How to Get Your Vehicle Sold in NZ: A Comprehensive Guide from Top Car Removal Experts

Prepare Your Vehicle for Sale

To maximize your vehicle’s value and sale price, thoroughly prepare it for listing by:

Washing and Detailing

Clean the exterior and interior meticulously. Vacuum the carpets and seats. Polish and wax paint and chrome. Buyers love gleaming cars.

• Wash and dry exterior
• Clean wheels, wheel wells, undercarriage
• Wax/polish paint and chrome
• Vacuum interior carpets and seats
• Dust dash and compartments
• Clean inside windows and mirrors

Make Minor Repairs

Fix minor issues like burned-out bulbs, leaks, dents, dings, worn trim. Keep receipts to verify repairs and show diligent care.

• Replace burned out lights
• Fix fluid leaks
• Pop out minor dents/dings
• Touch up paint chips
• Reattach/replace loose trim
• Fix torn carpets or upholstery

Check/Fill Fluid Levels

Ensure brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, oil, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid are filled. Top up as needed.

• Engine oil
• Coolant
• Brake fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Transmission fluid
• Washer fluid

Inspect and Replace Tires

Check tire tread depth, sidewalls, and pressure. Rotate if needed. Replace any tires under 3mm tread remaining.

• Check/adjust tire pressure
• Inspect tread depth
• Look for sidewall cracks/bulges
• Replace if under 3mm tread
• Rotate tires if wearing unevenly

Test Drive It

Drive your vehicle, testing acceleration, braking, steering, suspension. Listen for odd noises. Fix any issues immediately.

• Accelerate to high speed
• Brake firmly from high speed
• Listen for odd sounds
• Check handling around corners
• Fix any issues noticed right away

Declutter Interior

Remove all personal items and trash from compartments and trunk. It should look tidy. Air fresheners can help too.

• Take out trash and belongings
• Clean out compartments
• Vacuum trunk/cargo area
• Wipe down surfaces
• Use air freshener

Collect All Documentation

Have the VIN, current ownership papers, service records, repair invoices, owner’s manual, spare keys ready to show buyers.

• Vehicle VIN
• Current registration
• Service logs
• Repair invoices
• Owner’s manual
• All keys/remotes

Proper preparation minimizes any flaws and shows you cared for the vehicle. This added curb appeal and confidence in condition can increase offers.

Write Effective Classified Listing Ads

Crafting compelling listing ads with key details and photos is crucial to attract qualified buyers quickly. Follow these tips:

Lead with Make, Model, Year

Open by stating the vehicle make, model, year, and mileage up front. This allows buyers to quickly assess if it fits their needs.

• Start with: “2017 Toyota RAV4 SUV – 102,500km”

Include Multiple High-Quality Photos

Take 20+ clear, bright photos from all angles highlighting interior, exterior, dashboard, seats. Good photos are key.

• Exterior: front, back, sides, roof, wheels
• Interior: seats, dash, steering wheel, compartments
• Engine bay, odometer, VIN, etc.
• Minimal editing, honest portrayal

Describe Condition Honestly

Note any defects, damage history, non-working features bluntly. This builds trust more than exaggerating condition.

• “Small dents on rear hatch, small tear on driver’s seat, check engine light on”

Highlight Selling Points

Mention extras that add value like service records, new parts/tires, modifications, warranty inclusion.

• “New front brakes and tires, tinted windows, 6 months warranty included.”

List All Features

Specify engine size, transmission, drivetrain, entertainment systems, upholstery, options etc. Help buyers judge fit.

• “2.5L 4-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, cloth seats, rear-view camera…”

Summarize Maintenance History

Briefly describe maintenance performed and repairs done. Share major service details. Offer to show full records.

• “Oil changes every 5,000 km, new clutch at 80,000 km, transmission fluid flush at 60,000 km.”

