Worthwhile tips to maximise sale price and have a hassle free sale:

Private Sale

Clean your car thoroughly and inspect it from a buyer's point of view. You need to wash, vacuum, shampoo carpet and seats as well as clean out rubbish, remove dust and blacken tyres. Perhaps it is worth having it professionally detailed if you don't have time. Your aim is to have it looking like it is in a dealers yard. If the car has been used by a smoker deodorise it.  

Is there anything that needs to be fixed? These are usually obvious items like lights, torn upholstery, stereo & fuses. Avoid major work as you will usually not be fully compensated in the sale price and it also might make a potential buyer suspicious.

Consider having an inspection completed by your local motoring organisation. This can often quicken the sale process and provide peace of mind to any buyer.

From the various car sites, work out what your car is potentially worth. Remember when selling privately you will normally expect to receive less than a similar car for sale through a dealer.

If selling privately, you can place the advertisement on line or in classifieds. Next you need to be ready to answer calls and have the car details ready. They will ask many questions from number of km's to colour to what suburb/town the car is. If they wish to inspect the car ensure you get a contact phone number. It is very frustrating waiting for someone who is late or doesn't front.

If they want to go for a test drive, go with them. It is not uncommon for thieves to turn up in a stolen car of lesser value and steal the one for sale.

Negotiating is not enjoyable for most people. The potential buyer will often list faults however from your homework, these should already be included in the price. Work out beforehand what you are prepared to negotiate to and stick to it. The car doesn't have to be sold to the 1st potential buyer.

If a price has been agreed, a number of things need to be done:

1.      Time for the sale to be finalised.

2.      Transfer documents to be completed.

3.      Method of payment: Only 3 are recommended cash, bank cheque and money order.

Other Sale Methods

These are listed briefly.

Selling at auction is a convenient way to sell and is popular for older cars. To sell at auction you normally need a road worthy certificate and transfer documents.

Trade in through a dealer is probably the easiest option. You won't receive as much money however will have less hassle not to mention the time saving. The confusing part of the process is you will be negotiating only one price. The changeover is the difference between the purchase price including on road costs and selling cost of your existing car to the car dealer. To do this work out before hand what you would reasonably expect to receive for your existing car as a trade in. Then on the purchase side work out what you would expect to pay for the new/used car. This is purchase price being offered plus on road costs less a % or $ amount off as part of the negotiation process. Don't be afraid to let them know you have done some homework. Take a pad to work through the numbers and a calculator. If you are not totally comfortable with the discussions either leave or go for a walk and sit down and review both party's reasons for the different prices being offered.

Consignment means giving your car to someone to sell for a fee. You need to have a contract drawn up that includes time frame for handover of money. Ensure they are a licensed motor car trader.

Summary

The final matter is handover of car and completion of paperwork. Every state has different requirements. Contact the organisation who you pay annual registration to. Phone numbers are usually on the annual registration papers. The sticker on the windscreen may have the phone number to ring. They also often have contact details for emergencies and traffic hazards.