The Right Way to Sell Your Car

Pretty much everyone is aware of what to do or what to look for when buying a used car. But when it comes to selling a used car, a lot of people are surprisingly lost as to how to even begin.

But the process is actually a lot simpler than many people think: it’s all about being organized, being fair, and getting the word out. You don’t have to be a master salesman; heck, you don’t even need to have any kind of experience in marketing, you just need to make your car look good and have an honest ad with an honest price.

So whether you’re looking to sell your car looking to scrap it for some cash, here are some things to think about before having a car removal come by your garage:

Get Your Paperwork in Order

Depending on your state, you’re going to need more than just a deed of ownership: if you want to sell your car in the Gold Coast (or anywhere in the state of Queensland), for example, you’re also going to need a certificate of roadworthiness or a safety certificate before you can legally sell your car. It’s an obligatory piece of paper, and you’ll have to go down to your local authorized vehicle inspection station to get it.

Other than that, you’ll also have to inform your state/territory department of transport about the transfer of ownership. Depending on the state or territory, this is usually done by the buyer, so go to your local state website for more details.

Have a Fair Estimate for Your Car

Auto dealerships and car removal services will usually have an expert on-site to give your car a fair evaluation based on its current condition and current market prices. If your car doesn’t have any major issues, this entire process can be done over the phone; if there are a couple of dings and/or minor issues that need to be addressed, either take it to a dealership or call a car removal company to come by and inspect it.

Most states in Australia don’t require you to provide warranty if you’re selling it privately (i.e. selling it directly to another person), but you are required to inform them of any minor or major defects that the car has.

Make Your Car Look Good for the Photos

Give your car a good wash (both outside and inside) and wax to really make it shine for the photos! The best time to take pictures will be sometime in the early morning or late afternoon, as these are the perfect times for the most natural light. For most of your potential buyers, your car’s photos will be their first impression, so make it a good one!

Take photos of all the angles of the car –front, back, and sides –and get these photos as detailed as possible. You want to give your potential buyer a good 360-degree look of the car, so they can see if there are any defects, but also to give them a feel of what it would be like to drive it.