How To Sell a Car In Australia

How To Sell a Car In Australia

Are you tired of looking at how to sell a car in Australia? Or just don’t want the hassle of selling a car? No matter the reason, selling a car in Australia can be a tiring task, especially if your vehicle is damaged or has any issues. 

Selling a car comes with its own challenges that include getting the right deserving price, finding buyers, avoiding scams, paperwork, or negotiation. But don’t worry, in this article we will guide you through the easiest process to sell a car in Australia. 

Know Your Options To Sell A Car 

Selling a car can be more frustrating if you don’t know where to start with the number of options available, it’s important to understand each method’s advantages and disadvantages to ensure a smooth and profitable selling process. Firstly, let’s explore what are the options available for your car in Australia:-

1. Private Selling 
2. Auction
3. Cash For Cars Services
4. Trade in/ Dealership
5. Sell on consignment
6. Private selling 

The first option is Selling Car Privately, it involves selling your car without any middleman or help from a vehicle dealership. It can be time-consuming and require extra effort. However, it’s a good and profitable option as it’s a deal between only seller and buyer no third-party commission will be there, so you get the direct maximise money on your pocket. 

Here are the steps to sell your car privately:- 

Step 1: Prepare your car for sale

First, you’ll need to get your car ready for sale. It include- washing, cleaning, and servicing your car if required. In addition to that you need to get it a roadworthy certificate and fix any minor damages such as dents and scratches. By doing this, you can attract more potential buyers. 

Step 2: Set Price 

Next, you need to set a price for your car. But wait, it shouldn’t be random! This process is easy, simply research online cars similar to your one and see what they are selling for, and set a price that is suitable. There are also valuation tools available that are easy to use, you can know your vehicle’s worth however don’t rely on those prices as it can only give you estimated value. 

Step 3: Advertise 

Another step, Advertising your car! Simply advertise your car on multiple online platforms, one of the popular examples is Facebook Marketplace. Make sure you upload high quality pictures with good lighting and provide clear and actual information. 

Step 4: Arrange Appointments With potential Buyers

Now, you are all set to meet with interested buyers, you will need to show them your car. Arrange the safe location for meetings such as shopping centres or public parks and let the buyer check your vehicle entirely and also allow them to test drives. It’s advisable to bring one of your friends or family members along with you. 

Step 5: Negotiation 

Once you already have a potential buyer, it’s time to negotiate for the price that is profitable for both parties. Remember, stick to your desired price as much as possible. 

Pros and Cons Of Private Car Selling 

Pros	Cons
You can avoid any third party fees and commissions.	You may not be able to find as many as potential buyers like dealers already have.
The entire sale process is under your control, including negotiating, fixing price, and choosing a buyer.	This selling method involves a time-consuming process (1 or more than a month) and requires your extra efforts.
You’re more likely to maximise money than any other selling method.	You may require to meet with multiple buyers that probably bargain your price or some time you may face scams as well.

TIPS

Here are some tips that can enhance your chances to make your successful private car sale:- 

• Be real and honest while providing information to the potential buyers. It builds trust throughout the process. 
• Keep your safety first when meeting with buyers, for example- consider arranging meetings in public locations and always have someone (family member or friend) with you in case of any misleads. 
• Another tip, consider professional (Mechanic or dealers) to get your car’s value, before you set any prices.

2. Auction 

Another option is Auction! It can be an effective method of selling a car to get a good price and avoid the inconvenience of dealing with potential buyers. 

Car Auction is the public event where the businesses and individuals come together to buy or sell vehicles for  highest bids. 

So here’s the step-by-step guide on how you can sell your car to Auctions:- 

Step 1: Choose an Auction House Nearby

Firstly, start by looking for auction houses in your location that specialise in buying cars. Make a research online and choose a reputable and trusted auction that buys vehicles of any condition and lists them.  Now find their contact details to get in touch with them. 

Step 2: Set a Price

Set a minimum price that you’re willing to sell your car for, it should be real and satisfying. While pricing your car make sure to consider fees that the auction houses will charge you, it ensures you don’t end up making a loss on the deal.

Step 3: Provide Vehicle’s Information

Now, provide the information of your vehicle including its make, model, year, mileage, condition, service history and any customisation that you have done. It will be best if you provide some high-quality photos to show your car’s highlights (features). 

Step 4: Attend the Auction

Next, on the final day of the auction, always ensure you reach there on time and have all the necessary papers with you such as vehicle’s registration, service history and other required papers. Also prepare some answers to the questions that buyers may ask you during bid. 

