How To Sell Your Car In Perth, Western Australia

Posted on 22th, Feb 24

Selling a car in Western Australia can be a challenging task with the large variety of options available for selling your car.

Prepare to sell your car successfully in Perth with our comprehensive guide. We’ll be covering the legal considerations, important steps you should take for a profitable sale as well as answering common questions about car sales.

selling a car

Perth Car Selling Checklist

Before selling your car, it is essential to have your documents ready to ensure a smooth sale by having the following documents ready:

  • Current driving license or valid WA photo ID
  • Car registration certificate, logbook, and owner’s manual
  • Car repair and service documents
  • Finance payout letter (if selling a car under finance)
  • Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance

Tips To Increase Your Car’s Value

First impressions matter when selling your car, making sure that your car is running well and more presentable can significantly make selling it easier and more profitable. To prepare your car for sale we recommend taking these steps:

  1. Cleaning and detailing: Elevate the look of your car by giving it a thorough wash, waxing, and even detailing it if you are willing to go the extra mile. A well-maintained, shiny vehicle is more likely to capture the attention of potential buyers, making for an easier sale and a higher sale price.
  2. Addressing mechanical issues: Prioritize fixing major mechanical issues before listing it for sale. Conduct a thorough inspection and undertake necessary repairs to remove any red flags for potential buyers.
  3. Creating a compelling advertisement: If selling online, create a captivating title showcasing your car’s best features eg: “Immaculate Condition, Low Mileage – Camry 2020.” Write a detailed description, mentioning make, model, year, mileage, and unique selling points. It is also important to include high-resolution images from different angles, inside and out, ensuring good lighting for a clear picture of your car’s condition and appearance.

Where Can I Sell My Car In WA?

Maximise your returns by exploring various selling options in WA:

Cash for cars service: Cash for cars companies such as Perth Car Buyer offers a swift and hassle-free way to dispose of unwanted vehicles for cash. What makes these companies stand out is their willingness to buy vehicles of all conditions. This includes cars with engine issues and not just new and popular models. Plus they offer same or next-day deals with instant cash in hand. Despite potentially lower offers compared to private sales, the time and cost savings, along with free car removal, make them a competitive and convenient choice, especially for older cars.

For a quick quote give us a call or fill out our online form!

Selling to a Dealer: Car dealerships are a traditional choice, particularly for newer cars, offering convenience and the potential to trade-in for a new car. When selling to a dealer you are sacrificing a higher sale price for a quicker sale, so expect lower offers compared to private sales. Another downside of dealerships is that they usually only accept working, newer models and don’t offer free car removal.

Private Sale: Online car selling platforms like Carsales.com.au, Ebay or Facebook Marketplace provide a simple DIY car selling process for WA car sellers. Some sites also offer free valuation tools to help you set a sale price. However, this convenience comes with selling fees and commissions and selling less popular or older models may be more difficult. As well as this selling a car on your own can be time-consuming especially when having to deal with multiple interested buyers and of course time wasters.

Auto Auctions: Auctions provide an alternative route to sell your car and can sometimes net you a lot more than other selling options, however pricing is variable depending on the auction conditions. When selling a car at auction in Perth, choose a reputable auction house like Pickles, Manheim, or Grays, and be aware of varying seller’s fees and additional costs. There’s also a chance that your car will fail to sell at auction, or be priced far below your expectations.

Regulations For Selling Your Car in WA

While WA doesn’t require a roadworthy certificate, make sure to follow these rules for a compliant selling experience:

  • Complete the transfer of ownership form and submit it to the Department of Transport within 14 days by either mailing or submitting online
  • Both seller and buyer must sign a notification of change of ownership form
  • Provide the buyer with a copy of the notice of change of ownership form
  • Ensure you submit on time to avoid a $100 penalty.

Conclusion

Selling your car in Western Australia involves careful consideration of a number of factors to ensure a successful sale. Whether choosing a dealer, private sale, or a cash for cars service, understanding the process can only help you in making a profitable sale.

If you need help selling your unwanted car be sure to give our experienced team a call and we’ll be happy to help: 0418 532 275

FAQ

Do You Need an RWC (Road Worthy Certificate) to Sell Your Car in WA?

There is no legal requirement to have an RWC when selling your car in Western Australia. While not mandatory, having an RWC can increase confidence in potential buyers regarding a vehicle’s safety and roadworthiness, leading to a faster selling process and higher selling price.

How Do I Handle Negotiations with Potential Buyers?

When negotiating, be transparent about your car’s condition and provide all relevant information. While there’s no need to highlight flaws or mechanical issues, be sure not to mislead any potential buyers to avoid misunderstanding. Additionally make sure that you do your research so that you can propose a competitive price to buyers.

What Should I Do if My Car Is Written Off or Extensively Damaged?

If your car is extensively damaged or written off we recommend selling to a cash-for-cars service like us, who accepts vehicles of all conditions.

What are the most car popular models to sell in Western Australia? 

According to Drive.com.au some of the top-selling brands in Western Australia are Toyota, Ford and Mitsubishi with the top models being the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Toyota Rav 4. However even if your car model isn’t popular you can still easily sell it to us, as we buy all cars regardless of make or model.

Is it legal to sell a car under finance in WA? 

Yes it is legal, however, it’s required that you inform the buyer about any outstanding loan on the vehicle. You may be required to pay off the loan before completing the sale, and while most lenders allow the sale under finance, they typically require the loan balance to be paid off from the sale profits. Be sure to check with your loan provider for the full terms and conditions before selling a car under finance.

How much can I get for my car in WA? 

You can expect to get between $200 and $14999 depending on the make, model and condition of the vehicle you are selling to a wrecker.

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