How to make the most money when selling your car
Selling your car can be a great way of making some cash, and there are some tried and tested methods to maximising your return.
car advice
Don't miss out on the headlines from car advice. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Selling your car privately rather than trading it in typically puts more money in your pocket.
But there’s a lot more to offloading your former family chariot than taking a couple of pictures and waiting for the money to roll in — at least if you want to get a decent price.
You need to convince prospective buyers your car is ideal for them. Do that and you’ll have a better chance of selling it quickly and for a good price.
Here are some tips and tricks to selling your former pride and joy.
TAKE A GOOD PICTURE
Professional car photographers make new vehicles look stunning.
While you’re unlikely to emulate their lifetime of practice in one fleeting walkaround, you can learn titbits to improve your skills.
One of their key tricks is shooting when the light is low, either near dawn or dusk.
It means you’ll get a nice glow off the side of the car rather than the harsh reflection of the sun.
There’s also less chance of dark shadows.
When shooting the interior, make sure the steering wheel is straight and empty the clutter out of the centre console.
If the car has been garaged, make sure you point it out in the ad and include a couple of pics of it tucked away in its weather-proof home.
AND LOTS OF THEM
Used-car buyers want to have a clear idea of what they’re getting into, so make sure you take plenty of images.
The general manager of valuations experts Redbook.com.au, Ross Booth, says “as a general rule the more photos the better, up to 25”.
Take pictures from every angle outside and inside. Take close-ups to highlight key features such as electric seats or a reversing camera.
If there are scratches or scrapes then by all means take close-ups to ensure would-be buyers are well informed (there’s no point having someone come to look at the car only to be put off by a scuff on the wheel).
But make sure they’re not front and centre; best to position them towards the end of your photo gallery.
BE CAREFUL WHAT IS IN THE PICTURES
If you’ve used your car to tow a caravan the size of a small hotel it’s probably best to leave it out of the background of the image.
Buyers could be put off that a car has done such hard work.
Similarly, think about what other items are in the shots.
Do you carry oil around in the back of the car to top up the engine every now and again? Then take it out for the photos.
And make sure cigarette packets and other items of rubbish are removed from the interior.
In the same way a clean house is more appealing, a neat and tidy car can make all the difference.
One mechanic we talked to says a grubby interior is a red flag: if the owner has neglected the bits of the car they can see, there’s a fair chance they’ve neglected what’s out of sight under the bonnet.
WASH THE CAR
It sounds obvious, but you’d be amazed how many people don’t bother getting out a bucket and sponge before someone comes to look at the car — or even to take the photos.
If you’re not one for getting wet and soapy then take it to a professional cleaner.
If you can splash out on a full detail (typically $200-$400) you’ll be surprised the difference it can make.
A wax and polish can bring dull paint to life and blackening the bits that are supposed to be black helps contrast the colour.
DON’T FORGET THE TYRES
If your car has recently had new tyres fitted then point it out in the ad.
A new set of rubber typically costs upwards of $500, so can sway perspective buyers.
If the tyres are from a respected brand such as Pirelli or Michelin it’s worth letting buyers know.
At the very least it shows you’re prepared to spend a bit more on your car.
HIGHLIGHT THE SERVICE HISTORY
If your car has been immaculately maintained then you want to scream it from the rooftops.
Better still, include images of the logbooks to prove the car has been serviced at every turn.
If it’s just had a major service or you’ve had the engine reconditioned, mention it in the ad. Such check-ups can easily run into thousands of dollars and if your car is up to date it will stand out from the crowd.
KNOW WHAT YOU’RE SELLING
Some sellers don’t realise their car was a top-of-the-range model with more equipment or fitted with an option pack.
If it was, mention it and you’re more likely to make buyers’ shortlists.
If you’re not sure exactly what model your car is do an online VIN (vehicle identification number) check or visit your dealer to confirm.
A free online rego check with your state registration authority can also help in determining the year and model.
BE REALISTIC ABOUT THE PRICE
Putting too high a price on your car can instantly turn off buyers. If you’re happy to take $19,000 for it but list it for $21,000 then you’ll miss all those people who are only searching for cars priced up to $20,000. Remember, the prices you see for similar cars you see on classified websites are not what the cars are selling for but what they’re advertised for.
In many cases they’ll sell for thousands less.
Check out websites such as Redbook or Glass’s Guide for free valuations.
UNLEASH YOUR INNER SALESPERSON
Websites such as Carsales will help construct your ad with some standardised wording that highlights the pros of your car.
But don’t just rely on that. Delve into your inner salesperson to get the point across. Get into the nitty gritty about your car and tell people why yours is the one they want.
Does it have low kays? Has it always been garaged? Do you wash it weekly? Are you the only owner?
Redbook’s Booth says people should lead on the strengths.
“I would always lead with the specifics off that vehicle: one owner, still under warranty, only 20,000 kilometres.”
THE CASE FOR TRADING IT IN
Is it all getting too hard?
Used cars can take weeks or months to sell, particularly if you have a rarer model or something a bit unusual.
And often you’ll be bombarded by lowball offers, many from car wholesalers keen for a bargain.
As well as preparing the car for sale you also have to deal with buyers, not all of whom are trustworthy or reasonable.
That’s why many are prepared to effectively pay for the convenience of trading in.
Drive the old car in and drive the new one out. You’ll get less than you would selling privately but if you put a value on time spent, you might come out in front.
Originally published as How to make the most money when selling your car