Step 5: Final the deal

Lastly, when you finally meet the price that you’ve set, you close the deal by signing the registration papers and receive payment from the potential buyer. Make sure to get the receipt for the sale and keep it safe. 

Pros and Cons of Selling a Car Auction

Pros	Cons
You have high chances to get the maximum selling price.	It involves high fees and commission.
It’s one of the hassle-free methods. Includes Fast and easy procedure.	Less chances to have control over the selling prices.
Through this method, you are more likely to have wide numbers of potential buyers.	There are risks of not getting the reserve price.

TIPS

While selling cars to auctions, considering these tips can allow you to get familiar and confident throughout the process. Here are the tips:- 

• Take time to do your research on the auction house and current market demand, price for your car’s make and model. 
• Always be fair about the reserve price that you set by involving auction fees into it. 
• Be prepared and confident to answer the question from potential buyers on the Auction day.
• Provide the correct information of your vehicle, as it attracts potential buyers.
• Last tip, do not forget to get the receipt or any other essential papers and keep them safe for any future reference. 

3. Cash for cars Services

Cash For Cars Service option fits perfectly for those who are looking to sell a car quickly without having any hassles of dealing with a long process. It allows you to get rid of your vehicle in a fast and convenient way in exchange for instant cash payment. 

Such companies are doing a great job by contributing the possible way to dispose of vehicles without causing any harm to the environment. Companies like Scrap Cars Removal Sydney ™, responsible for making customers and the environment both satisfied by offering the efficient and safe cash for cars and free pickup services. 

So here is the step by step process to sell your car at Car removal services:- 

Step 1: Find a reputable service provider

Firstly, look for the reputable cash for cars service provider in your area. Do proper research and list the top of the results, 

Step 2: Contact Potential Buyers

Now, contact the service providers and give them accurate details of your vehicle including make, model, year, and condition. Some companies provide online forms (Quote)  on their websites to make an offer for your vehicle. 

Step 3: Receive Offers

The service provider will evaluate your vehicle based on the details you provided and give you an offer online or through phone call.

Step 4: Accept Offer

Once you’re satisfied with the offer, fix the deal. The potential cash for cars company will ask for your convenient time and location to arrange towing. 

Step 5: Get Payment

Lastly, the buyer will come to the provided location and receive the payment in your preferred suitable payment method. After completing a few paperwork they will tow away your vehicle. 

Pros and Cons of Cash For Cars Services

Pros	Cons
Fast & Convenient way to sell a car	The price is probably not very high.
It saves your time and effort from any type of advertising and meeting with potential buyers.	Some buyers may charge extra fees for towing.
You receive instant payment.	Potential for scams.
Best way to recycle and reduce environmental impact.	Limited negotiation: these services gives you the option of take or leave.

TIPS

Here are some tips when getting cash for cars services in australia:- 

• Always get multiple quotes and choose the best deal out of them. 
• Provide accurate details about your cars to get the correct quote offer or estimate.
• If possible, negotiate with the buyer and let them know your desired amount for your vehicle. 

4. Dealership

Another popular car selling method is your Dealership. This option is ideal for those who want to sell their car but don’t want to go through the process. They usually will help you to sell your car at the best possible prices. 

Here are step wise process of trade in car at dealership:-

Step 1: Research

It’s important to research a vehicle’s value before you start selling your car. There are several websites available online that determine the value of your car. Simply search car valuation tools and you’ll get multiple results. Such as- Drive and CarsGuide.

Step 2: Choose a Dealership

Once you have evaluated the value, now it’s time to choose a dealership to trade in. Make sure to visit a few dealerships to compare each offer and choose the best one. 

Step 3: Make your car ready 

Next, clean your entire car, fix any minor repairs and collect all the necessary paperwork (Registration, insurance documents, service history)

Step 4: Visit The Dealers & Negotiate

When you have all the papers, take your car to the dealership for the inspection. After that, the dealers will give you an offer. If required, try to negotiate to get the best value. 

Step 5: Complete the Payment 

If you’re agreed to the offer, sign the required papers and receive the payment. 

Pros and Cons of Selling Car At Dealership

Pros	Cons
Easy and quick	You may not receive the desired value for your car. As it involves dealers commission.
You don’t need to advertise your vehicle.	Dealers probably try to offer you a lower value than the market price.
Instant payment for your vehicle.	Less chances of negotiations.
You can exchange your current vehicle for a new one.

TIPS

Here are few tips that can help you sell your car successfully at dealership: 

• Before selling your car, make sure to research the market prices to get the best value for your car. 
• Choose the dealership that is well-reputed in your area.
• Always be honest about the condition of your car.
• Before you start visiting the dealership, keep your vehicle’s necessary paperwork ready.

