Almost 2 years ago I bought a new Hyundai i30 N Line Premium Hatch, and just sold it this week for more than the original purchase price. Am I a genius? (I tell my wife I am, but not really. Shhh). 

 

That model is no longer in production and the new model is 6+ months away with no spy photos or model info available as yet from Hyundai. 

 

So buyers queuing up for this hot little hatch are happy to pay full price for a near new one, rather than taking a punt on an unknown shape that may not be popular with new buyers including P platers. And like all manufacturers it’ll likely have a RRP hike. They are already not cheap for a small car. 

 

I only advertised it on Australia’s main car selling platform Carsales as often buyers and sellers don’t trust some of the other free platforms from a security and fraud perspective There are plenty of scammers around - sellers advertising cars they don’t even own to get multiple online deposits, and buyers trawling for your ID and banking credentials. 

 

So what’s the trick to a good car sale advert? 

 

1. Great photos - use good angles and your camera’s depth of field function to show key features like a sunroof, heated seats or any popular modifications. Include a quick video walkaround. A good backdrop like Sydney Harbour always pleases the eye. Oh and ensure your car is clean and drive it away from the car wash before taking pics. Otherwise it tells the buyer it’s the first time you’ve washed it in ages. Which says a a lot. :/
    

2. Write a short description - note clearly whatever singles out your car with a point of difference to the others available for sale - low kms, unique or best colour, special features or accessories/options, service history is super important. And of course your genuine reason for sale.
    

3. Price it around or just below the lowest similar car price and you’ll always get nibbles on the enquiry line. Price it too high and it may be there for a while. Astute buyers are able to see the days since it’s first been advertised and come to their own conclusions as to why it’s not selling.
    

4. Be prepared to negotiate on the price and field silly offers from time wasters. 
    

5. Don’t accept offers over the phone til they’ve seen the car, unless they are interstate. If they drive the car go with them. You can point out features and they won’t pretend to be Michael Schumacher and  try and break the sound barrier.
    

6. Be prepared to swap your licence details, show your registration certificate (proof you are the owner) and hand over bank details before they pay you a deposit. Remember, genuine buyers don’t know you’re a bona fide seller. They are more cautious these days and don’t want to make a mistake and lose money. Particularly if they are interstate and can’t physically see the vehicle. Suggest a video call for a vehicle walkaround to ease their mind. 
    

7. Remember the buyer may get a PPSR test to see that the car is not a repaired write off, stolen or encumbered (under finance). So pay off any loan still owing at the time if possible to speed up the payment process to you. 
    

8. Get all buyer and seller details in writing on a basic agreement signed by both parities, including any conditions like subject to them arranging finance or a mechanical inspection etc. List any non standard extras. Would you hand over a deposit to a stranger without an agreement? 
    

9. Once final payment has cleared your bank account, or you have the cash in hand, complete a Notice of Disposal at your local roads and transit authority (or online) to avoid future traffic infringements in your name. 
    

10. Cancel your insurance, toll tag and any roadside assistance membership if applicable. 
     

 

Congrats! You can now mark your advert as SOLD.

 

If it’s all too bewildering, and you can’t be bothered to clean, advertise and spend your valuable time on weekends trying to sell your car, reach out for our disposal options. 

 

Might be a much better option than trading it in at the dealer for a wholesale value. 

 

Call us before you start the buying and selling process and we’ll save you oodles of time, stress and money on both ends. 

 

Automates…If it moves, we can finance it. 

 

Contact Bud from AutoMates on 0414654164 or at budv@automates.com.au