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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.

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..