Things To Do Before Selling Your Car

Do you have an unwanted car that’s taking up valuable space on your property? Selling it could be a profitable option, allowing you to clear space while giving the vehicle new life with someone else. Selling a car can often feel like a big & stressful task, especially if you have many memories associated with it.

Many people make mistakes during the selling process because they neglect to assess the real value of their car. That’s why it’s important to prepare in advance for a smooth and hassle-free experience. In this guide, we will explore things to consider before selling any vehicle.

Step 1: Gather Your Car’s Documents

Before taking any further steps, gather all the necessary documents. You need:

• Ownership Papers: You will need proof of vehicle ownership that confirms you’re a legal owner.  
• Warrant of Fitness: Valid WOF that proves your vehicle meets NZ road safety and standards.
• Service History: A maintenance and service history helps demonstrate the condition of your car.
• Insurance Documents: These should be updated or cancelled once ownership transfers.

Step 2: Inspect Your Car’s Condition

Take an honest look at your car’s condition. It’s essential to determine the value of a vehicle. Check key areas like:

• Engine performance & starting condition

• Tyres, brakes & leaks

• Exterior lights & indicators

• Fluid levels & brakes

• Exterior & interior condition

If you’re planning to sell your car privately, fixing minor issues like replacing worn tyres or cleaning interiors can maximise your car’s worth. However, if your car has any major mechanical problems or is not roadworthy, then paying for repairs doesn’t make any sense.

In such cases, selling it to a wrecker is a wise option, as they accept any vehicle in any condition.

Step 3: Clean and Prepare Your Car

Cleaning is a crucial step for a better impression. A dirty car couldn’t fetch more buyers or a high price. To secure a better price, take the time to clean your vehicle both inside and out. Check and remove personal items from your car, such as chargers, Glove box, GPS devices, and other personal belongings.

Step 4: Determine Your Car’s Value

Knowing a car’s exact value is key to getting a fair price. It will help you with negotiations, allowing you to counter lowball offers. Here’s how you can do that:

• Visit NZ car’s website, such as Trade-In, and you can also check Facebook Marketplace to compare similar models.
• Consider factors such as age, mileage, and the condition of your vehicle.

If your car is in good shape and condition, you can sell it privately or trade it in.

Step 5: Decide How To Sell

Once you have done your homework, the next step is to choose how to sell. There are several ways to sell a vehicle. Let’s see:

 

• Private Selling: Selling privately would be the best option if your car is roadworthy and has no serious issues. This process gives you more control over choosing the price for your vehicle and negotiating. However, you need to be patient throughout the process, as it involves active participation and lengthy negotiations. Additionally, you can expect to spend time regularly viewing your vehicle and arranging test drives.

Pro: Usually higher selling price.

Cons: Time-consuming, requires marketing and can involve with unreliable buyers.

 

• Dealership Trade-in: If you’re upgrading or buying a new car, trading in your old one at a dealership can be the most convenient option. It is a time-saving process as the dealer handles most of the process.

Pro: Quick and hassle-free process when buying a new car.

Cons: Tade-in value is generally lower than selling privately.

 

• Car Wreckers: If your car is non-running and in poor condition, consider selling it to a wrecker. This is often the last viable option for disposing of a junk vehicle. Wreckers buy cars in any condition, so if you’re having difficulty finding a buyer, then this is a practical option.

Pro: Instant cash for cars, eco-friendly disposal, free towing, no need for repairs or listing, and a quick process.

Cons: Typically best suited for vehicles at the end of their life stage, those that are totally damaged, or those that have been deregistered.

Step 6: Final Preparation Before Handover

Before the buyer or wrecker comes to your place to take your vehicle, make sure to:

• Remove all personal items.
• Take clear images of your car for the records.
• Keep spare keys, the owner’s manual, and the service book ready.
• Complete the ownership transfer or cancellation process on the NZ transportation agency website (NZTA).
• Notify the insurance provider to cancel or update the policy.