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The Best Way to Sell Your Car

If you’re looking to get the most money for your car, then it’s important to do some research and understand the best way of getting a sale. To help make things easier, we’ve put together a list of what works and what doesn’t. Keep reading to find out more and you’ll soon have a pile of cash waiting for you.

What doesn't work

Before we can get into what does work, let’s take a look at what doesn’t.

  • Private sales

    Going things alone brings with it many hassles that you’ll want to avoid. To start, you’ll need to create your own listing and come up with a monetary value for your ride. While this may sound simple in theory, it can involve lots of research and work. Then there’s the issue of taking photos and throwing a listing together with succinct writing. Unless you’re an experienced photographer, or a wordsmith, you may struggle with the above and your sale will suffer as a result. From there, you’ll need to organise inspections and deal with complete strangers which can be draining - and that’s provided they actually turn up. Finally, be prepared to haggle with prospective buyers. You won’t need to be a master salesman or saleswoman, but having some bargaining nouse and confidence within yourself will be required.

  • Dealerships

    The downside of taking your car to a dealership is that you’ll get a lot less money in return. Why is this the case? Because these companies charge a pretty penny in exchange for doing the leg work associated with a private sale. In other words, you’ll be paying (dearly) for convenience. They’ll take care of valuing your car, tidying it up, selling the vehicle and dealing with buyers. This can be a good move if you’re after a quick deal, but it’ll cost you in the long run and will definitely hurt your back pocket. It’s always best to weigh up your options and think critically before making a decision on who to go with.

    • What does work

    A Done Deal. Our business provides Australians with a quick and fair service that is designed to make selling used cars a breeze. You’ll avoid the hassles involved in a private sale, and save money that you would otherwise lose going to a traditional dealership.

    Our 4-step process

    We’ve made things easy so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Simply follow our four-step process below and you’re good to go.

    1. Submit your details

      Start your car selling journey by filling out a contact form on the Done Deal website. We’ll ask you some basic questions relating to the make, model, year of manufacture and total kilometres covered.

    2. Wait for an offer

      A friendly team member will get in touch with you via phone to find out more about your ride and - most importantly - make an offer for your car. From there, we’ll organise a time for our team to assess your vehicle in person.

    3. Agree with the sale

      If all the details are in order, and your car presents as described, we’ll go straight ahead with the sale. Done Deal will arrange for the payment to be made in full, meaning that you’ll receive the money within 24 hours. There are no extra fees, commissions or charges to be paid when you choose to work with us.

    4. We collect and pay

      Our team will send the money to your bank account and then come by and pick up your car, with no extra costs involved. That’s how easy a Done Deal is.

    Why use Done Deal?

    • Fast payments

      We make the process easy and work to get you the best deal possible. You’ll enjoy knowing that all money transfers will take place within 24 hours. This means that you won’t be left chasing buyers or stressing over payments. Instead, we guarantee fair and fast deals every time.

    • No hidden fees

      Rest assured that there are no hidden fees involved. We don’t enforce sales commissions or service charges so you can walk away with the best price. You’ll save significant amounts on listings, administration and everything else.

    • A professional service

      We pride ourselves on excellence. As one of Australia’s leading used car wholesalers, Done Deal knows a thing or two about providing a professional experience. That’s why we’re trusted by sellers all across the country. Our experienced team will provide support at all times and will always make you a fair offer.

    • Save time

      Our process will save you time and effort. With busy lifestyles becoming more and more common, it’s never been more important to get the most out of your time. That’s why we do the hard work for you. Simply get in touch and we’ll take the wheel.

    Sell your car with Done Deal

    Done Deal makes selling used cars in Australia stress free and simple. Give us a call or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to speak with a friendly and professional member of our team.

Everyone wants to sell their car for a great price so that they can line their pockets with some serious cash. But while it sounds great in principle, actually getting a good deal takes a bit of time and a lot of effort. Want to learn more and give your bank balance a boost? Read on below and you’ll soon be well equipped with everything that you need to know.

