How to sell my car in Perth

Selling your car isn’t as hard as it sounds. Once you know what to do—like preparing your car, sorting the paperwork, and closing the deal—the process becomes straightforward. Whether your car is registered or not, a little know-how can make things go smoothly. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• How to get your car ready to sell
• The paperwork you’ll need for a hassle-free transfer
• How to sell your car yourself, explained step by step
• Tips to avoid scams and lowball offers
• Why Salvage 1800 is the simplest way to sell

‍If you want a fast, reliable sale, check out our cash-for-cars Perth service and get started today.

Finding the best way to sell a car in Perth

Selling your car is all about finding the option that fits your needs. Whether you’re after speed, convenience, or the best price, understanding how the process works will help you make the right call.

• Private sales can offer more money but require time and effort.
• Trade-ins at dealerships are quick but typically result in lower offers.
• A salvager or car-buying service may provide quick, free service and a reasonable price for your car.

For a deeper dive into your options, check out our guide on where to sell your car in Perth.

[H2] How to sell a car in Perth for the best price

Taking the time to prepare your car can make a big difference in how much second-hand car buyers are willing to pay. Here’s how to get your car in top shape and why it matters:

• Deep clean your car: A clean, well-presented car gives the impression it’s been well cared for, which builds trust and justifies a higher offer. Buyers are more willing to pay if the vehicle looks fresh and cared for, even if it's older.
• Inspect your tyres: Worn tyres suggest the car needs immediate attention, which can lower offers. Replacing or properly inflating tyres tells buyers they won’t need to spend money on new ones straight away.
• Fix minor issues: Small repairs like replacing lights or filling fluids can signal that your car is in good condition. If buyers spot obvious problems, they’ll assume there are bigger issues they can’t see, leading to lower offers.
• Organise your paperwork: Having service records and rego documents on hand builds trust and shows you’ve taken good care of the car. Missing paperwork raises red flags and gives buyers an excuse to negotiate a lower price.
• Take high-quality photos: If you’re selling privately, good photos attract more attention and make the car look worth the asking price. Poor photos can deter buyers before they even contact you, limiting your chances of selling quickly.

Helping your car sell for the best possible price requires knowing the market and highlighting your vehicle’s strengths. In Perth, buyers often seek vehicles that suit the local lifestyle, like 4WDs or fuel-efficient cars. If your vehicle has these features, be sure to mention them in your listing or when talking to buyers—it can help you secure a better offer.

What do I need to sell my car in Perth?

Selling your car involves a bit of paperwork, but having everything ready makes the process smooth and stress-free.

Paperwork required for the sale

To legally transfer ownership, you’ll need:

• Transfer forms: This document officially moves ownership to the buyer.
• Identification: A valid driver’s licence or passport is usually enough.
• Rego documents: If your car is registered, include the rego papers to confirm its status.

Selling unregistered vehicles or those without plates

It’s perfectly legal to sell an unregistered car in Perth, but you’ll need:

• A bill of sale: This document proves the sale and can be used for the transfer.
• VIN or engine number: This ensures the car is identified correctly for future registration.

Getting these documents sorted ahead of time helps build trust with buyers and keeps the process moving smoothly.

6 simple steps: how to sell your car yourself in Perth

Selling your car privately can be rewarding, but it takes a bit of effort. Follow these steps to stay organised and make sure everything goes smoothly.

Step 1: Get your car ready for sale

• Clean thoroughly: Wash the exterior, vacuum the interior, and wipe down surfaces to make the car look well cared for.
• Inspect and fix minor issues: Replace blown bulbs, refill fluids, and ensure tyres are in good shape.
• Gather all documents: Collect your service records and rego papers to build trust with buyers.

Step 2: Set a fair price

• Research similar cars: Check local listings for cars of the same make, model, and condition.
• Account for condition and demand: Adjust the price based on your car’s mileage, condition, and any unique features.
• Choose a starting price: Set it slightly above your minimum to allow room for negotiation.

