How to sell your car - Tips and Tricks

Utsav Das
Est. Reading Time 5 mins

Selling your car is a very emotional moment. You’re bidding adieu to your partner on the open roads. The memories that you’ve made in that car, the stories that you’ve been a part of. However, to not tarnish those memories, the understanding of how to sell your car needs to be thorough and intensive.

In today’s blog, we take a look at what are the considerations one must be mindful of when selling your car. In addition to that, we will also let you in on some tips and tricks on how to go about it.

Cars are almost always a necessity, thus everybody wants to invest in a car which is reliable and well maintained. Most car buyers are looking to make their lifestyle easier while also maintaining a standard for themselves. Thus, we will tell you how to ensure that you prep up your car in accordance with the buyers' mindset so that you can get the most out of your loved vehicle and move into a better car yourself!

Having a service logbook

A well-maintained logbook provides peace of mind, knowing that your car is in good condition, and you have a comprehensive record of its history for reference and planning. This can help you understand if there are any patterns of faulty components emerging and how much the problems persist.

Having a logbook also helps keep track of recommended service intervals, allowing for proactive maintenance. Addressing issues before they become major problems can save both time and money.

Here are some other benefits of maintaining a logbook.

1.Resale Value: A well-documented logbook enhances your car's resale value. Prospective buyers appreciate a comprehensive history, showcasing proper care and maintenance.

2. Warranty Compliance: Follow manufacturer recommendations for servicing intervals, ensuring warranty compliance. A documented logbook serves as evidence of adherence to maintenance guidelines.

3. Fuel Efficiency Monitoring: Record fuel consumption, allowing you to analyse and improve the car's fuel efficiency over time by identifying trends and addressing issues.

4. Insurance Documentation: In case of accidents or insurance claims, a comprehensive logbook serves as documentation of your car's maintenance and can support your case.

5. Troubleshooting Aid: Logbooks assist mechanics in diagnosing issues more efficiently. Detailed records help identify patterns, making it easier to pinpoint recurring problems.

Having it inspected by a professional

Another point to be kept in mind is that a detailed checklist of what is going on under the hood and inside the car will help you attract potential buyers who will compete to get in your ride. This will automatically increase the amount of your car you had in mind.

To get a comprehensive checklist, there are multiple websites you can visit which will send a mechanic to your place to do a comprehensive check on your car for a minimal fee. With this checklist in hand, you’ll be able to ascertain a better amount for your car and act accordingly.

These checklists essentially contain the engine health, the vehicle history, odometer readings, proper maintenance of paperwork etc. This will be a double check on how prepared you are to sell your car and if all things go well the asking price will reflect accordingly.

Cleanliness is a must

Maintaining the car's exterior and interior cleanliness can significantly impact its sale value. Regular washing, waxing, and addressing scratches or dents can help maintain the car's aesthetics. The sale value of cars can also be influenced by the choice of colours, with neutral colours often appealing to a broader market.

Regularly removing road grime, bird droppings, tree sap, and bugs from your car is crucial to prevent them from damaging the paint over time. Addressing these contaminants promptly is essential, as bird poo and tree sap can eat through the paint's protective layer, leading to permanent blemishes that may void your car's warranty. By taking swift action and maintaining a fresh appearance, you can preserve your car's paintwork and ensure it remains in top condition, ultimately enhancing its overall appeal and value.

Regularly applying wax and protective coatings can significantly impact your car's paint over time. An annual refresh of these coatings can help maintain a "like new" appearance for your car. While it may require some effort or investment to apply or have it done professionally, the benefits are substantial. Preserving your car's paintwork not only enhances its aesthetics but also contributes to its resale value.

Before you venture out to sell your car, we advise you give your car a thorough cleaning internally as well. Clean the cockpit as well as the boot. Ensure the flooring and mats are pristine. This makes the car look more appealing as new buyers don’t want to invest in a car and then invest in getting it cleaned. If you get your car professionally cleaned or detailed, the investment in maintaining the car can prove worthwhile, as it can potentially yield returns when you sell it.

