How to sell a car in Melbourne

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How to sell a car in Melbourne
Two people talking beside a white Volkswagen car
Sell Salvaged Vehicle
By
Anne Li
Anne Li
Sales and Marketing Administrator
November 18, 2024
7
minute read

What’s the best way to sell your car?

Is selling privately right for you?

Selling privately through platforms like Carsales or Gumtree lets you set your price and negotiate with buyers directly, which can be rewarding. However, it also means managing all the details, from inquiries to car registration and paperwork. Safety is crucial; meeting buyers in public places and protecting your personal information can help keep the process secure.

While selling privately might yield higher returns, it requires effort and patience. If you’re after a quick and easy sale, this might not be the best fit.

Should you trade in your car at a dealership?

Trading in at a dealership is a convenient way to sell without the need for advertising or lengthy negotiations. Dealerships usually provide a quick assessment of car details and offer, which is handy if you’re also buying another car. However, these offers can be lower since dealerships factor in their resale needs and the car’s condition, often working with a finance company that may influence the final valuation.

This option is quick and skips the need for a roadworthy certificate, but be ready for offers that might not match the potential of a private sale.

Why 1800 Salvage is the best way to sell your car in Melbourne

With 1800 Salvage, the selling process is straightforward and efficient. We buy cars in all conditions, no roadworthy certificate needed, and cover all the paperwork for you. We’ll start off with a quick, easy, and fully digital valuation, move on to equally easy digital paperwork, and then set you up with free towing from anywhere in Melbourne. This approach suits those who want a fast, fair deal without the hassle.

The pros and cons of selling your car privately, at a dealership or to 1800 Salvage

Selling Option Pros Cons
Selling Privately Potential for higher price; control over terms. Time-consuming; safety risks; managing all the details yourself.
Dealership Trade-In Quick sale; no need for advertising. Lower offers; limited negotiation; may undervalue older cars.
1800 Salvage Fast process; fair offers; no roadworthy certificate needed; we handle the final paperwork for you. Slightly lower offers than private sales, but with much more convenience.

When deciding how to sell your car, think about what’s most important to you — price, speed or convenience. Private sales might give you more money but come with extra effort. Dealerships are fast but can undervalue your car. 1800 Salvage offers a balanced option with fair prices, a hassle-free experience, and state-wide free towing. Not to brag, but that sounds like a pretty good deal to us.

Steps to prepare your car for sale in Melbourne

Sorting out your car registration and paperwork

Ensure you have all the necessary documents, like car registration, service history, and ID, before selling. Missing documents can slow down the process or impact the offer you receive. If you need replacements, like a registration certificate from VicRoads, get them sorted early on.

1800 Salvage makes this easier by buying cars without requiring a roadworthy certificate or complete service records, simplifying the entire process.

Presenting your car: Clean, inspect, and repair

A clean, well-maintained car always makes a good impression. Take time to clean inside and out, fix small dents, and ensure all features work. Even for those selling to 1800 Salvage, presenting your car well can help get the best price possible.

Valuating your car: Getting the best deal

Understanding your car’s value is key to setting the right price. Using online tools, professional appraisals, and comparing similar cars can give you a clear picture. It's useful to get multiple valuations for a realistic price range.

1800 Salvage offers straightforward valuations based on local data, providing competitive offers without the guesswork.

What to consider when selling a car in Melbourne

Balancing speed and value

Different methods offer various balances of speed and value. Private sales might take time but offer higher returns. Dealerships and salvage services focus on quick transactions. If speed is essential, a dealership or 1800 Salvage can be ideal, especially for those wanting to get paid fast.

Ensuring a safe and convenient sale

Safety should always be a priority when selling privately. Meeting in public spaces and using secure payments can help. Services like 1800 Salvage add another layer of security by managing the whole transaction, including the paperwork, and ensuring safe, fast payments.

Why 1800 Salvage is your best option in Melbourne

1800 Salvage offers competitive prices, fast payments, and the convenience of handling all the paperwork, including towing from any Melbourne suburb. Our local expertise means you’re working with a service that understands the market and values your time and needs.

FAQs about selling your car in Melbourne

What is the safest payment method when selling a car in Australia? 

The safest payment methods are bank transfers using Osko or PayID, which are secure and provide instant transfers. It’s best to avoid cash transactions due to the risk of counterfeit bills and theft. When selling through 1800 Salvage, payments are made securely and promptly via digital bank transfers, giving you peace of mind.

Can I sell my car without a roadworthy certificate in Victoria? 

Yes, you can sell your used car without a roadworthy certificate in Victoria, but the buyer cannot legally drive the car until they obtain one. Selling to 1800 Salvage makes this easier, as we purchase cars in any condition without requiring a roadworthy certificate, saving you time and hassle.

How much does a roadworthy certificate cost in Victoria? 

A roadworthy certificate in Victoria typically costs between $150 and $200, depending on your vehicle’s condition and the service provider. If repairs are needed to meet roadworthy standards, this could increase the overall cost. 1800 Salvage allows you to bypass this step, making the sale process simpler and quicker.

Who pays vehicle transfer fees in Victoria? 

In Victoria, the buyer is generally responsible for paying vehicle transfer fees. These fees are based on the vehicle’s sale price or market value and must be paid to VicRoads within 14 days of the sale to avoid penalties. It’s important to communicate this to buyers to ensure a smooth transaction.

Sell your car online with 1800 Salvage

Choosing to sell your car with 1800 Salvage means a hassle-free experience with competitive offers, quick payments, and no need for a roadworthy certificate. Our local expertise and commitment to managing all the paperwork make us the best choice for Melbourne car sellers.

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Get in touch for friendly advice

Whether you want to buy or sell salvage vehicles, we are here to help. Get in touch and we will get back to you soon with the information you need.

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