Top Tips For Selling A Used Car

Are you planning on selling a used car? With more Australians buying used than ever before, now is a great time to get selling. So whether you're selling an extra vehicle or planning to buy something new for yourself, we're here to help.

Read on for our top tips for selling a used car:

Ways to sell your car

To friends or family

Got a friend or family member in need of a car? Selling to them is sometimes the fastest and easiest option.

To a used car dealer

Looking to speed up the process? A dealer may buy your car used to sell on. But keep in mind you'll likely get a lower price than other selling methods so dealers can make their own profit.

At an auction

Auctions are popular for cars of call shapes and sizes. If you'd like a chance to get a little more money for your sale, an auction site may be a good option.

Online Platforms

Selling a car through an online platform like Only Cars is the top choice for many owners. It's quick, easy, and accessible.

Of course, you'll need to put in some work upfront, creating your listing - but that can pay off when you find the right buyer. Throughout the remainder of this article, we’ll look at tips for selling your car online.

Preparing to sell

Do your research

Research is invaluable for used car sales. By taking the time to look around you can discover a lot of information that will help you create a listing that stands out. We recommend researching the following factors online..

1. Are there many listings for the same type of car as yours? You can search on Only Cars for the car you’re selling.
2. The average price for similar cars. Check the price on listing for cars that are a similar model, age, mileage to the car you’re selling.
3. The description and wording for other vehicles. Consider what grabs your attention.
4. What information do other people include?

Consider what information you would want to see if you were looking at buying the vehicle yourself. Check other listings to see what details they include and anything missing.

Once you've done this preliminary research it will be much easier to create an appealing listing for your car that attracts buyers.

Clean the car inside and out

A shiny, clean car makes for a good first impression. You can do it yourself or pay for a cleaning service. Make sure your car has been given a thorough cleaning before you take any photographs for your listing.

Get some good photos

Your selection of photographs can make or break your listing.

With a modern smartphone camera, you can capture some quality shots of your vehicle yourself. Or if you really want your listing to stand out, ask a friend with a high quality DSLR camera to take some photos for you.

Aim to have at least ten photographs of your car from a range of angles, as well as pictures of the interior - first impressions matter.

Create an informative listing

Now you've got your snaps and done your research; you can begin writing. A good listing should include all the details needed for a buyer to make a decision. Here are some of the things to include:

• The model of your car
• The mileage on your car
• The age of the vehicle
• Details of any damage, scratches or dents
• Whether the car has passed servicing and testing

Looking at other listings can give you an idea of other things that you should include, so don't forget to check around.

Once your car is listed

Respond to enquiries

If you leave potential buyers waiting, they’re likely to go elsewhere. So, where possible, be quick in answering questions on the phone or via message. Even if you say you'll get back to them later with more information, a fast response can make a big difference.

Related: What to do if you receive a suspicious email enquiry

Book in viewings

Most buyers would like to view the car in person before deciding to buy. So, if possible, carve out some time in the evenings and weekends for viewings. You can also offer test drives on your car if you'd like, to help buyers make up their mind.

Update the listing as needed

Not getting any bites on your listing? Then it might be time to change up the listing or lower your price. A few tweaks to your listing may be all that’s needed to gain more interest. Can you write a more compelling description or get better photos? Consider whether the price you’re asking for is realistic in comparison to others.

Making a sale

Types of payment

Depending on the value of the vehicle, typical payments include the following:

• Cash
• Bank transfer
• PayPal
• Cheque
• Other online payment services like Venmo

If possible, either bank transfer or online payments are your best option.

Completing your sale

All that's left to do now is hand over the paperwork on your used vehicle. You'll need to supply all car paperwork for the buyer to register. You will also want to cancel any insurance you currently have on your vehicle once it's off to its new home.

Once everything is done and dusted, that's it. With your used car sold, you have that free cash to spend however you like.