The process of selling a car, especially a used one, can be difficult (and stressful) for many reasons. Learning how to prepare your vehicle for sale, advertise effectively, and negotiate a fair price is essential.
In this blog, we take you through 8 simple tips that will help you sell a used car quickly and easily for the best possible price.
Get a valuation from a dealer
If you’re selling your car privately, you need to find out what it’s worth before you start negotiating. You can use an online valuation tool such as Redbook.com.au, ask a dealer for a price, or look at websites like Carsales.com.au to get a rough idea of how much money you can make by selling your car.
Depending on the model of your car, it may be worth more than you think, especially after COVID-19 slowed down the production and manufacture of the new car industry. You’ve probably heard of the term “car flipping” before. It’s when people buy cars at auction and then resell them for a profit – it is an excellent way for people to make money fast and has driven up prices of the used car market in Australia.
Set your private sale price
Once you’ve found a buyer who wants to buy your car, you should set a price that will allow you to make a profit. This means setting a price that covers any costs associated with selling the car (like advertising) as well as the value of the car itself.
If you’re selling your car privately, it’s best to set a reasonable price. Don’t go too low because you might not get any offers. And don’t go too high because you might lose out on some potential buyers. Try to find a middle ground where you feel comfortable with the price.
Clean your car
Before you list your car online:
- Clean it thoroughly;
- Remove anything that might affect its appearance, such as mud, dirt, or other debris;
- If there’s something wrong with the car, fix it before you put it up for sale.
You should remove personal items such as wallets, keys, phones, and other valuables. Also, check the tyres and battery and make sure there aren’t any leaks or visible damage.
Photograph your car
Take photos of your car from different angles. Make sure you take pictures of both sides of the vehicle. It would be best also to photograph the car’s interior, including the dashboard, steering wheel, and seats. This will help potential buyers see what condition the vehicle is in and helps them visualise how much work would need to be done to bring the car back to its original state, should it need any TLC.
List your car online
If you’re selling your car privately, you’ll need to list it on an automotive website such as Carsales.com or AutoTrader.com.au. These websites will help you find buyers who are interested in buying your car.
You should list your car online before you go to an actual dealership. This gives you more options when it comes to selling your car. You can choose where you want to sell your car, whether you want to use a private seller or a dealer, and even set up a price range.
Make sure you are easily contactable
It would help if you made yourself available to potential buyers by setting up an appointment with them at a convenient time. If you’re not available during regular business hours, consider having your car ready to go when people look for cars, particularly after work hours or on weekends.
Before advertising your vehicle, ensure you’re easy to reach by phone or email. If you’re unavailable when potential customers call, they may not bother calling back.
Negotiation on price
Negotiating a deal is part of selling a car. It’s also part of buying a car. In both cases, you must be willing to walk away from a deal if you feel you’ve been taken advantage of.
It’s easy to let emotions rule when selling a car. However, if you keep your head and remain calm, you’ll be more likely to get what you want. It’s vital to understand what makes your car unique and how much value it has. Also, consider asking for more money than you think you deserve, as this may help you avoid getting taken advantage of.
Payment
You should make sure you’re prepared before you go to sell your car. Make sure you have enough cash to cover any outstanding payments, as well as the cost of repairs and other expenses. If you use an auto auction, have any paperwork ready.
If your car needs some TLC or just a regular service before you put it up for sale, contact the experts at Sutherland Automotive! Book an appointment online today!