  • Advertise well

    Step one is to think about how you will promote the sale of your car. Exposure is key when it comes to advertising so it’s all about getting your vehicle in front of as many sets of eyes as possible. Identify the leading car selling websites on the internet and choose a handful to use. Base this decision on the look and feel of the company and remember that the more sites you list your car on, the more people it will potentially reach.

    This is good news in terms of getting the word out there, and it will also encourage more potential bidders, which means that you can take your pick of the market and actually increase the asking price, depending on demand.

  • Take great photos

    Be sure to take a selection of great snaps to really showcase your car looking amazing. Ask your best Instagram friend to help you put together a brief series of shots or do the camera work yourself. The key thing to remember is to choose a nice location that acts as a fantastic backdrop.

    It could be a beautiful beach with sand dues and native plant life, a lush forest with plenty of greenery or even a cool laneway that’s covered in awesome street art. Regardless of your choice, put in the effort when it comes to taking pictures so that your listing stands out and you’ll be on the way to getting a great price.

  • Clean everything

    Nobody is going to want to pay a pretty penny for a car that looks like a mess, so get your cleaning gear out and go to town. Focus your attention on the exterior and wipe away any bird poop or grime that may have accumulated over the weeks and months. Scrub away dirt from your off roading adventures or country driving and you’ll be in better shape then when you started.

    Sellers can either do the dirty work themselves with a hose and some soap or they can head to a carwash to get things taken care of by a professional. Feel free to cough up a little bit extra for some polish if you really want to take things to the next level.

  • Fix things up

    Do the right thing for yourself and the buyer by fixing up any small defects. This could relate to broken lights inside of the boot, damaged antennas, stuck windows and anything else that needs looking at. Thinking about the minor details and ensuring that everything is running in tip top shape is a great way to get more for your car and something that shouldn’t be overlooked.

    Drop by your local mechanic for a hand with any complicated tasks or get your tool box out and have a crack at some minor repair work yourself. Either way, you’ll be giving yourself the best chance to get a great deal for your ride.

  • Write a good listing

    While pictures and aesthetics are important, so too is the listing that you write. Sellers don’t have to come up with a sales pitch to rival Don Draper from Mad Men, but they should take the time and effort to write something that is clear and sounds nice.

    Ensure that there are no spelling mistakes and that you use succinct language. Why is this important? Because buyers don’t want to waste time reading an essay, they’re there to determine whether your vehicle is a good match for them in the shortest amount of time. To boost your chances of making a great sale, make things easy to follow and there’ll be more interested buyers sending you a message.

  • Mention any extras

    Remember to include all of the relevant information regarding extra features, modifications and specialist work that may have been done to your car. Sellers need to justify a higher than usual selling price by backing things up with evidence of work carried out that has improved the performance or look of their car.

    You can do this by providing copies of receipts and servicing log books. As for extra features, think things like speakers and custom lights can act as a great selling point. Emphasising the extra attention that has gone into your car is a sure way to get more money for it.

  • Haggle well

    Our final tip for getting the best price for your car is to haggle well with any potential buyers. It’s your job to provide the goods and let the sellers come to you. If you’ve done your job well when it comes to advertising, photography, cleaning, servicing and writing a good listing, then you’ll be in a better bargaining position when it gets to the pointy end of things.

    This in itself will hold you in good stead when it comes to wheeling and dealing. Establish a firm lowest price that you are willing to accept and be strong in saying ‘no’ to anyone who tries to push you below it. Feel free to be assertive and even push the asking price up based on how much attention your car gets and always remember that you have the final say.

  • Get the best price for your car

    The above tips are worth following if you are looking to get the best price for your car. From taking great photos to writing a killer listing, it’s important to put in the time and effort to make sure things really stand out. Alternatively, if you’d rather skip out on the hard work and collect a paycheck without lifting a finger, then speak with the friendly and professional team at Done Deal.

    We make selling cars easy for people all across the country and trust that you will love the simple and convenient service that we provide. Give us a call or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out more.

So, you’ve decided to trade in your wheels and upgrade to something that’s snazzy, powerful and turns heads. But how do you actually go about handing over the keys and what does the selling process look like? Well, if a private sale is on the horizon, then you may have a bit more work cut out for you than first expected. Think research, haggling, test drives, paperwork and more. Read on as Done Deal gets to the bottom of why selling your car privately is a hassle in today’s competitive market.

