Clean your car
Good presentation of your vehicle is vital. Potential buyers respond much better to a vehicle that is clean. You may consider getting your car professionally detailed however this will cost around $200. A well presented car is perceived to be well cared for by the existing owner. If you are cleaning the vehicle yourself you may wish to;
- vacuum the interior
- add an air freshener
- shampoo the carpet and upholstery
- clear out the glove box and ashtrays
- remove dust from the dashboard
- wash and polish the car
- clean the windows
- clean the wheels, and
- blacken the tyres
Clean under the bonnet
A buyer will look under the bonnet during their inspection. A dirty engine and bay may indicate to the buyer that the vehicle has been poorly maintained.
Get a tune-up
Get a tune-up and have a mechanic perform whatever maintenance and repairs that are needed. But always consider the cost of major repairs against your sale price, especially on older cars.
Prepare for the phone calls - BE CONTACTABLE!
Buyers indicate a high degree of frustration when they are unable to contact the owner of a vehicle that is listed for sale. If you are unavailable whilst your car is on display, please let the CARFAIR staff know so that they can advise people when inspecting your car. Also, it is a good idea to get prospective buyers' names and phone numbers in case you need to contact them again.
Pricing your vehicle
For best results, it is important that you present your vehicle to the market in the appropriate price range. Whilst a number of factors can dynamically affect the pricing of cars (e.g. petrol price spikes), when determining the price, take into consideration; body condition, paintwork, kilometres, tyres, and remaining registration. CARFAIR staff are also available to help you determine an approximate price range. Be aware that the majority of potential buyers will be using the internet as a guide to research pricing of private sales at sites like www.redbook.com.au
Finalising the sale
Put your agreed sale arrangements in writing - including
- deposit amount
- final method of payment - a bank cheque is the safest payment method
- if a vehicle inspection or repairs are to be done
- and any other caveats required
Give the buyer a receipt for the deposit, including the date and time of pick up. Receipt books are available at the CARFAIR office for your use.
Documentation
When a used car changes hands, the registration has to be transferred from the current owner to the buyer. Make sure your documents are in order for a smooth transfer.
Vehicle Transfer of Ownership
As the seller of a vehicle, on completion of the transaction you must provide the new owner with the signed current registration certificate. You are then required to complete and lodge the 'Notice of Disposal', located at the bottom of the car's registration certificate, to the nearest Motor Vehicle Registry or ACT Government Shopfront. This "Notice of Disposal" relinquishes you from any fines or infringement notices that may occur after sale and prior to the new owner completing the transfer.