Hassle-Free Selling Your Car – Are You Smart Enough to “Beat The Dealer?”

There are several ways to sell a car in Melbourne or anywhere else come to that matter.

It really depends if you are prepared to go through the hassle to perhaps make a few extra bucks. 

Because what it really comes down to is, are you smart enough to beat a dealer. Admit it, that’s unlikely whether at a gaming table or selling one of your prized assets.

Everyone wants to get the best price but you have to be realistic.

So what are the options – try to get a trade-in yourself. You may get a decent price but probably only if you are combining the sale with the purchase of a new or second-hand replacement car. Listing online is a better way then you’ll have many bids to get their hands on your vehicle.

You can sell privately but that’s the most hassle especially if you’ve never done it before. It throws into the mixer having your time wasted by non-serious buyers, getting ripped off, all that paperwork etc etc. No thanks.

By far the best way to sell a car these days is to let someone else do it for you. With an online auto flipper basically, you are being guided through the process of having your car auctioned to the highest bidder without having to attend the auction.

Some sites have a thousand and more bidders in the trade who are all serious buyers. All you’ll need to provide are the paperwork regarding the vehicle and some decent photos. To be frank, they are going to know the price, just be sure of your bottom line before you go through with the process. 

When selling online some of the following apply, but not all. Many are done for you for a small fee.

Sure, first impressions matter so make sure your car is clean and presentable inside and out, preferably waxed. Even a dealer is put off by shabbiness.

Get all your documents together including service history, rego papers, and don’t try to hide anything. That’ll backfire even if your car doesn’t!

Always take high-resolution photos in good light from a full variety of angles and include the chassis and engine number so the buyer can be sure it correlates with the rego. Take pictures without other cars (or your bins!) in the frame – your departing baby needs to be the centre of attention. Include any upgrades – who doesn’t like an upgrade?!

Be realistic about the price by doing research on a site like Drive or Gumtree first. If you’re selling privately you’ll need to be prepared to haggle. 

Online platforms screen for serious buyers. If private you’ll need to do this yourself before arranging a viewing or test drive.

Finally, organise a secure payment method and get a Notice of Disposal. 

Or avoid nearly all of the above and box cleverly by listing with an online flipper. 

In the end, you won’t beat the dealer, so pay a fee and get a great deal.