List the car

The car you’re looking forward to selling will gather far more attention and retention from buyers if it is easily accessible to many. Listing it on more than one page will be an ideal measure. Listing on more websites means more audiences. While listing also keep in mind the market value of your car, a quick way is to check what is the going price for your car that is listed by someone else. It may take a few more minutes but can be extremely helpful in the long run.

If you don’t want that hassle CARS24 offers you a website which is easily accessible by many and we offer a fair price for every car we buy.

Important!

When listing your car on a website. Ensure that you get high-quality photographs in a well-lit area. If the issue is of lighting and camera, we suggest your phone camera would do in an open neutral background place where there is ample sunlight. This gives your car a real-time feel for how it actually looks on the street and in the open.

Documentation: The final step

When selling your car, your documents, just like the logbook, will be the fetcher of good and great deals. You should get the documents in order to make the transaction seamless and swift. Following are the documents you should keep ready.

  • Vehicle Ownership Documents
  • Maintenance and Service Records
  • Bill of Sale
  • Release of Liability
  • Vehicle History Report
  • Smog Certificate (if applicable)
  • Odometer Disclosure
  • Any State-Specific Document

Conclusion

Selling a car may seem like too much effort, thus we suggest you begin today. Considering these factors will not only help you sell your car easily but also help you maintain it better while you own it. It’s a win-win!

While some dealers would try to undercut you for your car, we also advise selling your car on CARS24 as it is a completely online process with an option to either trade in your car for a better model or sell your car directly to us and take cash hand over fist. Just kidding! we just make bank transactions 24 hours before we pick your car up from your doorstep!

FAQs

1.What documents do you need to sell a car in Australia?

To sell a car, you typically need a valid identification, the vehicle's registration certificate, a completed transfer of ownership form, and a roadworthy certificate if applicable.

2. How long does it take to sell a car in Australia?

The time to sell a car in Australia varies. Factors include market demand, the car's condition, and price. On average, it can take weeks to months.

3. What is the safest payment method when selling a car in Australia?

The safest payment method is a bank transfer or a bank cheque. Avoid cash transactions to minimise the risk of fraud or theft during the sale.

4. How do I transfer a car title in Australia?

To transfer a car title in Australia, complete a Notice of Disposal online or at a transport office, providing details of the buyer. Both parties sign to confirm the transfer.



Selling your car is a very emotional moment. You’re bidding adieu to your partner on the open roads. The memories that you’ve made in that car, the stories that you’ve been a part of. However, to not tarnish those memories, the understanding of how to sell your car needs to be thorough and intensive.

In today’s blog, we take a look at what are the considerations one must be mindful of when selling your car. In addition to that, we will also let you in on some tips and tricks on how to go about it.

Cars are almost always a necessity, thus everybody wants to invest in a car which is reliable and well maintained. Most car buyers are looking to make their lifestyle easier while also maintaining a standard for themselves. Thus, we will tell you how to ensure that you prep up your car in accordance with the buyers' mindset so that you can get the most out of your loved vehicle and move into a better car yourself!

Having a service logbook

A well-maintained logbook provides peace of mind, knowing that your car is in good condition, and you have a comprehensive record of its history for reference and planning. This can help you understand if there are any patterns of faulty components emerging and how much the problems persist.

Having a logbook also helps keep track of recommended service intervals, allowing for proactive maintenance. Addressing issues before they become major problems can save both time and money.

Here are some other benefits of maintaining a logbook.

1.Resale Value: A well-documented logbook enhances your car's resale value. Prospective buyers appreciate a comprehensive history, showcasing proper care and maintenance.

2. Warranty Compliance: Follow manufacturer recommendations for servicing intervals, ensuring warranty compliance. A documented logbook serves as evidence of adherence to maintenance guidelines.

3. Fuel Efficiency Monitoring: Record fuel consumption, allowing you to analyse and improve the car's fuel efficiency over time by identifying trends and addressing issues.

4. Insurance Documentation: In case of accidents or insurance claims, a comprehensive logbook serves as documentation of your car's maintenance and can support your case.

5. Troubleshooting Aid: Logbooks assist mechanics in diagnosing issues more efficiently. Detailed records help identify patterns, making it easier to pinpoint recurring problems.

Having it inspected by a professional

Another point to be kept in mind is that a detailed checklist of what is going on under the hood and inside the car will help you attract potential buyers who will compete to get in your ride. This will automatically increase the amount of your car you had in mind.

