How to sell a used car in Perth

Find the easiest way to sell your used or old car

Selling a used car, especially one that’s older, can feel like a challenge. You know buyers often prefer a new car with modern features, but your vehicle is still reliable and has plenty of life left. The real question is how to get a decent price for it without spending too much time or effort. This guide offers practical advice to help you sell your car efficiently—whether you aim for a quick sale or want to secure the best possible offer.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• A step-by-step guide to preparing, listing, and finalising your sale
• A breakdown of the best ways to sell your used or old car in Perth
• A checklist to make sure you don’t miss any important steps
• Expert tips to help boost your car’s value

If you’d prefer to skip the hassle, our Perth cash-for-cars service offers a quick, no-fuss solution.

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Steps to sell a used car in Perth

Selling your used or old car doesn’t have to feel overwhelming if you follow the right process. Below, we’ve broken it down into simple, actionable steps to help you prepare, list, and finalise your sale efficiently—giving you the best chance of getting a fair offer without unnecessary hassle.

1. Preparing your car for sale

1. Clean the car inside and out: Wash the exterior, vacuum the interior, and remove personal items. Buyers are more interested in a well-presented car.
2. Make minor repairs: Fix small issues like worn tyres, scratches, or old wipers—these improvements can increase your car’s value.
3. Check fluids: Ensure the oil, brake fluid, and coolant levels are correct. This reassures buyers that the car has been maintained.
4. Gather the paperwork: Collect your rego papers, service history, and any recent repair receipts. This builds trust with buyers.

2. Setting the right price

1. Research the market: Look at listings for similar cars on Carsales or Gumtree to understand the average price.
2. Consider condition and mileage: Adjust your asking price based on the car’s age, condition, and kilometres travelled.
3. Set a fair, competitive price: A high price might deter buyers, while too low a price invites lowball offers.
4. Leave room to negotiate: Set your asking price slightly above what you’re willing to accept to allow for some wiggle room.

3. Creating your listing

1. Take high-quality photos: Photograph the car from multiple angles, including close-ups of the interior and exterior.
2. Write a detailed, honest description: Include the make, model, mileage, service history, and any recent repairs.
3. Highlight key selling points: Mention benefits like fuel efficiency or well-maintained tyres to attract serious buyers.
4. Choose the right platform: List your car on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or Carsales, depending on your goals.

4. Managing inquiries and viewings

1. Respond promptly: Answer inquiries quickly to keep potential buyers interested.
2. Screen inquiries carefully: Focus on serious buyers to avoid time-wasters.
3. Meet in safe locations: Choose public places, such as service stations, for viewings.
4. Be transparent: Disclose any known issues to build trust and avoid disputes.

5. Negotiating and closing the deal

1. Prepare for negotiation: Be ready for offers lower than your asking price.
2. Know your minimum price: Set a firm bottom line and stick to it.
3. Accept secure payments: Use bank transfers instead of cash to avoid scams.
4. Complete the paperwork: Ensure both parties sign the transfer forms and retain copies.

6. What to do after the sale is final

1. Notify the WA Department of Transport: Transfer registration to the new owner within 14 days. Car buyers and sellers will both need to sign a Transfer of Ownership form. You’ll need this  to get the vehicle licence updated for the new car owners. You can get these forms from the Department of Transport or a vehicle services centre.
2. Cancel your insurance and toll accounts: Avoid extra fees by updating your accounts.
3. Remove personal data: Check for saved GPS locations, documents, or registration stickers in the car.

Keep proof of sale: Hold onto a copy of the transfer documents for future reference.

Best way to sell a used car in Perth

The key to getting a fair price for your older car is finding the right way to sell it. Every selling option comes with its own pros and cons, and what works best for you depends on the car’s condition, your timeline, and how much effort you’re willing to put in. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the right approach:

Private sales for the best price

If your car is in good condition and you’re willing to put in the effort help your car sell, a private sale can yield the highest return. Selling your car online takes time—answering inquiries, setting up viewings, and negotiating offers—but buyers will often pay more than dealerships for a well-maintained car. This option is ideal if you want top dollar and are prepared to manage the process yourself.

Dealership trade-ins for convenience

If you’re looking to upgrade, a trade-in at a dealership offers a quick and simple transaction. You hand over the car, and they take care of the paperwork. However, trade-in values tend to be lower than private sales, as dealerships factor in their margins. It’s a great option if ease matters more than price, especially when buying a new vehicle.

Salvage services for quick and hassle-free sales

When your car is older, has high mileage, or isn’t in high demand, salvage services are often the most practical solution. These services buy cars in any condition and offer same-day pick-up with instant payment. While you might not get as much as you would with a private sale, salvage services save you time, effort, and repair costs—making them ideal for cars nearing the end of their lifespan.

If you'd like more details on these options, check out our in-depth guide on where to sell your car in Perth.

What documents do I need to sell my used car in Perth?

Having the correct paperwork ready helps you avoid delays and makes buyers more confident in the transaction. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Transfer of ownership forms

Both you and the buyer must fill out transfer forms to legally change the car’s ownership. In WA, this is done through the Department of Transport, and you’ll need to submit these within 14 days of the sale.

2. Proof of identity

Sellers should have their driver's licence or other government-issued ID on hand to verify ownership during the transaction. Buyers may request this for peace of mind.

3. Rego papers (even if expired)

Even if your car’s registration has expired, presenting your vehicle registration certificate helps confirm ownership. This documentation simplifies the transfer process and reassures buyers.