Sell your car: Each State rules and Paperwork Australia 

Each state has set its own rules and regulations about car selling whether choosing private selling or car removal. You need to be aware of these rules, especially if you’re selling a car for the first time. Let’s explore what your Australian states rules and paperwork required:- 

How to sell a car in NSW

When selling car in NSW (New South Wales), you only required these things to consider, no matter which selling method you choose:-

1. Transfer vehicle registration: Being a buyer, you need to transfer the car’s registration into your name. Make sure you must have a valid driver’s licence or other identification.

2. Roadworthy certificate: Being a seller, you must provide a valid roadworthy certificate (Safety certificate) issued by a professional authorised mechanic. 

“Note: It doesn’t apply to vehicles older than 5 years or unregistered vehicles.” 

3. Notice of disposal: The seller has to complete and submit notice of disposal to RMS (Roads and Maritime services) within 14 days of sale. You can do it online or by visiting a service centre in person. 

4. Cancel insurance: Seller must notify the insurance company and cancel the vehicle’s insurance policy once the sale is complete. 

How to sell a car in Victoria (VIC)

To sell your car in Victoria, you’ll need to consider these things:- 

1. Transfer Of Ownership: When selling a car in VIC, you’ll need to transfer the ownership of your vehicle to the buyer’s name. 

• Simply fill out the transfer of ownership section on the back of the vehicle registration certificate and sign it. 
• Make sure to provide the original certificate to the buyer, and keep a copy for yourself.
• In this case, the buyer is responsible for completing the transfer of ownership process with VicRoads within 14 days of the sale. 

2. A Roadworthy Certificate (Unless Exempt)

If you’re selling a registered vehicle in Victoria, you need to provide a Roadworthy certificate, unless your car meets any specific exemption criteria. 

Exemptions: In cases such as – when the vehicle is registered in another state, transferred between family members, or sold to the car dealers then you don’t require to get Roadworthy certification. This is called Exemptions.

For more information, it’s recommended to check Victoria Govt. Guidelines and Regulations: Sell and transfer a registered vehicle : VicRoads

How to sell a car in Queensland (QLD)

While selling vehicle in Queensland you need to consider these things:

1. Safety certificate: Make sure you obtain a valid current safety certificate for the vehicle. It ensures that your vehicle is in safe condition and meets safety standards required by law. 
2. Transfer of Registration: If the vehicle is currently registered, the buyer needs to complete transfer registration on his/her own process within 14 days of sale. Also, the buyer needs to pay any applicable transfer fees to stamp duty. Being a seller, don’t forget to get the copy of the transfer of registration. 

“To get more details about selling cars in Queensland, it’s recommended to visit the govt. Official website: Selling and moving unregistered vehicles | Transport and motoring | Queensland Government”

How to sell a car in Western Australia (WA)

There are several things that you must consider when selling a car in Western Australia:- 

1. Submit Notice of Disposal: Within 7 days of the car sale, you need to notify the department of transport by submitting a notice of disposal. It ensures the authorities that you are no longer the registered owner of the vehicle. 
2. Transfer of ownership: Officially transfer the vehicle’s ownership to the buyer’s name within 14 days of sale. 
3. Roadworthiness: In WA, your vehicle must be roadworthy at the time of sale. This ensures your vehicle is safe and running condition and meets all safety standards. 

“To get more details about selling cars in Queensland, it’s recommended to visit the govt. Official website: Selling a used vehicle | Transport and motoring | Queensland Government” 

How to sell a car in South Australia (SA)

Here are things you need to consider when selling a car in South Australia (SA):-

Transfer of Registration: You need to transfer vehicle registration to the buyer’s name within 14 days of the sale (Notice of disposal)

“To get more details about selling cars in Queensland, it’s recommended to visit the govt. Official website: SA.GOV.AU – Buying, importing or selling a vehicle” 

How to sell a car in Tasmania (TAS)

There are the things to consider when selling a car in Tasmania, Australia:-

Notice of Disposal: Submitting notice of disposal within 7 days of sale. It ensures your name is taken off the registration and you’re no longer responsible for the vehicle anymore. 

“To get more details about selling cars in Queensland, it’s recommended to visit the govt. Official website: Selling your vehicle – Transport Services”

Conclusion

In conclusion, selling a car in Australia can be a challenging task until you’re not familiar with the process and requirements. With our proper guide on how to sell a car in Australia, we have mentioned everything that will make your car selling process easy and convenient.