It requires time & effort

Nothing happens over night and one of the biggest hassles with selling a car privately is that it requires a lot of time and effort. Think about it, you’ll be taking care of everything, from pricing to advertising, inspections to paperwork plus so much more. If you’re already juggling a busy schedule, then be prepared to find yourself with less and less free time as the weeks tick by. And there’s no guarantee that a sale will even eventuate!

You’ll have to deal with strangers

This can be a good thing and a bad thing, but mostly bad. Flaky buyers are part and parcel with private sales and unfortunately there’s very little that you can do about it. People will show interest at first and then pull out later down the track. Maybe it’s during the initial phase before you even meet, or well after when that final handshake feels oh so close. Either way, working with people that you don’t know can be tricky and brings with it many challenges. You’ll also need to prepare for an onslaught of the following questions:

  • Why are you selling?
  • What condition is the car in?
  • Are there any faults?
  • Will you accept a lower price?
  • How many owners has the car had and what is the mileage?
  • When does the roadworthy certificate expire?

Know that you’ll need to haggle in order to get the best result, but you can’t overdo it. Being a master salesperson requires a lot of skill, which is just another reason why going it alone can be difficult to say the least.

Get ready for the test drive

There’s plenty of risk involved in selling your car privately, particularly when it comes to the dreaded test drive. Most people will expect to go for a spin around the block (and that’s totally fine), but what if they have a bingle while getting used to the gearbox? Or what if they scratch your neighbour’s hot-rod on the way out the drive? It’s also important to ensure that they don’t just drive off into the sunset and never come back. At the very least, take down their contact information and snap a photo of their license. Better yet, accompany them for the ride to make sure everything goes to plan. If you’re uncomfortable going it alone, feel free to bring in a co-pilot; a trusted friend or relative is always a great option.

Tip: check that your insurance policy will hold up if someone else is behind the wheel.

Beware of scammers!

Make sure that the person who will be taking old faithful off your hands is trustworthy enough to actually cough up the cash. Private sales can get dicey when it comes to the pointy end of things so always do a background check and remember to follow your gut instinct. In other words, never hand over the keys before you receive payment. Understanding this will keep you safe and ensure that everything runs smoothly – just like your car.

Quick tips to avoid risk:
  • Write down the other person’s contact information and take a picture of their license
  • Do a background check by searching their social media accounts
  • Never hand over the keys before being paid
The paperwork is boring

Completing the paperwork is the final piece of the puzzle and you guessed it, it’s not much fun. Nevertheless, this is a crucial part of selling your car privately and something that shouldn’t be overlooked. Ensure that all of the official documents are ready to go so that the buyer can inspect things for themselves. You’ll need to provide a roadworthy certificate and a transfer of registration form at the very least. Don’t forget to bring a pen also, because there’ll be plenty of signing to do. It’s tedious work but it has to be done.

Make the process easier

Selling your car privately may net you a few extra dollars but it brings with it a bunch of hassles that are time consuming, boring and downright stressful. So, if doing the hard work yourself doesn’t seem like such a great idea, then feel free to get in touch with the team at Done Deal. We make selling your vehicle easy, quick and stress free. Simply submit your details, wait for an offer, agree with the sale and then sit back as we collect your car and drop off the pretty pennies. Contact our Australian team by sending an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or drop us a line on 1800 3325 3663 if you live in ACT/NSW and 1800 366 333 for all other states.

Valuing a car is no simple task and one that can leave people in a world of confusion. Unless you’re a grease monkey or a motorhead by nature, it can be easy to get lost looking at mileage numbers, service history and other listings online among other things. That’s why the expert team at Done Deal is here to help. Check out this blog and you’ll soon be able to find the right price for your ride without breaking a sweat.

  • Mileage

    Mileage, or the distance that your vehicle has covered throughout its life, is a key factor to take into account when it comes to landing on an fair value. The reason for this is because it gives buyers an idea of how much a car has actually been driven. This is important as a car with lots of kilometers under its timing belt is likely to have more wear and tear compared to one that doesn’t. Usually, a car with lower mileage will be valued higher, and a car with higher mileage will be valued lower. Keep this in mind when valuing your car but remember that how much you’ve driven isn’t the be all and end all, and that there are other things to take into consideration.