Set a Competitive Asking Price

Research similar listings to choose a fair asking price that attracts interest and allows room to negotiate

• Price on higher side of comparable listings
• But not drastically above market rate

Offer Test Drives

State buyers can schedule accompanied test drives to build confidence and demonstrate condition.

• “Test drives welcome with confirmed buyer’s license and insurance.”

List Contact Information

Share your name, phone numbers, email, location so buyers can easily contact you with questions or to view.

• First name, mobile number, city, email address

Detailed listings build buyer trust and maximize interest. You can refine details further in direct discussions.

Market Your Vehicle Listing Strategically

Simply listing your vehicle for sale is not enough. You need to aggressively market it across platforms to attract the most buyers.

National Online Classifieds

Post ads on high-traffic classifieds sites like TradeMe, Facebook Marketplace, Neighbourly, CarJam, Autotrader.

• Widest reach to match sellers and buyers nationally

Local Community Sites

List on community boards like Neighbourly, local Facebook groups, online forums specific to your city or region.

• Targeted reach to your local area where vehicle can be seen in-person

Newspaper Classifieds

Take out classified ads in your city’s newspaper and community circulars. Print still works for some demographics.

• Traditional option allowing very localized advertising

Flyers

Design eye-catching flyers and mail or hand deliver to surrounding neighborhoods. Include photos, details, contact info.

• Direct mail technique to advertise locally

Car Sale Events

Attend used car fairs, markets, auctions and enthusiast events to display your vehicle in-person.

• Meet serious buyers in-person who can inspect your vehicle on the spot

Social Media

Share your sale listing across your personal social media accounts. Ask friends and family to share it further.

• Leverage your existing social network

Online Forums

Post in forums and groups for your vehicle’s specific make, model or type. Engage community enthusiasts.

• Targeted reach to niche audiences

Dealerships

Consider consignment at reputable used car dealers to tap into their buyer network. But they take a cut.

• Wider audience but reduced profit

Sale Signage

Place eye-catching “For Sale” signs in your vehicle’s windows featuring details and your phone number.

• Makes your vehicle stand out in public areas

A multi-prong strategy across platforms, both online and offline, ensures maximum visibility so you sell ASAP.

Screen Prospective Buyers

As leads come in, vet buyers through phone/email screening to weed out inquirers unlikely to follow through on purchasing your vehicle.

Ask Specific Qualifying Questions

Inquire about their budget, timeline, transportation plans, method of payment, mechanic inspection intentions, etc. to gauge seriousness.

• “What’s your price range?” “When are you looking to purchase?” “How will you get the vehicle home?”

Verify Details

Request to see identification, insurance information, vehicle history reports, proof of financing, license status etc. Review carefully.

• Checks driver’s license, insurance, registration, credit readiness

Gauge Vehicle Knowledge

Ask targeted questions about your vehicle’s specs, capabilities, common issues, and modifications to assess their familiarity.

• “What engine size is in this model?” “Are you familiar with this model’s towing capacity?”

Check Enthusiasm

Listen for excitement, urgency to purchase, and how well your vehicle fits their described needs to determine motivation.

• “I’ve been waiting to find this SUV with low miles!” indicates eager buyer

Qualify Financing

Ask how they plan to pay. Cash is best but require proof of funds. Financing must have pre-approval letter from bank.

• Don’t accept “waiting on tax return” or other unsure payment sources

Pre-screening keeps time wasters away while identifying genuinely interested buyers worth meeting for test drives.

Schedule Test Drives Strategically

Test drives close deals but require care to avoid liability issues. Follow these best practices:

Meet in a Public Place

Never allow test drives from your home. Meet at a nearby gas station, parking lot or other public spot instead.

• Reduces risk compared to your address

Re-Check License

Verify license again when meeting and photocopy or scan it in case of incidents during the drive.

• Proof of exactly who drove your vehicle

Set Driving Guidelines

Agree on route, duration, speed limits, number of passengers, food/drink rules, music volume etc. beforehand.