Step 3: Create your listing

• Write a detailed ad: Include key details like the year, make, model, mileage, and recent repairs.
• Take quality photos: Use natural light to capture your car from multiple angles. Highlight any unique features and be upfront about any flaws.
• Choose the right platforms: List your car on trusted sites like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or Carsales.

Step 4: Manage inquiries and arrange viewings

• Respond promptly: Quick replies keep buyers interested.
• Screen buyers politely: Some inquiries may not be serious, so it’s okay to ask a few questions to confirm their interest.
• Arrange safe meetings: Meet in public places, and bring someone with you if possible.

Step 5: Handle negotiations

• Stay firm but flexible: Know your lowest acceptable price, but be open to reasonable counteroffers.
• Keep emotions out of it: Focus on the value of the car, not how much it means to you.
• Close the deal quickly: If the buyer makes a fair offer, be ready to seal the deal without delays.

Step 6: Finalise the sale and transfer ownership

• Arrange a secure handover: Meet in a safe place to exchange the car, keys, and payment.
• Fill out the transfer forms: Both you and the buyer will need to complete and sign the necessary transfer of ownership notification for the Department of Transport.
• Provide a bill of sale: This is essential for unregistered vehicles and protects both parties.
• Remove your plates if unregistered: Return them to the Department of Transport if required.

How to avoid scams and lowball offers

When selling your car (especially if you’re trying to sell your car online), it’s important to stay vigilant and avoid common pitfalls. Here are some tips to protect yourself and get a fair deal:

• Be cautious of unrealistic offers: Scammers often offer too-good-to-be-true prices to gain your trust, only to disappear later. Stick with buyers who make reasonable offers.
• Limit personal information: Only share necessary car details. Avoid giving out personal information like your address until you’re confident the buyer is legitimate.
• Beware of last-minute renegotiations: Some buyers agree to a price only to try lowering their offer during the handover. Be firm about the agreed amount to avoid being caught off guard.
• Use secure payment methods: Bank transfers are safer than cash or cheques, which can bounce or be counterfeit. Services like Osko ensure instant payments directly into your account.
• Meet in safe locations: Always meet buyers in public places, such as a shopping centre or service station. If possible, bring a friend along for added security.
• Stick with trusted platforms and services: Avoid unfamiliar or shady buyers by using reputable selling platforms and verified services.

By staying alert and following these tips, you can protect yourself from scams and ensure you get the price your car deserves.

Why selling through Salvage 1800 is the best way to sell a car in Perth

At Salvage 1800, we know exactly what Perth drivers need when it comes to selling their cars. Here’s how we make the process fast, easy, and hassle-free:

• Fair, competitive offers: We’ll give you a free valuation and an honest and fair offer from the start, with no need to haggle.
• Free, same-day pick-up: We’ll pick up your used car at a time that suits you without any hidden fees.
• Instant Osko same-day payment: Get paid securely and directly to your bank account on the spot.
• All the paperwork handled: We take care of the admin, so you don’t have to.
• Local expertise tailored to Perth’s market: Whether your car is unregistered, damaged, or ready to go, we’ve got it covered.

FAQs about selling your car in Perth

Can I sell a car in Perth if the rego has expired?

Yes, you can sell a car with an expired rego. Just make sure to provide a bill of sale and any relevant transfer forms to complete the process.

Is it better to sell to a dealer or privately in Perth?

Dealers offer convenience but often give lower offers. Private sales can get you more, but they take time and effort.

How much does it cost to sell a car in WA?

There may be minor transfer fees, especially for private sales. With Salvage 1800, towing and admin are covered, so there are no extra costs.

What do I need to sell a car in Western Australia?

You’ll need a transfer form, ID, and any rego paperwork. If the car is unregistered, have a bill of sale ready to make things official.

What if I still owe money on my car loan?

If you owe money on your car loan, you can still sell the vehicle, but the process involves some extra steps. First, you’ll need to contact your finance company to get a payoff amount, which is the total remaining loan balance. Once you sell the car, the new car owners or the service purchasing it will typically pay the loan balance directly to the finance company. Any leftover amount will be yours. Be upfront about the loan to avoid complications during the transfer process.