posted on 30 July 2024
Are you thinking about selling your car in Queensland? Whether you’re moving interstate or upgrading your wheels, it’s crucial you understand the steps involved in selling a car in QLD.
From gathering the appropriate paperwork to setting the right price and even transferring your car’s registration, this complete guide will take the guesswork out of selling a used car in Queensland.
An overview: Selling a car in Queensland
The key thing to remember about selling a car in Queensland is this: as the seller, you’re responsible for obtaining a current safety certificate or Certificate of Inspection and ensuring the buyer has a copy.
But there are plenty of nitty-gritty details you need to understand before listing your used vehicle for sale in QLD. Luckily, this complete guide covers:
- The steps to selling your car privately in QLD
- Difference between selling your registered car versus your unregistered car in QLD
- Top tips to sell your car privately in QLD
- Alternatives to selling your car privately
- Frequently asked questions about selling a car in QLD
Tip from the author: If you’re thinking of selling your car, why not rent it out on Turo instead? You’ll get flexibility, the opportunity to make an ongoing income, and more. Or, if you’re planning on replacing your car, you could always rent the new one out to cover some of the costs! Learn more: Rent my car
Steps to selling your car privately in Queensland
As a private seller, there are four key steps to take when selling your car in QLD.
1. Organise all your paperwork
Understanding what paperwork you need can be one of the most confusing parts of selling a car privately in Queensland.
First up, you need to understand the differences between selling a registered car vs selling an unregistered car privately in QLD.
Selling an unregistered vehicle
While you won’t need to book a safety inspection, you will need to secure an unregistered vehicle permit online if you need to drive or move your car to sell it privately.
This permit will only be provided if your car is roadworthy and in a safe and legal condition to drive and will need to be carried with transporting your car to be sold. Keep in mind that this permit is only valid for one to seven days, so timing this to align with the sale of your car is crucial.
Plus, you’ll need to make sure you have Class 22 compulsory third-party (CTP) insurance. This is charged at a base rate for one day, plus an additional day rate fee for every day following.
Tip from the author: If you’re planning to move an unregistered vehicle interstate, you’ll need to check what permits may apply in the state or territory you’re driving through. While your QLD unregistered vehicle permit is usually valid across most of Australia, it might not be valid in WA.
Selling a registered vehicle
If you’re selling a registered vehicle, there are two key pieces of paperwork you need to gather, including:
- A current inspection certificate: This will be a safety certificate for light vehicles or a Certificate of Inspection (COI) for heavy vehicles, like tow trucks and buses. Make sure you visit an approved inspection station to secure the right certificate.
- A gas certificate: If your car is fitted out with gas fuel systems, head to an authorised gas installer to grab this certificate. When selling your car, make sure this certificate isn’t more than three months old.
2. Preparing your car for sale
The best way to impress potential buyers is to ensure your car is well-maintained and looks its best. While it’s not essential, preparing your car for sale can help you secure the best price when it comes time to sell.
In practical terms, preparing your car for sale involves:
- Servicing your vehicle: Make sure to keep your car’s service book handy to show potential buyers that the vehicle has recently been serviced.
- Book in to have your car detailed and cleaned: A professional clean-up gives your vehicle the best chance of winning over buyers.
- Remove personal items: Along with emptying the boot and glovebox, consider removing stickers that can distract and turn off buyers.
3. Setting the right price for your used car
When it comes to setting the asking price for your car, there are a lot of factors to consider. From the condition of your car to how many kilometres it’s driven, there are a number of things that can add or detract value from your vehicle.
Low kilometres, a reverse camera and a modern sound system can all boost the sale price of your vehicle. On the flip side, ripped seats, peeling paintwork and high kilometres can lower the value of your car.
Tip from the author: This free online calculator from CarGuides helps you figure out how much your car is worth based on the vehicle’s make, model and age.
When setting the price for your used car, keep in mind that buyers are likely to negotiate for a lower sale price. By starting with a higher listing price, you can give yourself more room for negotiation without compromising your returns.
4. Creating an ad listing
Ready to put your car on the market? Whether you’re listing your car on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or Carsales, make sure to include this essential information on your ad listing:
- All the necessary details about your vehicle’s make, model, year, colour and body style
- The kilometres it’s driven
- The transmission type (automatic vs manual)
- Any stand-out features (from power steering to 4WD capabilities)
- The registration expiry date
- The asking price and how to contact you
Tip from the author: Found a buyer faster than expected? If you’re in between vehicles and need a way to get around, discover car rental on Turo.
Top tips for selling a car in QLD
Want to get the best price possible when selling your car privately in QLD? We’ve rounded up our top expert tips for crafting a compelling ad listing and negotiating like a pro.
1. Creating a great ad listing
As of 2024, there are over 53,000 cars listed for sale in Queensland on Carsales. With so much competition for attention, crafting a top-notch ad listing is key to standing out and giving your vehicle the best chance of grabbing the eye of the perfect buyer.
The key ingredients to a great car ad listing include:
- High-quality photos: Shoot your vehicle outdoors in daylight and capture the car from a number of different angles (including the exterior and interior of the car).
- Detailed vehicle description: The more specific, the better! Include your exact odometer reading, car make and model number, as well as key information like when it was last serviced.