  • Service history

    Anyone looking to purchase a pre-owned vehicle will want to view the service logbook to ensure that everything has been well maintained. Similar to mileage, a car that has been looked after by a qualified mechanic will usually be in better running condition than one that hasn’t. This will therefore make it a safer investment as any issues relating to the motor or individual parts will have received specialist attention. Having a thorough servicing history, in the form of signed documents, will increase the value of your vehicle and make it easier to sell at a higher price.

  • Comparisons

    Jumping online and looking at what your particular model is selling for can be helpful in guiding your decision. It’s also easy to do. Simply browse for online car selling websites and filter based on the relevant make and year. Note what other people have listed their car for and use it as a base for your own. You can also search for a car valuing tool online that will do all the complicated work for you. Comparing what other people are doing can make a big difference when it comes to guiding your thinking. When in doubt, it never hurts to follow the lead of other sellers.

  • Extra work

    Don’t forget to take into consideration any extra work that you may have put into your car when it comes to choosing an appropriate price tag. What do we mean by this? Well, custom parts can significantly increase the value of your four wheels and help when it comes to haggling with buyers. In other words, modifications act as the proof that you need to ask for more money. Extra work can include things such as additional speakers, custom lights, wheel modifications and anything else that wasn’t part of your initial purchase. You can stay on top of this history by keeping all of the relevant paperwork in one secure place so it's easy to find and present come sale time.

  • Overall condition

    While it’s a given, the overall condition of your vehicle will help you to gauge an appropriate value. For instance, if your ride looks sloppy on the outside and is a mess on the inside, then it’s safe to assume your asking price might be on the lower end of the spectrum. On the other hand, if your car is in great condition and sparkling clean, then a higher value may be more appropriate. Improving the visual look of your ride is something that everyone can do. Whether it involves grabbing a bucket and applying some elbow grease, or heading to a drive through car wash, you can make a big difference to the look and overall value of your car by getting things in tip top shape.

We will value your car and sell it for you

If you’re looking to sell your car but don’t want to go through the process of making a listing online, valuing your car and haggling with countless buyers, then Done Deal can help. We make selling cars easy for people all across Australia and know that you will love everything about the convenient service that we provide. Simply make an appointment with a member of our team and we’ll come directly to you for a car assessment and then make a cash offer on the spot. Our process is fair, fast and stress free. Give us a call or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out more.

Selling your car privately can be a complicated and challenging process. You’ll have to organise paperwork, value your vehicle, take a bunch of photos, deal with strangers plus a heap more. That’s why it’s always good to know exactly what you’re in for so that you can plan ahead. To make the process a little easier, the team at Done Deal have put together a list of handy car selling tips. Follow our advice below to avoid some of the common pitfalls of selling your car privately.

  • Focus on presentation

    This one is a no-brainer. Make sure that everything looks great so that you can entice the right type of buyer. Start by working on the exterior and then move inwards. Is your bonnet covered in bird poop? Take it for a wash. Are your backseats covered in sand from the beach? Drag the vacuum out and get to work. It goes without saying that a well presented car will be appealing to more buyers and that it may even net you more money when it comes to signing on the dotted line.

  • Advertise like a pro

    Marketing is key. It doesn’t matter whether you’re selling a bag of potatoes or a semi-trailer, you need to advertise effectively and there’s an art to doing so. What do we recommend? Start by choosing a reputable website that will take your listing. From there, snap a bunch of great photos that show off your ride and add a great write up that provides all of the relevant details. Note, a car with a lot of photos will generally sell before one with only a few. It’s also important to take care with your personal details, for example, never post your address or phone number. Doing so may lead to a prank calls and unwanted house visits.

  • Get your numbers right

    Always list an appropriate price for your car to ensure that you and your buyer are getting a fair deal. A good way to do this is by doing some research online to gauge where your particular model sits in comparison with others. Placing a listing that is too low will hurt your back pocket, while aiming too high may discourage buyers altogether. Remember to include all extra features and value adding modifications in the details, if you do decide to bump up the asking price. It’s all about justifying your position and being clear about what’s on offer.

