5 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Car

Selling a car might seem simple, but it’s easy to make small mistakes that can cost you time, money, or even the sale altogether. Whether you’re trying to get top dollar or just keen to get it off your hands, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do.

Here are five common mistakes people make when selling their car — and how to avoid them.

1. Overpricing the Car

One of the biggest turn-offs for buyers is a car priced too high. While it’s normal to want the best return, pricing it above market value will leave it sitting unsold for weeks. And the longer it sits, the more you’ll likely drop the price out of frustration anyway.

Do your homework. Look at what similar makes, models, and years are going for in your area. Keep in mind condition, kilometres, service history, and extras. An honest, realistic price will attract more interest and help you move the car faster.

3. Not Fixing Obvious Issues

You don’t have to make the car perfect, but skipping small repairs or leaving it dirty gives off the wrong impression. If a buyer sees something simple that hasn’t been fixed, like a flat tyre, broken light, or missing hubcap, they’ll start wondering what else is wrong.

A quick clean inside and out, topping up fluids, replacing wipers, and checking the battery can all help present the car in a better light. These small touches can make a surprising difference to how the car is perceived — and how much someone is willing to pay for it.

3. Forgetting Paperwork

You can’t legally sell a car without the right paperwork. Missing the registration certificate, roadworthy (if required), or proof of ownership will slow things down and make buyers nervous. Some might walk away entirely.

Get everything ready ahead of time — that includes your ID, rego papers, any service records, and a completed transfer form. If the car still has finance owing, sort that out before listing, or at least be upfront about it.

4. Wasting Time on the Wrong Buyers

It’s common to get lowball offers or interest from people who aren’t serious. They’ll message you all day, ask endless questions, then never show up. Others will try to bargain aggressively in person or pick faults with everything.

To avoid wasting time, screen your buyers early. Ask direct questions. If someone’s flaky or overly pushy from the start, it’s usually a red flag. And if you’re looking to sell your car fast without dealing with tyre-kickers, going through a car buying service can save you the hassle.

5. Not Exploring All Your Options

Most people jump straight to online listings, but that’s not the only way to sell. In fact, it’s often not the fastest or most convenient. Depending on your situation, selling directly to top car buyers might be the better move.

Car buying services will give you a quote, inspect your vehicle, and take care of the paperwork — usually in one visit. You might not get every last dollar, but you’ll save time, avoid all the stress, and know the deal is done properly.