High-quality photos, organised documents, and a thorough cleaning are vital steps to selling a car in Australia.
This post will cover why these steps are important and other tips for getting your car ready for sale.
Here are 9 steps to make the process of selling your car as smooth and successful as possible.
9 Steps for Preparing to Sell Your Car in Australia
- Remove All Belongings from the Car
- Schedule Professional Maintenance and Servicing
- Set the Right Price
- Sort Out Financing
- Consider Removing Aftermarket Accessories
- Get Your Car Sparkling Clean Inside and Out
- Repair Dents and Scratches
- Gather Necessary Documentation
- Take Excellent Quality Photos
1. Remove All Belongings from the Car
No one wants to buy a vehicle with a glove compartment stuffed with random items or food crumbs under the seats.
Check all the nooks and crannies of your car, including:
- Glove compartments
- Consoles
- Underneath the seats
- Boot
- CD player, if it has one
- Any little storage compartments
2. Schedule Professional Maintenance and Servicing
Regularly servicing your vehicle and keeping up with maintenance is a bonus to prospective buyers. Even if you’ve kept up with scheduling maintenance, a good checkup may still be worth it.
If you are unsure of how to make sure your car is roadworthy and in good condition, schedule a comprehensive servicing and vehicle checkup.
A reputable mechanic can check your car over and make sure it has:
- Working fuses and light bulbs
- Proper oil and fluid levels
- Working windshield wipers
- Good brake pads
- Proper tyre pressure
- No engine, electrical, or driveline issues
- No recalls issued from the federal government
- Adequate tyre tread
- Working exterior lights
3. Set the Right Price
Price your vehicle too high and it won’t garner interest. Price it too low and you will lose out on money. So, how do you find that sweet spot for pricing?
Spend some time looking at similar vehicles on the market and researching to find competitive pricing. Also, pay attention to market demand. Is your make and model readily available? Higher competition may require adjusting your price.
Research the used-car market to find selling prices of vehicles with similar:
- Overall condition
- Mileage
- Make
- Model
- Specifications or key features
For the most accuracy, consider using a valuation service to find the right price to list your car at.
Curious about how to sell a used car for the highest price? Read our guide on pricing tips here: Top 12 Expert Tips to Maximize Your Car’s Sale Price
4. Sort Out Financing
If you are still making payments on your vehicle, contact your lender to figure out your options. We recommend paying off your car loan in full if possible. This will draw the highest number of interested buyers.
5. Consider Removing Aftermarket Accessories
Did you add a sports rack, racing wheels, or bull-bar and winch to your vehicle? While these accessories may have added value to you, your potential buyer may not feel the same.
You’ll likely have an easier time selling your vehicle by returning it to factory condition. Also, you may make the most money by selling aftermarket accessories separately.
6. Get Your Car Sparkling Clean Inside and Out
Your vehicle’s appearance gives potential buyers a strong first impression — and you want it to be a positive one!
A car that is clean and sparkling inside and out will help it sell fast, and for the highest price.
For the interior, we recommend professional detailing. Often, the cost of professional car detailing can pay for itself by fetching a higher sales price.
However, it is possible to do a DIY interior clean with great results by:
- Removing floor mats to vacuum them thoroughly and clean underneath the mats
- Wiping down all surfaces
- Remove any stains with a spot cleaner
- Vacuuming all upholstery
- Wiping down the dash and any trim
- Cleaning the windows with the appropriate window cleaning solution
- Vacuum in between seats
- Wipe down any handles, latches, and the steering wheel
For the exterior, consider taking it to a car wash and getting it cleaned or washing it yourself. If you decide to wash it yourself, make sure to rinse it especially well, clean the wheels, use bug and tar remover if needed, and consider polishing the paint.
Lastly, don’t forget the commonly missed engine bay. This is often an afterthought when selling a used vehicle, but the engine bay needs a good clean too. Avoid hosing it down unless you are an expert. If you feel comfortable, wipe down visible or easily accessible surfaces with a damp microfibre cloth.
You May Also Like: Tips to Make Your Old Car Look New Again
7. Repair Dents and Scratches
Scratches, dings, dents, and other cosmetic blemishes can reduce how much you can sell your car for. If the scratches are minor and shallow, you may be able to buff them out with scratch remover and a cloth.
More noticeable scratches may require a machine buffer. Serious damage requires a dent repair specialist or you can choose to leave them as is.
If you decide not to repair scratches or dents, consider dropping the price accordingly. Make sure to take pictures of any more serious dents or blemishes.
8. Gather Necessary Documents
Having the service history for your car can increase your selling price and build trust with buyers. Preparing the necessary documents ahead of time also makes the entire process easier.
Make sure to gather these documents to sell a used car:
- Service logbook with stamps
- User manual
- Any receipts for work, parts, or repairs
- Roadworthy certificate (if required in your state)
- Inspection certificates
- Title and registration papers
- Any applicable warranty info from the manufacturer
9. Take Excellent Photos
Once your car is cleaned inside and out, take high-quality photos of your vehicle.
Here are the steps to take the best photos of a vehicle for sale:
- Find a location with a good background: Find a clean background to capture the best photos. Look for an area that is uncluttered, meaning no traffic signs, light posts, kids’ toys, tools, rubbish, or telegraph poles. At home, you can try closing your garage door and clearing away any clutter or rubbish for a simple, clean background.
- Use the Sun to Your Advantage: We recommend taking photos in the morning or late afternoon. When the sun is lower, the lighting is more flattering. Positioning your vehicle so that the sun is behind it can also help ensure the best lighting.
- Get a Wide Variety: Include a wide variety of photos of your vehicle, including different angles. Take pictures of the front, rear, sides, boot, under the bonnet, sitting in the driver’s seat, rear seats, the dash, and the badge. Include photos of any special features or aftermarket accessories you are selling with the vehicle.
- Include Blemishes or Damage: If your vehicle has any cosmetic or mechanical issues, include photos of the damage. This gives prospective buyers clear expectations of your vehicle’s condition.
Time to List Your Car for Sale
Lastly, it is time to list your car for sale. Here are some final tips for posting your vehicle for sale:
- Include your high-quality photos
- Create a concise description of the car, including service history, special features, mileage, price, and other key details
- Use online platforms to maximise exposure
- Respond to inquiries promptly
- Consider preparing a Bill of Sale that includes: Seller details, VIN (vehicle identification number), vehicle make, model, and year, odometer reading, and buyer details (name, address, date of birth)
Contact Our Team for Recommendations on Custom Vehicle Accessories
Once you sell your vehicle, it’s time to customise your new car. Contact our team for personalised recommendations on accessories to increase your car’s comfort and maintain its resale value.