- Standout features: Sunroofs, tinted windows, and heated seats are all features buyers may be willing to pay a premium for, so call these out in your ad copy.
Finding the best place to sell your car in Queensland
When selling your car, there are a number of places to sell your vehicle in QLD, including:
- Privately via online sites like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree: this is great if you’re looking to make a quick sale and hoping to get the highest price possible for your car but don’t mind doing the hard work to prepare your car for sale.
- Dealerships or wholesalers: if you don’t want the hassle of trying to find a qualified buyer and don’t mind sacrificing some returns, this is a convenient way to sell your car.
2. Understanding private car sale laws in Queensland
When selling privately, it’s important to brush up on the relevant car sale laws that apply in QLD, including:
- Buyers aren’t entitled to a cooling-off period
- You don’t have to provide a certificate from the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR)
- Buyers can’t access QLD’s compensation claim fund if something goes wrong during the sale
3. Negotiating and closing the deal
Once you’ve found an interested buyer, it’s time to negotiate. Before beginning any negotiations, clarify the lowest price you’d be willing to sell at. This will help you make confident decisions during negotiations.
Always try to meet buyers halfway to avoid a significant discount from your original sale price. Plus, consider any additional add-ons you can leverage (such as vouchers at a local mechanic or car gear shop) to prevent your sale price from being lowered.
Once you’ve reached an agreement, make sure to keep a record of all agreements and put your deal in writing to protect yourself.
4. Payment tips when selling a car privately
There are a number of ways to ask your buyer to pay for the vehicle, from paying in cash to electronic bank transfers.
One of the safest ways to arrange payment is to head into a brick-and-mortar bank branch to process the transaction. This gives you confidence that buyers have the funds to complete the transaction.
If you opt for a bank transfer online, keep in mind that it can take a number of days for funds to clear. To reduce any fears of a buyer cancelling the payment, you can use third-party services (like PayPal), which gives you a bit more financial protection as a seller.
Want to test drive your dream car ahead of your next purchase? With Turo, you can hire a range of unique car makes and models from local hosts across Australia. Find your drive on Turo.
Alternatives to selling your car privately
Not keen on selling your car privately? Some alternatives to consider are:
- List your car on Turo
- Sell to a car dealer
- Car auction
- Sell to a car recycler
- Trading in your car
Listing your car on Turo
Instead of selling, why not rent your car out on Turo? You’ll get the flexibility of a second car when you need it, as well as the opportunity to make money on an ongoing basis. Plus, if you’re planning on buying a new car, this is a great way to offset the costs involved.
Learn more about renting your car out, including average earnings, how you’re protected, and more: Rent my car
Used car sellers: how to find a good used car dealer
Thinking about using a car dealer to sell your car in Queensland? Here’s what to look for in the best car dealerships.
Finding a good used car dealer
It’s important to look for a reputable car dealership that:
- Has positive customer reviews: Check the dealerships’ Facebook Page and Google Reviews to see if past sellers have had a positive experience.
- Publishes each vehicle’s MSRP on their website: The Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price is what car brands suggest dealers should sell their car for. This is a good benchmark to help buyers know what this car is deemed to be worth by the car manufacturer.
Our tip? Visit a number of dealerships to compare your options and gather a range of quotes on what your vehicle is deemed to be worth. This allows you to make an informed decision before picking a dealer.
Getting the best price from a used car dealer
Knowledge is key to a strong negotiating position. Before meeting with potential dealerships, ensure you know the current market value of your vehicle to avoid getting ripped off. Plus, don’t be afraid to walk away if you don’t get a price you’re happy with (you can always skip the dealerships and sell privately).
Frequently asked questions about selling a car in QLD
What documents do I need to transfer rego in QLD?
To transfer vehicle registration in Queensland, you can jump online to transfer rego on the Queensland Government website. As the seller, you need to complete your part first before the buyer can complete the transfer.
Keep in mind that you can’t transfer rego online if your buyer is located outside of Queensland. Plus, you must transfer the registration of your vehicle within 14 days of selling your car.
Alternatively, you can transfer registration in-person by providing your current safety certificate or certificate of inspection as well as a gas inspection certificate. You’ll also need to complete Part B of this vehicle registration transfer application (F3520) and ensure the buyer has signed this form.
Can someone sell my car on my behalf in Queensland?
Yes, but it’s best practice to only sell cars that you own in Queensland (and across the rest of Australia). However, if you provide authority and consent to someone else to see a car on your behalf, make sure the buyer is aware of this to avoid any issues.
Does the seller pay for stamp duty on a used car?
No, the buyer is responsible for paying stamp duty on the car, which is paid to the state where the buyer lives.
Consider renting your car on Turo instead of selling it. This gives you the flexibility of having an extra vehicle when needed and allows you to earn ongoing income. It’s also a smart way to offset the costs if you’re buying a new car. Discover more about renting your car, including potential earnings and how you’re protected here.
Lucinda Starr
Lucinda is a Sydney-based content specialist and avid road tripper. Having travelled across Asia, North America and the South Pacific, she's experienced everything from glamping in a Yurt in -30 degrees in The Yukon, snorkelling in the open seas of Vanuatu and hiking the rocky alps of Kamikochi in Japan. She's currently planning her next overseas adventure, a toss-up between a classic #EuroSummer or a multi-day trek through Nepal.
