How to choose the best way to sell your car

There are many ways to sell your car and choosing the right one is not easy.

Ready to switch to another car or just want to get rid of an old jalopy but don't know where to start?

There are many ways to sell your car and choosing the right one isn't easy, but we've put together a simple guide to help you choose the best way.

Whether you're short on time, want the best price, or want to sell a new or used car, one of these options will be right for you.

Private sale

Selling a car privately gives you the opportunity to negotiate to get the best price.

Before you start advertising it, you need to set an asking price based on the car's market value, you also need to take a picture of it to show it to potential owners, and you need to document all the details buyers will want to know.

You can research prices using the browsing feature on CarsGuide.com.au or using the free pricing tool.

You can also advertise your car for free on Autotrader.com.au. Once you've posted it on CarsGuide and provided potential buyers with all the information they need, you'll need to make yourself available to potential buyers to view the car.

Some states require a roadworthiness test when selling privately, but regulations vary from state to state and you should check with your local registry office for details.

After the car is sold, the registration must be transferred to the new owner.

ADVICE. Repairing any cosmetic damage will help you get more out of your car.

Selling a car privately gives you the opportunity to negotiate to get the best price.

Before you start advertising it, you need to set an asking price based on the car's market value, you also need to take a picture of it to show it to potential owners, and you need to document all the details buyers will want to know.

You can research prices using the browsing feature on CarsGuide.com.au or using the free pricing tool.

You can also advertise your car for free on Autotrader.com.au. Once you've posted it on CarsGuide and provided potential buyers with all the information they need, you'll need to make yourself available to potential buyers to view the car.

Some states require a roadworthiness test when selling privately, but regulations vary from state to state and you should check with your local registry office for details.

After the car is sold, the registration must be transferred to the new owner.

ADVICE. Repairing any cosmetic damage will help you get more out of your car.

Selling to a dealer is an option for those who are short on time or want to trade in another vehicle. It's fast and mostly stress-free.

Before contacting a dealer, do your research to get an idea of ​​how much your car is worth when you rent it.

If you're selling your car, the dealer will usually have some cushion in price to negotiate, so be prepared to haggle.

Also, you can just sell the car to the dealer if you just want to sell quickly and don't care about reaching the maximum selling price.

TIP: If you're selling a Ford, you can get a better price at a Ford dealership, and the same goes for all other brands.

car buying service

Using a car buying service is another option for those who live busy lives, who don't have time to sell their car privately, or just need money urgently.

Sell ​​My Car, an Australian car buying service, offers customers a free, instant online valuation. This is a great place to start the selling process, there is no obligation to sell and the best part is it takes less than 2 minutes to get an online estimate and less than 24 hours to sell.

TIP: online assessment is free; this is a great way to get an idea of ​​the value of your car. You can then compare this to other selling methods.

Using a car buying service is another option for those who live busy lives, who don't have time to sell their car privately, or just need money urgently.

Sell ​​My Car, an Australian car buying service, offers customers a free, instant online valuation. This is a great place to start the selling process, there is no obligation to sell and the best part is it takes less than 2 minutes to get an online estimate and less than 24 hours to sell.

TIP: online assessment is free; this is a great way to get an idea of ​​the value of your car. You can then compare this to other selling methods.

Selling at auction allows you to reach the market value of your car.

Australian auction house Manheim Car Auctions will upload images of your car to view online and help you get more attention.

In weekly auctions in most states, your car is offered at a reserve price, but if it doesn't fall within the reserve price, you can still decide to sell it the same day.

You also have the option to sell your car to an unregistered person if you can transport it to the Manheim site.

Since so many people visit the auctions every week, your car will get a lot of attention and a lot of interest.

TIP: Do your research and set a realistic reserve price for a quick sale. Don't let your car get old.

Cash for cars - towing cars

Do you have a car that you can't drive? Auction houses such as Manheim also offer salvaged car auctions. They will estimate the price over the phone and arrange for your car to be towed to the auction.

Do you have a car that you can't drive? Auction houses such as Manheim also offer salvaged car auctions. They will estimate the price over the phone and arrange for your car to be towed to the auction.

Do you feel charity? Kids Under Cover (KUC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing youth homelessness. KUC has a Donate Your Car program which is a free, tax-free and fast alternative to selling your car. As a charitable partner of KUC, Manheim auctions your car and the proceeds go to KUC.

— Can I sell my car without a technical passport?

Not all states require an inspection when selling a vehicle, so it's worth checking with your local registration office for the local rules that apply to you.

In states like Victoria that require a valid roadworthiness certificate, you can sell your vehicle without a roadworthiness certificate, but only if the buyer agrees to do so.

But a buyer is more likely to buy your vehicle with more confidence if they have a valid roadworthiness certificate, although they may be willing to negotiate a lower purchase price if they are willing to get a roadworthiness certificate at their own expense.

Do I need to register a car for sale? 

You can sell your car without registration, but it may be more attractive to the buyer if it is sold with the registration remaining. Unregistered vehicle permits are available in every state for a fee, but for temporary use only.

How can I find out how much my car costs?

Most people think their car is worth more than it actually is. Keep this in mind when comparing to CarsGuide listings as these vehicles are not yet sold.

It's a good idea to get an online estimate before deciding on a price. You can get a good idea of ​​its value with the car appraisal tool at Autotrader.com.au.

— Can I sell my car for finance?

This can often be difficult. It depends on how the car is funded. See our full financial car sale history here.

List your vehicle here at Autotrader.com.au.

— Can I sell my car without a technical passport?

Not all states require an inspection when selling a vehicle, so it's worth checking with your local registration office for the local rules that apply to you.

In states like Victoria that require a valid roadworthiness certificate, you can sell your vehicle without a roadworthiness certificate, but only if the buyer agrees to do so.

But a buyer is more likely to buy your vehicle with more confidence if they have a valid roadworthiness certificate, although they may be willing to negotiate a lower purchase price if they are willing to get a roadworthiness certificate at their own expense.

Do I need to register a car for sale? 

You can sell your car without registration, but it may be more attractive to the buyer if it is sold with the registration remaining. Unregistered vehicle permits are available in every state for a fee, but for temporary use only.

How can I find out how much my car costs?

Most people think their car is worth more than it actually is. Keep this in mind when comparing to CarsGuide listings as these vehicles are not yet sold.

It's a good idea to get an online estimate before deciding on a price. You can get a good idea of ​​its value with the car appraisal tool at Autotrader.com.au.

— Can I sell my car for finance?

This can often be difficult. It depends on how the car is funded. See our full financial car sale history here.

List your vehicle here at Autotrader.com.au.