1. How can I list a part or vehicle for sale on SpareSeekers?
For parts, visit the "List a Part or Vehicle" page on our website. For complete vehicles, use the relevant sell page for cars or vans. Sign in to your account and fill in the details including condition, price, and photos. Your listing will go live on the platform once submitted.
2. How can I find a specific car part or vehicle?
Use the search bar at the top of the website. For parts, search by make, model, and part type (e.g. "AUDI A3 2010 Front Bumper"). For complete vehicles, browse the Cars or Vans sections and use the filters to narrow results by body type, mileage, condition, and more.
3. Can I trust the sellers on SpareSeekers?
SpareSeekers is a classified ads platform connecting buyers and sellers directly. We do not verify sellers or guarantee the accuracy of listings. We recommend always reviewing the listing carefully, asking the seller questions before committing, inspecting parts or vehicles in person before paying, and using our messaging system to keep a record of all communications.
4. Do I need an account to buy or sell parts or vehicles?
You need an account to list parts or vehicles, track your own listings, and use our messaging system to contact buyers or sellers. Browsing listings is free and does not require an account. All actual transactions — payment, collection, and delivery — are arranged directly between buyer and seller, not through your account.
5. What should I do if I have a problem with a purchase?
Contact the seller first to try to resolve the issue directly. SpareSeekers operates as a classified ads platform and is not involved in transactions between buyers and sellers. We cannot process refunds or mediate disputes. If you have concerns about a listing violating our terms, email us at [email protected].
6. Can I sell a complete car or van on SpareSeekers?
Yes. SpareSeekers supports listings for both parts and complete vehicles. You can list a full car or van alongside or instead of individual parts, all under the same subscription. Use the Cars or Vans sell pages to create a vehicle listing with full details including mileage, MOT, condition, and registration.
7. What checks should I do before buying a vehicle?
Always carry out proper due diligence before purchasing any vehicle:
- Run a full HPI check to verify there is no outstanding finance, the vehicle has not been stolen, and it has no write-off history
- Verify MOT status independently at gov.uk/check-mot-history using the reg plate
- Check the V5C logbook matches the seller details and the vehicle
- Inspect the vehicle in person before making any payment
- Never transfer full payment before completing all checks
SpareSeekers does not verify mileage, MOT status, ownership, outstanding finance, or accident history on vehicle listings. This is the buyer's responsibility.
8. How do listing limits work during and after the trial?
During your 7-day free trial, all plans are capped at 20 listings maximum. After your trial ends, full plan limits apply:
- Starter Plan: 20 listings per month
- Pro Plan: 30 listings per month
- Unlimited Plan: Unlimited listings
Important: Your listing counter does NOT reset when the trial ends. If you created 15 listings during your trial on the Pro Plan, you'll have 15 remaining (30 - 15 = 15) until your first monthly billing date. The counter only resets on your monthly billing anniversary.
9. What happens to my listing counter when I upgrade plans?
When you upgrade your plan (e.g. Starter to Pro), your listing counter is preserved — it does NOT reset. If you've used 20/20 listings on Starter Plan, upgrading to Pro gives you 20/30 (10 listings remaining). Your counter only resets on your monthly billing anniversary, not when you upgrade.
10. How do payments work on SpareSeekers?
SpareSeekers is a classified ads platform — we do not process payments between buyers and sellers. When you find a part or vehicle you want, you contact the seller directly and arrange payment between yourselves (cash on collection, bank transfer, PayPal, etc.). You only pay SpareSeekers for your monthly subscription to list parts and vehicles — we never take commission or fees on your sales.
11. Am I buying from a business or private seller?
Both types of sellers are on SpareSeekers — private individuals selling their own parts or vehicles, and business sellers such as car breakers and salvage yards. Your consumer rights differ depending on who you buy from. Business sellers must comply with the Consumer Rights Act 2015, giving you stronger protection including 30-day returns. Private sellers offer more limited rights. Check the seller's profile to see their seller type before purchasing.
12. Do I need to pay tax on parts or vehicles I sell?
It depends. If you're occasionally selling your own unwanted parts or a personal vehicle, this is usually not taxable. If you earn over £1,000 per year from all self-employment or trading activities, or if you're buying items to resell as a business, you must declare this income to HMRC. SpareSeekers does not report your earnings to HMRC — we are a classified ads platform and do not track or process your sales. You are responsible for declaring any taxable income yourself. See gov.uk/self-assessment for guidance.
13. How do I collect or receive parts or vehicles?
Collection and delivery is arranged directly between buyer and seller. Common options include collecting in person, posting or couriering parts, or local delivery if the seller offers it. For vehicles this is typically in-person collection. You negotiate and agree on the method when you contact the seller through our messaging system.
14. What if I receive a faulty or wrong part?
Contact the seller first to try to resolve it. Your rights depend on whether you bought from a business or private seller. If buying from a business, you have Consumer Rights Act 2015 protection including 30-day returns. If from a private seller, your rights are more limited. SpareSeekers is not involved in transactions and cannot refund you or mediate disputes — this is between you and the seller. If the issue cannot be resolved, you may need to use the small claims court.
15. Can I report unsafe, stolen, or prohibited listings?
Yes. If you see a listing for stolen parts or vehicles, counterfeit items, or anything that appears dangerous or prohibited under our Terms & Conditions, report it immediately to [email protected]. We will review reports at our discretion and may remove listings or suspend accounts where our terms have been violated. We may also report to Trading Standards or police where appropriate.
16. How do I delete my account?
To delete your account, contact our support team at [email protected]. We will assist you in permanently removing your account. Note that billing records are retained for 7 years as required by UK tax law even after account deletion.