There are many ways to sell a used car, and finding the best method which results in top dollar depends on your vehicle and personal preferences.
Aspects like the model, mileage and general operability of your vehicle are all factors that need to be considered when selling. As are lifestyle choices such as how long you have to sell the car, and how convenient you want the process to be. The two most popular options of sale are often through a dealer, or privately. Whichever the case, if you’re going to achieve the best possible price for your car, you’ll need to do your research! We’ve put together this nifty guide to help you decide how to get top dollar for your second-hand car.
Selling your car privately
Selling your car privately means that you call most of the shots, which is always a bonus. However, it does require a lot of paperwork, and you need to ensure that you’re following the law at all times. Different states have different rules regarding selling vehicles privately, so make sure you look into this if you wish to sell to an interstate buyer.
Pros
You’ll often get a much better sale price than if you sold to a dealer as you won’t be selling wholesale for them to mark up.
Advertising your car as for sale is relatively cheap. There are free websites where you can reach a broad audience.
You have the bargaining power, and generally, the upper hand, if you aren’t in a rush to sell.
Cons
There is a lot of paperwork involved, and this can take up a fair amount of your time. Depending on what state your car is registered in, you may need to provide the seller with a roadworthy certificate and organise the transfer of registration. You’ll also be responding to many queries put forth by potential buyers at possibly inconvenient times.
You’ll need to allow a stranger to test drive your car. This comes with a certain amount of risk, so it’s important to check if your insurance policy covers other drivers if an accident occurs during the test drive.
You need to be wary of scams at all times. Never give out personal information over the internet. Always talk to potential buyers on the phone and meet in public places, preferably with another person present.
Selling your car to a dealer
Selling your car to a dealer comes with the obvious benefit of everything being taken care of for you. It’s quick and easy. But often leaves you with less money in your pocket from the sale, than if you sold privately. Selling your car to a dealer is ideal if you need to sell quickly, if you don’t feel comfortable organising all the paperwork yourself, or if your car needs costly repairs to be deemed ‘roadworthy’.
Pros
You don’t have to worry about the paperwork, transfer of registration, or getting your car to a roadworthy state (which can sometimes cost thousands of dollars).
You’ll generally get a better price if you want to trade in for a newer vehicle, especially if you are (for instance) selling a used Holden, to a Holden dealership, for a new Holden.
Cons
Less cash in your pocket due to the dealer buying the car as is, and at wholesale rather than market price (put plainly, these guys need to make a profit on your car!).
You’re dealing with seasoned experts in haggling here, so it’s rare that you’ll have the upper hand during negotiation, unless your car is quite rare, or has extremely low mileage.
The final word
When it comes down to it, most people swear by selling privately for a better price. But many people aren’t confident when it comes to negotiation, or filling out forms and dealing with strangers. There is certainly risk involved, but this can be managed by being well-informed, doing your research and gaining assistance from experienced friends and relatives. For further information on how to sell your car privately, see these helpful links:
See here for more information on how to privately sell a vehicle in Victoria.
See here for more information on how to privately sell a vehicle in NSW.
See here for more information on how to privately sell a vehicle in QLD.
See here for more information on how to privately sell a vehicle in ACT.
See here for more information on how to privately sell a vehicle in NT.
See here for more information on how to privately sell a vehicle in SA.
See here for more information on how to privately sell a vehicle in WA.
See here for more information on how to privately sell a vehicle in Tasmania.
And remember, even if no one wants to buy it, or it doesn’t even run anymore, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure… you can always cut your losses and sell it for scrap metal!
Door to Door Car Carrying transport vehicles all over Australia. We frequently move recently purchased cars interstate. Contact us today for a free quote.
