What is the best way to sell a car privately in Australia?

Selling privately allows you to retain full control of the sale and potentially get a higher price than trade-ins or car buyers.

Jun 30, 2025 - 16:22
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What is the best way to sell a car privately in Australia?

The best way to sell a car privately in Australia is by preparing your vehicle properly, advertising it with transparency, setting a fair price based on market data, and ensuring safe payment and ownership transfer. Sellers must comply with state laws and provide accurate vehicle history, particularly when selling without registration or a roadworthy certificate.

Selling privately allows you to retain full control of the sale and potentially get a higher price than trade-ins or car buyers. However, it also requires more effort, awareness of legal requirements, and an honest approach to attracting the right buyer.

Why Choose a Private Sale in Australia?

A private car sale in Australia is ideal for car owners looking to:

  • Get the maximum return without dealer commissions

  • Sell at their own pace

  • Avoid trading a car in for a reduced offer

  • Sell vehicles of all ages, even older models with minor wear

In 2023, over 45% of used vehicles sold in Australia were through private listings, highlighting this as a popular option for value-seeking sellers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Selling Privately

1. Prepare Your Car for Sale

Begin by ensuring your car is presentable, functional, and free from obvious defects.

Key preparation tasks include:

  • Cleaning the car inside and out

  • Fixing minor issues like worn wipers or flat tyres

  • Servicing the car if due soon

  • Collecting documents like rego, service history, and manuals

If you're in Queensland, VIC, or NSW, check if a roadworthy certificate (RWC) is mandatory for private sales. For example, in Victoria, a current RWC is required for most vehicles before the transfer.

2. Determine a Fair Asking Price

Price your car competitively using real market data, not guesses. Use valuation tools and listings to compare similar vehicles.

Popular Australian car valuation tools:

  • RedBook.com.au

  • CarsGuide Car Valuation

  • Drive.com.au Price Guide

Take into account:

  • Make and model

  • Year of manufacture

  • Condition and mileage

  • Service history

  • Registration status

For example, a 2012 Toyota Corolla with a full service history and 150,000 km might fetch around $7,000–$9,000, depending on location and market demand.

3. List Your Vehicle on the Right Platforms

Online visibility is critical when Selling my Car in Melbourne.

Top platforms to advertise your car in Australia:

  • Facebook Marketplace – free, fast, with local reach

  • Gumtree – allows detailed listings with photos and pricing

  • Carsales.com.au – Australia's largest automotive listing site (paid)

  • Drive.com.au – great for newer vehicles or enthusiasts

Upload at least 6–10 clear photos and describe:

  • The car’s mechanical condition

  • Features like Bluetooth, cruise control, etc.

  • Why you’re selling

  • Location for viewing

Tip: Be transparent about flaws—this builds trust and filters out time-wasters.

4. Communicate Safely and Securely

Respond to enquiries promptly and professionally. Always meet potential buyers in public places or at home with someone present. Offer test drives only after verifying a full Australian driver’s licence.

Prepare answers for common buyer questions like:

  • “Has the timing belt been replaced?”

  • “Any accident history?”

  • “When was it last serviced?”

5. Negotiate With Confidence

Most buyers will attempt to negotiate. Decide beforehand your lowest acceptable price.

If a buyer offers $6,000 for your listed $7,000 car, consider:

  • Market trends

  • Whether other buyers are interested

  • If you’re in a hurry to sell

Fact: In metropolitan areas like Sydney or Melbourne, you may receive more competitive offers due to larger buyer pools.

6. Accepting Payment Safely

The safest way to receive payment is via:

  • Bank transfer (cleared before releasing the car)

  • Cash (counted at a bank branch)

Avoid overseas buyers or offers involving shipping agents. These are almost always scams.

7. Complete the Paperwork Legally

Each state has different procedures, but most require:

  • A completed transfer of registration form

  • Proof of roadworthy if required

  • A receipt of sale

Useful links:

Keep a signed copy of the sale receipt and lodge the transfer notice within the timeframe (usually 14 days) to avoid future fines or liability.

What If You Want to Sell Quickly?

Private sales can take weeks. If you're short on time or have an older or unregistered car, selling to a licensed car buyer is a faster option. These services are ideal for:

  • Unwanted or non-running vehicles

  • Selling without a roadworthy certificate

  • Vehicles with expired rego

  • Quick cash on the same day

Example:
Melbourne Cash for Carz is a trusted car buyer in Melbourne that offers:

  • Instant cash payments from $500 to $9999

  • Free car removal within 24 hours

  • No need for RWC or rego

  • On-the-spot payment

  • Good communication and licensed operation

This option suits those who want hassle-free disposal of junk, wrecked, or old cars, especially in outer suburbs or rural VIC, where private buyers are scarce.

Private Sale vs. Selling to a Car Buyer – Comparison Table

Feature Private Sale Licensed Car Buyer (e.g., Melbourne Cash for Carz)
Time to Sell Days to weeks Same-day in most cases
Payment Method Buyer dependent, often delayed Instant cash or bank transfer
Requires RWC Usually yes Not required
Vehicle Condition Must be functional or near-roadworthy Accepts damaged, scrap, or deregistered cars
Advertising Needed Yes No
Effort Required High – cleaning, advertising, etc. Minimal

Final Tips for Selling Privately

  • Always be honest and accurate in your listings

  • Take precautions with test drives and payments

  • Price fairly to avoid long waits

  • Don’t forget to notify your insurer once sold

Private selling is perfect for owners with a bit of time and a roadworthy car. But if your car is old, wrecked, or simply not worth the hassle, a licensed car buyer offers a safe and fast alternative.

Learn More: https://www.melbournecashforcarz.com.au/sell-my-car/

FAQs – Selling a Car Privately in Australia

Q1: Can I sell a car without a roadworthy certificate?
Yes, but only in certain states like WA or SA. In Victoria or Queensland, an RWC is usually required for private sales.

Q2: How do I avoid scams when selling privately?
Never accept overseas offers, always verify buyer ID, and prefer cleared bank transfers. Avoid PayPal and wire services.

Q3: What paperwork is required for a private car sale?
You’ll need a registration transfer form, receipt of sale, and roadworthy certificate (if applicable in your state).

Q4: Can I sell my car if the registration has expired?
Yes, but it must be sold unregistered, and the buyer needs to register it before use. You may need to return the plates to the transport authorities.

Q5: How long does it take to sell a car privately?
It can take from a few days to several weeks, depending on pricing, location, and condition.

freyaparker Hi, I'm Freya Parker, a car expert from Melbourne. I help people easily sell their cars for the best possible price by working with trusted companies like Melbourne Cash For Carz, Local Cash For Cars Brisbane, Max Cash For Cars Brisbane, Get Cash For Carz Brisbane, and Car Removals Sydney. My aim is to make selling your car simple and stress-free, giving you clear advice to get the most cash.