How to get your car ready for sale
So, the time has come — you've decided to part with your current set of wheels. Whether it's an exciting upgrade or a bittersweet goodbye, there are a few things you should know when it comes to selling a used car. To get the most out of your experience, here are our tips for how to get your car ready for sale and create a winning used car ad.
Clean your car up for selling
You don't have to spend a lot of money making your car presentable, but attention to detail goes a long way. Make sure you give the inside a good vacuum (don't forget under the floor mats!) and check that no rubbish is left under seats or in your doors. Give your windows a good clean from the inside, and your dashboard a wipe down to get rid of any dust. You might want to consider having your car detailed if you think it'll be worth the extra cash. Otherwise, it's generally not recommended to spend too much money making minor cosmetic repairs just before you sell your car.
Get your car serviced
You may want to get your car serviced before you put it up for sale, just to be sure there's no nasty surprises for you or your potential buyer. This will also help you confidently answer any questions about the current state of your vehicle, and any repairs the new owner may have to take into consideration.
Include these key points in your car ad
- The make, model, and category of your car.
- Its current mileage.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Any noteworthy features.
- Fuel economy (if it's going to be appealing to buyers).
- Any modifications.
- A brief overview of maintenance and service history.
- Any damage or recent servicing.
You can choose whether or not to mention the reason for selling your car, but it's a good idea to disclose any issues that will need fixing by the new owner. Always be honest and upfront, as this will avoid any problems later down the track, and is always appreciated.
Another crucial part of creating a successful car ad is the photos.
Take clear photos
One of the most important parts of your ad is the images. You don't have to spend money on professional photography — a good smartphone camera should do the trick. The main thing is that your photos are clear, good-quality, and show a realistic representation of your vehicle in its current state. Take your photos in decent lighting, and make sure to include pics of both the exterior and interior from a few different angles. If there's any damage like dints or scratches, make sure to include photos of these too. People always appreciate honesty, and want to know what to expect, especially if they end up coming to view your car later on.
Research the value of your car
You can use sites like Carsales to get an idea of the value of your car. But have a look around at what other people are selling the same model and make for. Try to find listings that are in as similar a condition to yours as possible — eg, similar mileage, similar year, etc. It's also a good idea to mention in your listing whether you're negotiable on price or not. This will save both your and potential buyer's time. You can also mention which payment methods you will accept.
Gather your paperwork
- registration papers
- service records or service manual
- receipts for any work you've had done to the car
- owner's manual, and
- roadworthy certificate (if you have it).
Transfer your Bingle policy to your new vehicle
Once you purchase your new set of wheels, you can easily transfer your Bingle policy from your old car online (as long as your new vehicle is one we can provide coverage for). Check out our guide on how to transfer your Bingle insurance policy to your new car in a few simple steps.