To get a comprehensive checklist, there are multiple websites you can visit which will send a mechanic to your place to do a comprehensive check on your car for a minimal fee. With this checklist in hand, you’ll be able to ascertain a better amount for your car and act accordingly.

These checklists essentially contain the engine health, the vehicle history, odometer readings, proper maintenance of paperwork etc. This will be a double check on how prepared you are to sell your car and if all things go well the asking price will reflect accordingly.

Cleanliness is a must

Maintaining the car's exterior and interior cleanliness can significantly impact its sale value. Regular washing, waxing, and addressing scratches or dents can help maintain the car's aesthetics. The sale value of cars can also be influenced by the choice of colours, with neutral colours often appealing to a broader market.

Regularly removing road grime, bird droppings, tree sap, and bugs from your car is crucial to prevent them from damaging the paint over time. Addressing these contaminants promptly is essential, as bird poo and tree sap can eat through the paint's protective layer, leading to permanent blemishes that may void your car's warranty. By taking swift action and maintaining a fresh appearance, you can preserve your car's paintwork and ensure it remains in top condition, ultimately enhancing its overall appeal and value.

Regularly applying wax and protective coatings can significantly impact your car's paint over time. An annual refresh of these coatings can help maintain a "like new" appearance for your car. While it may require some effort or investment to apply or have it done professionally, the benefits are substantial. Preserving your car's paintwork not only enhances its aesthetics but also contributes to its resale value.

Before you venture out to sell your car, we advise you give your car a thorough cleaning internally as well. Clean the cockpit as well as the boot. Ensure the flooring and mats are pristine. This makes the car look more appealing as new buyers don’t want to invest in a car and then invest in getting it cleaned. If you get your car professionally cleaned or detailed, the investment in maintaining the car can prove worthwhile, as it can potentially yield returns when you sell it.

List the car

The car you’re looking forward to selling will gather far more attention and retention from buyers if it is easily accessible to many. Listing it on more than one page will be an ideal measure. Listing on more websites means more audiences. While listing also keep in mind the market value of your car, a quick way is to check what is the going price for your car that is listed by someone else. It may take a few more minutes but can be extremely helpful in the long run.

If you don’t want that hassle CARS24 offers you a website which is easily accessible by many and we offer a fair price for every car we buy.

Important!

When listing your car on a website. Ensure that you get high-quality photographs in a well-lit area. If the issue is of lighting and camera, we suggest your phone camera would do in an open neutral background place where there is ample sunlight. This gives your car a real-time feel for how it actually looks on the street and in the open.

Documentation: The final step

When selling your car, your documents, just like the logbook, will be the fetcher of good and great deals. You should get the documents in order to make the transaction seamless and swift. Following are the documents you should keep ready.

  • Vehicle Ownership Documents
  • Maintenance and Service Records
  • Bill of Sale
  • Release of Liability
  • Vehicle History Report
  • Smog Certificate (if applicable)
  • Odometer Disclosure
  • Any State-Specific Document

Conclusion

Selling a car may seem like too much effort, thus we suggest you begin today. Considering these factors will not only help you sell your car easily but also help you maintain it better while you own it. It’s a win-win!

While some dealers would try to undercut you for your car, we also advise selling your car on CARS24 as it is a completely online process with an option to either trade in your car for a better model or sell your car directly to us and take cash hand over fist. Just kidding! we just make bank transactions 24 hours before we pick your car up from your doorstep!

FAQs

1.What documents do you need to sell a car in Australia?

To sell a car, you typically need a valid identification, the vehicle's registration certificate, a completed transfer of ownership form, and a roadworthy certificate if applicable.

2. How long does it take to sell a car in Australia?

The time to sell a car in Australia varies. Factors include market demand, the car's condition, and price. On average, it can take weeks to months.

3. What is the safest payment method when selling a car in Australia?

The safest payment method is a bank transfer or a bank cheque. Avoid cash transactions to minimise the risk of fraud or theft during the sale.

4. How do I transfer a car title in Australia?

To transfer a car title in Australia, complete a Notice of Disposal online or at a transport office, providing details of the buyer. Both parties sign to confirm the transfer.



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