Determining the value of the vehicle being sold is one of the major questions sellers need to address. The answer relies heavily on multiple variables, including mileage, condition of the vehicle and number of owners. For individuals looking for ways to sell car Australia, knowing what determines the value of your vehicle will set you up for the best chance of maximising your return and achieving your desired results. The purpose of this information is to enlighten car sellers with the key aspects that contribute to the overall perceived market value of their vehicle and provide tips on how to prepare for a successful selling experience.

1. Distance Driven

Mileage indicates the distance travelled by a vehicle. The number of kilometres travelled by a vehicle affects whether it has a high or low likelihood of requiring extensive repairs within a short time period. Two identical cars may have a difference in pricing of thousands of dollars due to the number of kilometres driven by each car. For example, a Volkswagen with 75,000 km will be more desirable to buyers than the same model with 190,000 km. To sell car Australia should consider that a lower number of kilometres (in general) will result in a higher value.

2. Exterior and Mechanical Conditions

Exterior blemishes such as dents, scratches and fading paint, as well as the condition of the car's interior, have negative effects on a car's perceived value. Additionally, mechanical issues such as leaking oil, brakes that make noise and an engine that misfires will also deter potential buyers and/or cause lower offers. Prior to performing an assessment of your car, it is worthwhile to invest in cleaning and repairing any minor blemishes on the exterior and providing the buyer with an overview of the repairing process performed to eliminate any mechanical defects. Presenting a vehicle that has been maintained and has passed inspection will make a significant impact on the price offered for the vehicle.

3. Service History and Documentation

A vehicle's service history and documentation play an important role in building customer trust, thus allowing the vehicle to have a higher resale price. The presence of regularly completed maintenance and all major maintenance procedures being completed on time would establish trust in the buyer. However, the presence of missing service history or a large gap in the service history is an immediate sign of concern for the buyer, regardless of how well the car has been maintained, and the buyer would have doubts about the reliability of the vehicle and its resale value. Therefore, if a seller can provide valid documentation of the service history during the car valuation process, this will be more likely to result in receiving a higher quotation.

4. Market Demand for Your Make and Model

The level of demand for your vehicle model will be a major influencer of your resale value. In Australia, the most desirable used vehicle models are generally large family SUVs, compact hatchbacks, and hybrids that get good fuel economy. Dual-cab utes are also in high demand, particularly in the countryside. On the contrary, discontinued vehicles and high-maintenance vehicles generally will have a more difficult time attracting prospects. As a result, researching recently listed and sold vehicles in the marketplace relative to your similar vehicles is a critical step to take in determining how to sell car Australia. It can be expected that higher-demand vehicles will generally have quicker sales and higher dollar values.

5. Vehicle Value and Depreciation 

Many factors contribute to the overall value of a vehicle. The age of a vehicle will greatly affect its depreciation, although some vehicles will retain greater value than others due to reasons like brand reputation and limited availability or supply. Vehicles that have undergone a major update of a similar model may quickly lose value; therefore, it is important for sellers to be aware of where the vehicle sits within the lifecycle of its model. By selling before a major design or model update, or after an extended period of production, sellers may be able to create greater overall demand for their vehicle, resulting in greater prices received.

6. Safety Rating and Value 

Vehicles that have factory-installed safety technology and upgraded technology for entertainment or navigation, as well as fuel efficiency, will typically be in higher demand than vehicles that do not have those options. Additionally, many significant vehicle modifications (e.g., body kits, custom modifications, or major engine modifications) tend to decrease overall buyer interest, as well as overall valuation of the vehicle when compared to an unmodified vehicle. Vehicles with a five-star ANCAP safety rating tend to retain greater value over time, especially for families; therefore, it is very important to promote the more popular features of a vehicle and refrain from introducing or modifying vehicles in ways that would eliminate appeal to as many potential buyers as possible.

7. Timing and Location

When it comes to sell car Australia, timing and location will be influenced by various factors, including seasonality and where you live. Seasonal trends have an impact on what type of vehicle tends to sell well within that season. For instance, convertibles and sport compact cars tend to be more popular during the summer months, while SUVs and four-wheeldrives tend to become more popular during the winter months or in areas where there may be rough terrain. Sellers should also consider whether selling locally or regionally makes sense since some vehicles may sell for more money and/or faster depending on where they are located. The trends mentioned above can help determine when to sell a car as well as the best location to do so. 

8. Method of Sale

The method chosen to sell car Australia will also affect the price at which it sells. Private sales generally yield the highest price; however, they are usually time-consuming, as sellers have to take care of all advertising, inspections, negotiations and paperwork. Trade-in sales tend to be quicker but often yield lower offers. If you choose to sell your vehicle using a professional car buying service, you'll receive payment quickly, with very little effort, and receive fair market value without having to meet any strangers in person or list your vehicle on an online auction site.

Tips to Maintain and Maximise Your Car’s VAlue

The simplest way to preserve your car's resale value is to keep it in tip-top condition. Regular maintenance, prompt repairs and a clean appearance will add to your car's final selling or trade-in price significantly.

• Make sure to follow a regular maintenance schedule and keep all service records and receipts.

• If you have small damage (such as scratches, a dent or worn tyres), take care of them immediately.

• Maintain the cleanliness of your car both inside and out.

• Do not smoke in your car, and do not transport animals without having protection for them because your car will smell like that, which will reduce the resale value.

• Use a car valuation tool or calculator to check the current market value of your car prior to listing it or trading it in.