  • Be honest

    It may seem cliche, but being true to your word is always the best policy. Why? Because anything you try to cover up will eventually come back to bite you. Be upfront with the condition of your car and mention any major issues so that your buyer knows what they are in for. There’s no point pretending that your Subaru drives like a dream when it struggles to get out of 2nd gear. Remember that people will be coming for a test drive, so these types of sales tactics simply won’t cut it. Bonus tip: photoshop is not your friend!

  • Organise your paperwork

    Anyone who has sold a car will tell you that having your paperwork ready to go is really important. It’s basically a necessity, as your owner’s manual, logbook and service records backup your listing and provide proof to the other party that your car is in good working order. Be sure to include any relevant receipts relating to work that has been carried out regarding performance or aesthetics. This could relate to flood lights, a stereo, a ladder rack or anything else.

  • Bring a friend to the initial meeting

    Key to any good sale is that both parties feel comfortable. So, when it comes to the initial meeting, feel free to have a friend accompany you to provide support and reassurance. Consider choosing a neutral location too, such as a carpark. This allows you to keep your actual address private, keeping you safe from unwanted house calls and potential harassment. It’s a good idea to avoid listing your phone number publicly as well, just for good measure.

  • Take care with the test drive

    Test drives can be a tricky business. Understand that feeling nervous about letting a stranger behind the wheel of your car is normal, and that you can take steps to make things less tense. Check to see if a buyer going for a test drive is covered under your insurance policy. Always be present in the car when they go for a spin around the block and again, it’s totally acceptable to have a friend or family member with you at all times.

  • Prepare to haggle

    One of our most crucial car selling tips is that you need to be prepared to haggle. Know the price range that you are aiming for and identify the lowest amount that you are willing to accept. This allows you to go back and forth with a buyer, but still gives you that final cutoff at which point you can say ‘no deal’. Remain confident and assertive in your dealings and never feel pressured into making a decision if you’re uncomfortable doing so. You don’t have to be a master salesperson to come away with a good deal, however, understanding what’s involved will place you in a great position.

  • Get it in writing

    Once everything has been agreed upon and you are ready for that final handshake, make sure that you get the buyer to sign a receipt that states that the vehicle is being ‘sold as seen’ (and keep a copy for your own records). Why is this an important part of the process? Because it will safeguard you against any issues or complaints that may arise down the track.

  • Choose our experts if you’re unsure of going things alone

    Follow these handy tips below and you’ll be in great shape to navigate the car selling process. Alternatively, if you’d rather avoid the complicated stuff and have everything organised for you, then contact Done Deal. Our team makes selling cars of all shapes and sizes quick, easy and stress free. Give us a call on 1800 3325 3663 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.to find out more about how our services can match your needs.

Looking to buy a new car but not sure which brand to go with? Confused about models, features and everything in between? Done Deal has got you covered. We’ve put together a list of the top 10 best selling car models in Australia and they’re sure to provide plenty of inspiration. Read on to find out more about what’s performing on the road and how you can take your car game to a new level.

    Toyota Hilux

    The Toyota Hilux comes in at number one after dominating sales across Australia in 2019. This rugged and durable 4x4 has proven its worth to customers thanks to a range of awesome features that are world class and offer plenty of punch. An impressive visual design, luxurious interior plus serious grunt make the Toyota Hilux a great option. Expect a comfortable ride each time you get behind the wheel thanks to features such as Vehicle Stability Control that add extra grip and quietness while on the road. Tradies and family men the country over have well and truly made this their pick of choice for getting the job done and looking great at the same time.

    Ford Ranger

    Looking for a versatile vehicle that offers plenty of functionality? Then the Ford Ranger is for you. 2019 was a great year for Ford in the Australian market and it’s not hard to see why. This model comes with plenty of bells and whistles, including Hill Descent Control, Keyless Entry and much more. The Ford Ranger is available in Single Cab, Double Cab and Super Cab XL to give drivers plenty of options. You’ll enjoy amazing comfort and lots of space thanks to a well-designed interior cabin that is perfect for getting to the worksite and taking the family away on the weekends too.

