Selling your car can be frustrating and time-consuming. The aim is to get the best possible price in the shortest time. Find out how to make the most of your car and make a sale.

Note: the following information is intended primarily for use in NSW and the ACT.

Clean your car

Looks aren't everything but they do help! Consider getting your car professionally detailed. After all, you're competing with dealers who have their cars looking great all the time. A good-looking car is perceived to be well cared for, too.

If you're sprucing it up yourself:

shampoo the carpet and upholstery
vacuum the inside
clear out the glove box and ashtrays
deodorize the insides if you've had smokers, babies or pets onboard
remove dust from the dashboard and doors - use a damp rag followed by an application of a protectant, such as Armor All
for leather seats use saddle-soap (or similar leather cleaner/protectant)
replace any lights or fuses that don't work
shampoo and polish the car
clean the windows
blacken the tyres
Get a tune-up
Before you put your car on the market, have a mechanic perform whatever repairs are needed. But always consider the cost of repairs against your sale price, especially on older car

Clean under the bonnet

A buyer will look under the bonnet during their inspection A dirty engine can indicate a poorly maintained car but keep in mind that too clean an engine might also be cause for suspicion.

wipe up any oil or radiator spills with a damp cloth
if it's really messy in there, use a commercial degreaser available at any car autoshop
avoid the wash entering a drain. Depending on the kind of engine you have, you may need to first protect some components by covering them with plastic bags and/or tape.

What to fix/replace

If anything is broken try to fix or replace it before showing the car to prospective buyers or dealers. Otherwise the selling or trade-in price will be affected.

Things to fix might include:

cracked windshields
broken stereo
headlight or interior bulbs
cracked or torn upholstery
fuses.

What not to fix/replace

Deciding what's not worth fixing can be difficult but the age and the price of your car are a good guide. Generally avoid major repairs or repairs that might make a buyer suspicious.

These include:

new tyres, unless they're bald
"cover-up" paint jobs
minor dings or scratches

What's your car worth?

Now it's looking as good as possible it's time to gauge a realistic asking price, given the age, mileage and condition of your car.

Use our value your car tool (provided by Glasses) to get a realistic price
Check newspaper classifieds
Get a trade-in value (several if you're trading in and not selling privately)
Set a price - whether you're selling privately, trading in or selling at auction. Leave room to negotiate. Maybe add 5 - 10 per cent depending on age, saleability, condition etc.

Prepare for the phone calls

It's a good idea to write all the details down and leave them near the phone. This way you've got all the details ready and if someone else takes the call they have them too. Your list should include:

number of kilometres
how many owners
accident record
whether the price is negotiable
has it been garaged
interior colour
additional extras - cruise control, power windows, CD, mobile attachments
any dents, scratches
remaining registration
reason for selling.

For more information call NRMA Motoring Advice on 13 11 22.

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