near Masonville Mall. Available for test drives evenings and weekends. Cash, certified cheque, or Fliku Pay. Please actually show up if you say you will - I'm taking time off work for viewings."

Why this works: Complete transparency. Buyers read this and think "finally, someone honest." No surprises = serious offers.

Step 5: Handle Inquiries

You will get stupid messages. Respond professionally anyway.

"Is this available?"

You: "Yes, still available. When would you like to see it in person?"

"Would you take $12,000?" (on a $16,400 car)

You: "I'm priced at $16,400 based on comparable Civics in London. If your budget is $12,000, you might want to look at older models with higher mileage. Let me know if you'd like to see this one."

"I'm in Toronto but my cousin can pick it up Friday..."

You: "Sorry, I'm only selling to local buyers who can view the car in person. Let me know if you'll be in London."

"Can you send more videos?"

You: "Absolutely. What specifically do you want to see? I can send WhatsApp videos right now."

Red flags (block and move on):

• "I'll pay full price if you hold it for two weeks" (scam)
• "I'm out of town but I'll send a deposit" (scam)
• "Can you meet at 11 PM?" (no)
• Any mention of cryptocurrency (still? yes, still)
• "My shipper will pick it up" (scam)

Step 6: The Test Drive

Before they arrive:

• Verify their identity (ask for driver's license photo)
• Confirm they have a valid license
• Tell them you're bringing a friend (even if you're not, say you are)
• Meet at a public location, not your home

London safe meetup spots for test drives:

London Police Headquarters

• 601 Dundas Street
• 24/7 video monitoring
• Designated safe exchange zone

Masonville Mall parking lot

• 1680 Richmond Street
• Busy, cameras everywhere

White Oaks Mall parking lot

• 1105 Wellington Road
• Well-lit, busy

Coffee shop parking lots (daytime)

• Starbucks at 1685 Richmond
• Tim Hortons at multiple locations

During the test drive:

• You drive first (show them how it handles)
• They drive second (on a planned route, main roads only)
• No solo drives - you stay in the car
• Stick to main roads (Richmond, Wonderland, Oxford, Fanshawe Park Road)
• No back roads, no industrial areas, no "let me just hear it in this empty lot"

What to bring on test drive:

• Your phone (charged)
• A friend (if possible)
• Proof of insurance (you're covered, but have it)
• Valid license (they'll ask)

Step 7: The Paperwork (Ontario 2026)

Required documents:

Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP)

• Cost: $20 from ServiceOntario
• Required by law to provide to buyer
• Shows lien status, vehicle history
• Buy it before you list the car

Bill of Sale

• Complete in ServiceOntario app (digital) or paper
• Both parties sign
• Keep a copy forever

Safety Standards Certificate

• Not legally required for private sale
• But cars WITH safeties sell faster and for more money
• Cost: $100-150 from any licensed mechanic

License Plates

• YOU KEEP THESE
• Remove before buyer drives away
• Return to ServiceOntario or keep for next car

The digital transfer process (2026):

1. Open ServiceOntario app
2. Select "Transfer Vehicle Ownership"
3. Enter buyer's email
4. Buyer accepts and pays taxes online
5. Both parties sign digitally
6. Transfer complete in 5 minutes
7. Cancel your insurance immediately

Step 8: Common Mistakes London Sellers Make

Mistake #1: Letting them keep your plates

You will get their tickets. You will get their 407 bills. Remove your plates. Always.

Mistake #2: No UVIP

Illegal. Fine up to $500. Buyer can report you. Just buy the $20 document.

Mistake #3: Not canceling insurance immediately

If they crash 10 minutes after driving away and you haven't canceled, your insurance pays. Your rates go up.

Mistake #4: Emotional pricing

Your 2012 Civic with 200,000km is not "basically new." Price based on data, not feelings.

Mistake #5: Only using one platform

Fliku, Marketplace, AutoTrader, Kijiji, Facebook groups. List everywhere.

Mistake #6: Ignoring winter tires

If your car comes with winters, say so. Adds $500-800 in value.

Mistake #7: Hiding problems

Buyers will find them. Be honest. Build trust.

Where to Get a Safety Inspection in London

Canadian Tire

Locations:

• 1225 Wonderland Road North
• 155 Clarke Road
• 1100 Wellington Road South
• 1680 Richmond Street (Masonville)

Cost: $100-150

Book ahead: They get busy

Active Green+Ross

Locations:

• 1225 Wonderland Road South
• 755 Wonderland Road North
• 1680 Richmond Street

Dealership Service Departments

Any new car dealership will inspect for a fee. More expensive ($150-200) but thorough.

Independent Mechanics

Search Google Maps for "mechanic near me" with good reviews. Call and ask about safety inspections.

The "Sold!" Checklist

At the sale:

• Verify buyer identity (photo ID)
• Complete digital transfer in ServiceOntario app
• Take photo of odometer
• Remove your license plates
• Take payment (cash, certified cheque, cleared e-transfer)
• Give buyer: UVIP, safety certificate (if you have it), keys, ownership

Immediately after:

• Cancel insurance (do this NOW, not later)
• Take photo of signed bill of sale
• Delete all listings everywhere
• Keep digital copy of all documents forever

Why Fliku Is Coming to London

Fliku started in Kingston and became the trusted alternative to Facebook Marketplace. Now we're bringing the same safety and verification to London car sellers.

What Fliku offers London car sellers:

• Verified buyer profiles (real people, no scammers)
• User ratings (see who you're dealing with)
• Safe meetup locations built into the app
• In-app messaging (records everything)
• London focus (local only, no Toronto time-wasters)

The result: Less time answering stupid messages. More time selling to serious buyers.

[Join Fliku London - launching 2026]

FAQ: Selling a Used Car in London

Q: Do I need a safety certificate to sell a car?

A: No, but your car will sell faster and for more money if you have one.

Q: What's the best time of year to sell?

A: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-October) are best. Winter is slower.

Q: How do I price my car?

A: Check AutoTrader, Marketplace sold listings, and Canadian Black Book. Price 10-15% above your minimum.

Q: Where should I meet for test drives?

A: London Police Headquarters (601 Dundas) or busy mall parking lots.

Q: Can I sell a car with a lien on it?

A: Yes, but you must pay off the lien before transferring ownership. UVIP shows liens.

Q: What if the buyer wants to take it to their mechanic?

A: Great! Go with them. Follow them to the shop, wait, drive it back.

Q: Should I accept e-transfers for a car?

A: For deposit only. For full payment, cash or certified cheque at time of transfer.

Q: What paperwork do I need?

A: UVIP ($20), bill of sale, ownership. Safety certificate optional but recommended.

Q: How do I avoid scams?

A: Meet at police station. Verify ID. No shipping, no couriers, no out-of-town buyers.

Q: What sells best in London?

A: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, SUVs, trucks, and anything under $10,000 with a safety.

The Bottom Line

Selling a car in London privately takes work, but it's worth thousands of dollars over a dealership trade-in.

• Prepare the car
• Price it right
• Take great photos
• List everywhere
• Meet safely
• Do the paperwork properly
• Cancel insurance immediately

The right buyer is out there. They're scrolling right now, looking for exactly what you have.

Selling a car in London? Have questions about the process? Drop them below. London sellers help each other.