Buying a car second-hand can be a great way to save money. Purchasing a car privately will often result in even better value. Dealerships generally add significant markups to cover overheads and profit margins, so buyers are increasingly looking at the private market for fairer prices. Due to a healthy demand for secondhand vehicles, selling your car privately, rather than trading it in or selling it to a used car dealership could result in a higher sale price for you. With the right preparation and research, you can maximise your return while still offering buyers great value.
Here are some tips to get more money for your second hand car.
Know your car’s true value
Before you advertise your car for sale, ensure you research the market price first. Websites such as Redbook, Facebook Marketplace and CarsGuide will all give you an idea of the market value of your car. Use these platforms to compare cars with the same model, year, kms on the clock, location and condition. This research will help you to set a firm baseline price, so you don’t undersell your vehicle. Price your car a bit above your base price to allow some space for negotiation.
Get your car serviced
Gain trust from potential buyers and ensure you are selling a high-quality, well-maintained vehicle. It is recommended by most car manufacturers to have a vehicle serviced every 6 months or every 10,000 kms to keep your car running smoothly long into the future. Even if your car has high mileage, a regularly serviced car should still maintain its value.
Having your car serviced regularly means the vehicle is being routinely assessed, so issues are addressed as they arise. Delayed servicing may result in a minor issue turning into a more expensive problem down the track. Plus, a potential buyer will be more likely to commit to a sale if your vehicle has a regular service history. Provide a service logbook or receipts of most recent services so potential buyers can see what has recently been fixed, replaced or updated.
Having your car serviced freshly before listing the vehicle for sale also means you know exactly what state the car is in before you sell. This helps to prepare you for any negotiation based on car condition. If possible, ask the mechanic to give you a ballpark figure of value after they have had a look to add to your pricing research.
Small things like an oil change and new windscreen wipers will add more value to your car and demonstrate the vehicle has been well maintained. Ask for these to be done at your final service and see if they recommend any other non-essential, low-cost fixes that might add value to your vehicle. Have a road safety certificate (pink slip) inspection done for peace of mind for buyers.
A service before sale is also a good opportunity to change any tyres that have worn. A secondhand car with new tyres is always going to be more appealing. A tyre alignment and brake pad change may also increase the value of the vehicle if these are needed.
Sell with registration still active
Aim to sell your car well before registration expires. Several months of remaining rego can help to get a buyer over the line as they avoid the added expense of registration on top of the cost of the car.
Things get a bit more complicated for you and the buyer if registration has expired. You will have an easier time negotiating a better price if there are a few months left on rego.
Clean your car
Clean up the car thoroughly before listing for sale or having potential buyers view or drive the car. Steam clean the seats either through a professional car cleaner or hire a steam cleaner yourself from somewhere like Bunnings. Investing in a professional clean will help to elevate the price well beyond the investment you may pay for cleaning.
Replace floor mats if they look tired and a leather wheel cover can elevate a scuffed or tired looking steering wheel.
Take high quality photos
Good photos matter more than most people realise, increasing potential leads. Choose a nice location with some greenery, with a clean and simple backdrop. Shoot in during daylight without shadows falling over the car. Include photos of the front, rear, both sides of the car, wheel, dash, interior, engine bay, odometer and logbook. Turn wheels slightly to show wheel rims. If possible, use a wide-angle lens for a more professional look.
Attract with an appealing ad
The more potential buyers looking at your car the better price you are likely to get. Attract your ideal customer by including details such as key features, honest condition, full service history and reason for sale. Include any recent maintenance and upgrades and list any extras included (such as floor mats, tinting or a roof rack). Be sure to also include details such as fuel economy and safety ratings and the reason for sale. Use simple, clear and confident language to gain trust.
Before meeting with potential buyers, speak on the phone and get some personal details from them such as full name and contact number. Arrange to meet somewhere public, ideally during daylight. Don’t let your insurance lapse until the sale goes through (to cover any accidental damage during a test drive) and don’t let anyone in the seat of your car without sighting (and taking a photo on your phone) of their licence.
Be prepared to negotiate
Expect people to offer less than you are asking. Know the value of your vehicle and be prepared to negotiate a price that suits both parties. Be clear about what your lowest acceptable price is, and if you are in a position to wait for a better price be ok with saying no to a sale.
A well-maintained used car in good condition is a valuable asset. Invest time and effort into preparing your vehicle for sale and you are likely to be rewarded with a quicker sale and a better price. Presentation, transparency and attention to detail make all the difference and will help your car to stand out in a competitive market, giving buyers peace of mind and potentially more money in the bank for you.
Alison Gallagher is a freelance writer, resourcefulness expert and entrepreneur. She has been featured in various publications including Stellar Magazine, Australian Health and Fitness Magazine, and Cleo Magazine. Alison is particularly passionate about sharing practical tips on how to live simply, sustainably and seasonally.
