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Selling Your Car? Here's What You Need to Know ..

6 July 2021 AutoMarket, Tips & Advice

Do you need some tips when it comes to selling your car successfully? All it takes is a little planning and these top tips from the professionals.

 

We want to make the process of selling your car online or through dealership as painless as possible here at MotorMatcher.

Even with the endless amount of information available online, you can't just sleepwalk through a car sale.

Before you start talking turkey with a potential buyer, there are things that need to be addressed first.

 

  1. Make a Sale Plan for Selling Your Car

Will you be selling a convertible in the dead of winter? Our recommendation? Don’t…

Or are you thinking of selling your fleet queen, which is the same year and model of car that state public sector fleets are selling by the hundreds, months before a new model is released? That isn't a smart move.

How about promoting your heavy-duty gasoline-powered four-wheel drive at a time when gas prices are skyrocketing?

Take a few steps back and take a look around. Is it a smart time to sell your vehicle right now?

Consider doing some research at MotorMatcher to get a sense of the market's warmth. If you're not sure what to consider or what you need to weigh up about a car sale, there will almost certainly be information that will provide you with some hints.

And, if you consult someone who understands more about the subject, they may be able to advise you on the ideal time to sell your car in Australia.

 

  1. What is your price for your car?

Most owners believe that the car they paid $20,000 for four years ago is still worth $15,000. This can be the case for some cars, but not all will retain that level of value.

Most likely, the four-year-old car you're selling is no longer covered by the manufacturer's warranty. With a few exceptions, if it's a small or light hatchback with a manual transmission, you might have to lower your sights to make a speedy sale.

The same goes for a car in the "wrong" colour, a vehicle with a high odometer mileage, or a sedan when everyone wants an SUV.

Prices for old and used cars have risen as a result of supply line disruptions after the coronavirus epidemic in 2020. It is now more crucial than ever for owners to thoroughly investigate the value of their vehicle. You'll most likely be selling too cheaply if you don't.

Check the worth of your car, but also check what other owners are asking for similar models and ages of a used car at MotorMatcher.

Price your car reasonably to ensure a quick sale with minimal hassle. If your listed pricing is reasonable, buyers will quickly notice.

 

  1. What has to be done to get the car ready for sale?

 

If your car is an older model, say five years old, it is likely to have developed minor cosmetic issues such as stone chips or shopping trolley scrapes. It's also possible that the vehicle has developed some mechanical issues.

You'll have to decide whether the panel damage and mechanicals are worth repairing as the owner. If you need to replace the windscreen or put on new tyres, a roadworthy one might cost over a thousand dollars.

Repairing dings and scrapes, as well as squeaky suspension bushes, may be costly, and it's a cost that's difficult to justify if the repairs will eat into the sale earnings.

Without a roadworthy certificate, it is harder to sell your car. First, have your local mechanic inspect the car and estimate the cost of fixing the parts that need to be fixed, as well as those that aren't necessary to repair or replace for the car's roadworthiness but may hinder your chances of a rapid sale.

Inform the mechanic that you intend to sell your car and seek his or her advice on the best course of action. They're practical individuals who want you to be a loyal client who brings your next car to them for service, so they should be able to provide you good advice.

 

  1. Lights, camera, action!

 

It's a given that your car will receive the Hollywood treatment, complete with all aesthetic modifications and a portfolio to entice the next owner.

You may have to accept a lesser price if the car is a little dog-eared and rough, because restoring the dents and scratches will almost certainly cost more than the extra money the buyer will pay.

It's a question of elasticity: at what point do you spend too much on the selling proceeds?

Is it possible to complete the work at a cheaper cost?

This isn't a simple question to answer, but you can always ask a friend, neighbour, or co-worker who knows a thing or two about detailing, panel beating or spray painting.

Assume that the car is in good cosmetic condition and that all you need to do is some basic washing, polishing, and vacuuming.

Then figure out where you'll photograph your car for the commercial and whether you'll shoot a short video presentation. This is something we suggest, but not everyone is Sir David Attenborough in front of a camera (or smartphone), so enlist the support of an outgoing buddy.

In any event, keep in mind that the car, not you, is the hero of the film.

Assemble all of the information about your car and write an intriguing tale about it in the next phase. Again, if you're not sure about something, seek assistance.

 

Finally, make a decision about how you'll sell your car. There are various different ways to list your car online. After you've decided on your favourite style of advertisement, creating and managing an ad is simple.

Sell your car online and reach more buyers at www.motormatcher.com.au. We offer a faster, simpler way to compare new and used cars online, creating an ideal and safe marketplace for all car buyers and sellers.