Thinking of selling your used car? Whether you’re upgrading to a newer model or just looking to clear some space in the driveway, selling a vehicle can be a great way to put a few extra bucks in your pocket. But it’s not as simple as tossing up a quick ad and hoping for the best.
To get a fair price and ensure a smooth, stress-free sale, there are a few important steps you should take. Don’t worry—we’ve put together the ultimate checklist to help you through it. No fluff, no jargon—just practical steps you can follow right now.
✅ 1. Get Your Car Ready
Let’s start with first impressions. Even if your car’s not brand new, it should still look well cared for.
- Clean it inside and out: Vacuum the seats, wipe the dashboard, and give the exterior a proper wash.
- Fix small issues: Topping up fluids, replacing a missing hubcap, or fixing a faulty brake light can go a long way.
- Gather paperwork: This includes your car’s service history, registration, and roadworthy certificate (if needed).
Real tip: A well-presented car not only looks more appealing—it gives buyers confidence that it’s been looked after.
✅ 2. Know Your Car’s Value
Don’t just guess—check online marketplaces like Carsales, Gumtree, and Facebook Marketplace to see what similar cars are going for. Factors that affect value include:
- Make and model
- Year
- Kilometres driven
- Condition
- Service history
- Location
You can also use free car valuation tools to get a ballpark figure. This helps you set a fair price—and gives you room to negotiate confidently.
✅ 3. Decide How You Want to Sell
You’ve got a few options here, and each one has its pros and cons:
- Private sale: Often gets you the best price, but requires time and effort dealing with inquiries.
- Trade-in: Quick and convenient when buying another car, but usually offers a lower value.
- Car removal/scrap buyers: Ideal for old, damaged, or unwanted cars. You can often get paid cash on the spot.
If your car is in poor condition or not running, don’t waste time—go straight to a reputable car removal company. You might be surprised how much it’s still worth.
✅ 4. Create an Honest and Clear Ad (If Selling Privately)
A solid ad can make or break your sale. Include:
- Make, model, year, and variant
- Kilometres
- Condition (be honest!)
- Service history details
- Reason for sale
- Price (and whether it’s negotiable)
- Clear photos of the exterior, interior, and engine
Use natural, easy-to-read language. Buyers hate vague or overly salesy listings.
✅ 5. Respond to Enquiries Promptly
If you’ve listed the car for sale, be ready to respond to calls or messages. Most buyers will ask:
- Is the car still available?
- Any accidents or issues?
- Can I come see it?
Make sure you arrange viewings in safe, public locations. Be courteous, flexible, and patient—but also trust your gut if something feels off.
✅ 6. Arrange a Roadworthy Certificate (If Required)
In most Australian states, you’ll need to provide a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) to sell your car to a private buyer. Without it, the buyer might not be able to transfer ownership.
Check your state’s requirements:
- Victoria (VIC): RWC is required for registration transfer.
- NSW: Safety Check (pink slip) is needed for older vehicles.
- QLD: RWC required for all private sales.
If you’re selling to a wrecker or car removal company, you usually won’t need one.
✅ 7. Complete the Transfer Paperwork
Once you’ve agreed on a deal, it’s time to make it official. The transfer process varies by state, but usually includes:
- Signing a Vehicle Transfer Form
- Logging the sale online or submitting documents to your local transport authority
- Providing a copy of your ID and registration
Don’t forget to cancel your insurance and apply for a rego refund (if eligible).
✅ 8. Accept Payment Safely
Common methods of payment include:
- Bank transfer (safe and traceable)
- Cash (verify it on the spot)
- Bank cheque (ensure it’s genuine)
Avoid weird payment requests or international buyers offering to “pay extra.” If it sounds dodgy, it probably is.
A Quick Example: How Sarah Sold Her Hatchback
Sarah had a 2010 Mazda 3 she didn’t drive anymore. She cleaned it up, took some nice pics, and listed it online. After a few messages, she arranged a viewing with a local buyer who loved it.
Because she already had the roadworthy certificate ready and all the paperwork in place, the whole deal was wrapped up in two days. She even got $500 more than she expected—proof that a little prep really pays off.
Bonus Tip: Want It Gone Fast?
If you’re not keen on dealing with buyers, haggling, or paperwork, consider selling your car to a car removal company. It’s fast, often same-day, and you’ll still get a fair price—especially if the car is old, damaged, or no longer roadworthy.
No Fancy Words, Just Good Advice
Selling your car doesn’t have to be a headache. With a bit of preparation, you can get a good price and avoid the common pitfalls that trip up so many sellers.
Follow this checklist, stay organised, and whether you sell it privately or to a professional car buyer, you’ll be cruising toward a smooth sale in no time.
If you are in Bonbeach, and looking for a car removal service, this is the best way to visit us.
28 Station St, Cranbourne VIC 3977