4. Service history

Providing a record of your car’s service history can increase its value. Buyers are more likely to trust a vehicle that has been regularly maintained. Keep any receipts from oil changes, tyre replacements, and mechanical repairs.

5. Repair receipts

If you’ve made recent repairs, especially major ones, keep receipts handy. These help justify your asking price by showing the car is in good working condition.

6. Finance clearance letter (if applicable)

If you have an active car loan, you’ll need a letter from the finance company confirming the loan is paid off. This is crucial to avoid any disputes over ownership.

7. Roadworthy certificate (optional but helpful)

Although not mandatory in WA, a roadworthy certificate can attract more buyers by showing the car is safe to drive. This is especially valuable for older vehicles.

Being well-prepared with these documents ensures a smooth sale and gives buyers confidence in the transaction. It also helps you avoid delays when transferring ownership.

Tips for selling a used or old car in Perth

These tips will help you attract serious buyers, avoid common pitfalls, and get the best possible offer for your vehicle.

• Set a realistic price
  Researching the market helps you understand the average asking price for similar vehicles. Overpricing can turn buyers away, while underpricing might lead to losing value. Aim for a competitive price that reflects your car's age, mileage, and condition.
• Fix minor issues
  Small repairs—like replacing worn tyres or fixing a cracked light—can significantly improve the car’s appeal. These fixes show buyers that the vehicle has been well-cared for, making it easier to justify your selling price.
• Highlight your service history
  Providing a complete service record reassures buyers that the car has been well-maintained. This can make a big difference, especially for older cars, where buyers worry about hidden issues.
• Sell quickly to avoid depreciation
  Cars lose value over time, so the sooner you sell, the better the price you’re likely to get. Holding onto an old car for too long can result in reduced offers, especially as newer models hit the market.
• Be cautious with buyers
  Screen inquiries carefully to avoid time-wasters and scammers. Arrange meetings in public places, and insist on secure payment methods, such as bank transfers, to protect yourself.
• Take high-quality photos
  Clear, well-lit photos make your listing stand out. Include images of the car’s exterior, interior, and any key features to attract serious buyers. The more professional your photos, the more likely you’ll attract legitimate offers.
• Have a backup plan
  If the process of selling your car privately take too long or you encounter too many issues, consider a trade-in or a salvage service. These options offer convenience and a faster path to selling your car.

Checklist for selling your used car in Perth

Follow these steps to stay organised and maximise your car’s value:

1. Prepare your car for salesome text
   • Clean inside and out.
   • Fix minor issues to boost value.
   • Gather all necessary paperwork, including rego and service history.
2. Set the right pricesome text
   • Research the market for similar cars.
   • Adjust for mileage and condition.
   • Leave room for negotiation.
3. Create a compelling listingsome text
   • Take high-quality photos from different angles.
   • Write a detailed, honest description.
   • Highlight key selling points like good fuel economy or recent maintenance.
4. Manage inquiries and viewings effectivelysome text
   • Respond promptly to potential buyers.
   • Screen buyers carefully to avoid time-wasters.
   • Meet in safe, public places and be transparent about the car’s condition.
5. Negotiate and finalise the dealsome text
   • Be ready to negotiate but stick to your minimum price.
   • Use secure payment methods like bank transfers.
   • Complete the transfer forms and keep a copy for your records.
6. Wrap things up after the salesome text
   • Notify the WA Department of Transport to transfer ownership.
   • Cancel insurance and toll accounts.
   • Clear personal data from the vehicle.

By following these steps, you’ll streamline the process, reduce stress, and have the best chance of getting a fair offer for your used car.

Why Salvage 1800 is the smart choice for selling used cars in Perth

Selling your used or old car doesn’t have to be a drawn-out process. At Salvage 1800, we prioritise speed, convenience, and fair offers so you can move on without hassle:

• Same-hour pickup: In almost all cases, we collect your car within the hour. If not, we guarantee same-day service.
• Instant payments within seconds: Our payments are actioned when the tow truck arrives—your money will be in your account within 30 seconds.
• Free towing across Perth: Wherever you are in the metropolitan area, we’ll pick up your car without any extra fees.
• Upfront, fair offers: No haggling—we value cars for what they’re truly worth.
• We handle all the paperwork: Avoid admin headaches—we take care of everything, including transfer forms and towing.

Ready for a hassle-free sale? Get in touch with our Perth cash-for-cars specialists and request your free quote today!

FAQs about selling a used car in Perth

Can I sell a written-off car in Perth?

Yes, but it depends on the type of write-off. Repairable write-offs can be re-registered after inspection, while statutory write-offs can only be sold for parts. For more details, see our full guide on selling written-off cars in Perth.

Can I sell a used car in Perth without registration?

Yes, but you’ll need proof of ownership, such as previous rego papers or a bill of sale. Many buyers, especially salvage services, will accept unregistered cars.

Is it better to sell privately or trade in a used car?

Private sales typically fetch higher prices, but trade-ins are faster and less hassle. If you want the best price and don’t mind the effort, go with a private sale. If convenience matters most, a trade-in might be the way to go.

How can I tell what my used car is worth?

Research similar models online and take the car’s age, condition, and mileage into account. If it’s an older car, be prepared to price it competitively to attract buyers.

How fast can I sell my used car in Perth?

Selling privately can take time, but trade-ins and salvage services often offer solutions to help you sell your car quickly. If you need to sell quickly, consider using a salvage service for instant pick-up and payment.

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