• Establishes clear ground rules upfront

Accompany Buyers

Ride along to observe driving style, ask questions, watch reactions, point out features.

• Close supervision minimizes risk

Assess Driving Habits

Pay attention to how they accelerate, brake, signal turns, check mirrors, obey traffic laws. Red flags suggest carelessness.

• Warn or end drive if needed for dangerous driving

Limit Distance/Duration

Keep drives under 15-20 minutes in close proximity to limit risks and prevent wasting your time on joyrides.

• Too long of drives increase chances of mishaps

Properly managed test drives help you gauge serious buyers while demonstrating your vehicle’s quality under real driving conditions. Decline drives from anyone who raises concerns or ignores ground rules. And never allow unaccompanied test drives.

Negotiate Expertly With Interested Buyers

Once you have solid offers, use strategic negotiation tactics to maximize your vehicle’s sale price:

Start High

Begin by sticking firm to your asking price, even if it’s beyond the initial offer range. This anchors negotiations higher.

• Gives you more room to come down during back and forth

Support Your Price

Remind buyers of aspects that justify your price like upgrades, condition, repairs, desirability, options etc.

• Details why your asking price is reasonable

Suggest Monthly Payments

For buyers needing financing, calculate the monthly payment at your price. This can make it seem more affordable.

• Say “It would just be an extra $100/month over 5 years from your initial budget”

Offer Non-Cash Incentives

Highlight extras you’re including like new tires, registration, warranty etc. to increase overall package value.

• Makes your firm price seem like a better overall deal

Discover Their Top Dollar

Ask buyers “What’s the absolute highest offer you can make?” Once revealed, counter slightly above it.

• Lets you tailor counteroffer strategically

Leverage Higher Offers

If you receive multiple competitive bids, use the highest one for negotiating leverage with the others.

• Say “Another buyer offered $X. Can you match that?”

Throw In Freebies

Consider tossing in something extra like roof racks, floor mats or a full tank of gas to clinch on an attractive offer.

• Small free add-ons can incentivize buyers

  Walk Away From Lowballs

  Reject unrealistic lowball offers. Reply “I have other buyers interested at my asking price, so I can’t accept less than $X.”

• Shows you won’t cave to unreasonable offers

With the right strategies, you can often sell very close to, or above, your original asking price after skilled negotiation.

Navigate the Transaction Carefully

Once you accept an offer, complete the sale meticulously to protect all parties:

Review Sale Contract

Carefully read and understand the full purchase contract before signing. Alter any problematic clauses.

• Protects your rights and obligations

Confirm Payment Method

Ensure cash payment made in your presence or financing check banked before releasing the vehicle. Beware fake checks.

• Payment 100% cleared before handing over vehicle

Transfer Ownership Paperswork

Sign over the title, provide current registration, and complete/submit Notice of Sale documents.

• Handles ownership transfer properly

Remove License Plates

Take your current number plates off and provide new plates if the buyer isn’t transferring registration immediately.

• Prevents illegal use of your plates

Cancel Any Warrant/Insurance

Cancel warranty, insurance, and registration in your name so you don’t remain liable going forward.

• Stops future liability for the vehicle

Hand Over All Keys/Remotes

Provide all keys, remotes, fobs and access tools needed to operate the vehicle, locks, alarm system, storage, electronics. check for extras like valet keys.

• Ensures buyer can access everything

Remove Personal Items

Double check no possessions are left behind in compartments or trunk. Also remove quick pass transponders, garage door openers.

• Don’t allow new owner access to your personal effects

Exchange Contact Information

Trade phone numbers, emails in case any sale-related issues arise afterward that require discussion.

• Maintains contact channel just in case

Sign Receipt of Sale

Provide a bill of sale receipt detailing vehicle details, sale date, price paid, buyer/seller information, and terms for record keeping.

• Well documented transaction details