Essential Car Photos for a Faster Sale
To sell your car quickly, provide a complete visual story using good lighting and a clean background.
Exterior Shots (Aim for 8-12 photos)
- Front Three-Quarter View: The most important shot. Take this from a low angle with the front and side visible to show the car's stance and overall condition.
- Rear Three-Quarter View: A complementary shot to the front view, showcasing the rear design and side profile.
- Direct Front: A clear shot of the grille, headlights, and bumper.
- Direct Rear: A clear shot of the trunk, tail lights, and bumper.
- Side Profiles (Both sides): Full-length shots of each side to show the body lines and confirm there's no major damage.
- Wheels/Tires: Close-up shots of all four wheels, showing the condition of the rims and the tire tread.
- Unique Features: Any exterior upgrades, roof rack, sunroof, or specific model badging.
Interior Shots (Aim for 6-10 photos)
- Dashboard and Steering Wheel: A wide, clear shot taken from the back seat showing the layout of the front cabin.
- Front Seats: Detailed shots of both driver and passenger seats to show upholstery condition, tears, or wear.
- Rear Seats: A shot of the back seating area.
- Odometer: A clear, close-up photo showing the exact mileage.
- Center Console/Infotainment: A shot highlighting features like the gear shifter, media controls, and climate controls.
- Trunk Space: A photo with the trunk open showing cargo capacity and condition of the lining.
Detail & Mechanical Shots (Aim for 4-6 photos)
- Engine Bay: A clean, well-lit shot of the engine to show maintenance and lack of leaks (if applicable).
- Service Records/Paperwork: A photo of the maintenance binder or service history adds major trust.
- VIN Plate: A clear photo of the VIN sticker, typically found on the driver's side door jamb.
- Damage/Wear (Be Honest): Photos of minor imperfections like small scratches, dings, or interior wear spots. Honesty builds trust.
Pro Tips for Better Photos:
- Lighting: Shoot outdoors on a bright, but overcast day to avoid harsh shadows and reflections.
- Cleanliness: A clean car sells faster. Wash the exterior and detail the interior before taking pictures.
- Background: Choose a simple, uncluttered background that doesn't distract from the vehicle (avoid messy driveways or crowded parking lots).