    Toyota Corolla

    We’re stepping away from the large vehicles here with something that gives owners a smaller, more compact ride. The Toyota Corolla is a great performer for its size and can be purchased in several model types; sedan, hatch and hybrid. A big selling point for buyers has been low maintenance and running costs along with a dynamic driving experience. You’ll love the sporty character of this car and the fact that it boasts some awesome features that make driving a pleasure. Think wireless phone charging capabilities, an 8 speaker JBL audio system along with heated front seats. Oh, and you can also sync your smartphone to Telstra Link, which will allow you to plan routes and easily find nearby fuel stations. Pretty cool, right?

    Hyundai i30

    The Korean manufacturer is showing no sign of slowing down with this addition to its ranks. The Hyundai i30 is a quality hatchback that suits customers who need something reliable and full of charm. Petrol, diesel and turbo engines are available which provides plenty of scope to choose from. Look out for a few fun gadgets too, these being LED daylight running lamps, wireless phone charging and Smart Sense safety functionality. Trust us when we say that you’ll be getting plenty of bang for your buck with the Hyundai i30.

    Toyota RAV4

    Halfway down our list and we’re at the Toyota RAV4 which is hardly a surprise given the company’s ability to produce outstanding vehicles that Aussie buyers love. You can pick yourself up a GX, GXL or Cruiser variety based on your needs and budget. There’s also the choice of 6speed manual or 6speed automatic depending on your personal preference and driving style. Safety is top of mind thanks to a 5-star ANCAP rating that is great for families. You’ll also be able to transport bulky items when you include a Toyota Genuine Roof Rack.

    Mazda 3

    Look to this beautifully designed model if you want to turn heads and make your neighbours jealous. The Mazda 3 not only looks great, but it performs wonderfully too. You can opt for the Neo Sport, Touring, SP25 or Maxx Sport that all include plenty of cool and handy features. Ditch the rear-vision mirror in favour of a reversing camera and take a step up with Smart City Brake Support. Drivers will also benefit from Active Driving Display for improved safety in tight environments.

    Toyota Landcruiser

    Owner’s of the Toyota Landcruiser will know that switching between concrete and off-roading rarely requires a second thought, and that’s why this model is such a widely sought-after choice for adventure enthusiasts. Trust that there’s plenty of room for friends and family with seating arrangements that can fit 5,7 and 8 passengers. Features include a Toyota Premium Bull Bar, touchscreen display, multi terrain anti-lock braking system and more.

    Mazda CX-5

    The Mazda CX-5 is a strong performer in the SUV market because it provides great visuals, performance and comfort. Choose between the Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring, GT and Akera models and know that you will be more than impressed. Expect plenty of advanced safety equipment that includes a 360-degree View Monitor and i-ACTIV AWD. Deck your ride out with 19inch alloy wheels for a final touch that won’t go unnoticed. You’ll also enjoy an improved driving experience thanks to a newly designed steering wheel and updated cabin layout.

    Mitsubishi Triton

    Jump into either a 4x2 or 4x4 model and you’ll never look back. The Mitsubishi Triton is a great option for Aussie buyers and has all of the finest features plus great grunt. Look forward to heated seats in the morning plus a Smartphone Link Display Audio system that’ll make getting connected easy and simple. For anyone who wants a little more, feel free to add some larger rims, wheels and a bull bar or sports bar.

    Nissan X-trail

    This impressive vehicle is great for tradies or large families and will meet all of your expectations and more. Cruise control functionality along with emergency braking and a motion activated tailgate make driving and overall user experience an absolute dream. Start with the 5-seater option or take things to another level by upgrading to 7-person capacity. The Nissan X-trail is a popular choice for buyers thanks to a fantastic design and great performance.

Your Car Selling Experts

If you’re looking to upgrade your car, then the team at Done Deal can help. We make selling vehicles of all shapes and sizes hassle free so that you can invest in something that really gets your gears ticking.

For further information about our quality service, call our professional team or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..