Selling a Car in Queensland (QLD)
If you’re planning to part with your vehicle anywhere in Queensland, whether you live in the capital, along the coast or in regional areas, you’ll want to maximise your sale price and minimise hassle. This guide blends practical knowledge from a licensed buyer with current legal requirements and tips from sellers.
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Need to Sell Your Car?
I've bought thousands of cars in QLD, and this article blends everything I’ve learned with the best tips from sellers and platforms. No fluff, no filler — just a straightforward guide on how to get your car sold fast and for the best price.
Choosing a Method
One of the first decisions is how you’ll sell. Each option has its pros and cons:
- Private Sale: Highest potential price but takes time, effort, and negotiation skills.
- Dealer Trade-In: Easy but often the lowest return.
- Car Buying Service: Fast, no roadworthy required, slightly lower price but no hassle.
1. Private Sale (Best for Maximum Price) 🏆
Listing your vehicle online often yields the highest return but involves photographing the car, creating an advertisement, managing enquiries and negotiating with strangers. If your car is in demand and you’re comfortable fielding messages, this method can be rewarding. If you want the most money and are comfortable dealing with the public, a private sale.
2. Ask to a Licensed Car Buyer (Fast & Hassle-Free) 💰
A quick and straightforward option. You receive a quote, accept or decline and the buyer handles the paperwork. This approach can be ideal if you don’t want strangers at your house or if your vehicle has finance owing or lacks a roadworthy certificate.
3. Send it to a Car Auction 🎤
Auctions can surprise you, in both directions. If your car is rare, unique, or heavily modified, this might get you better exposure to specialist buyers. But fees apply, and there’s no guarantee your reserve will be met.
4. Selling Through Consignment 🤝
Some car yards offer to sell your vehicle on your behalf. They handle inspections, advertising, and paperwork, but you’ll usually pay a commission. It can be slower than a direct sale but offers more exposure than going it alone.
5. Trade-In at a Dealership 🚘
Dealership trade-ins are convenient, especially if you're buying another car. You don’t need to list, negotiate, or do paperwork. But you’ll rarely get a fair market price — they build profit margins into every offer.
| Rank | Platform | Price | Time to move |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Private sale | ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ | 15-60 days |
| #2 | Licenced car buyer | ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ | 1-2 days |
| #3 | Car auction | ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ | 2-5 days |
| #4 | Consignment | ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ | 30-90 days |
| #5 | Trade-in | ⭐️ ⭐️ | 1-2 days |
Carsales vs Gumtree vs Marketplace: Quick Breakdown
Choosing the right place can make all the difference, not just in how fast it sells, but how much you walk away with. Here's what to expect from buyers on each platform.
Carsales
- Buyers tend to research and ask the right questions
- Expect more back-and-forth before inspection
- Safer than Facebook but slower pace
Gumtree
- Bargain seekers and resellers
- Quick to inspect if local
- Have your answers ready for “What’s your lowest price?”
Facebook Marketplace
- Many enquiries, low hit rate
- Plenty of sellers with WOVR cars if you're buying
- High chance of ghosting
- Always meet in a public location like a servo or Bunnings
Tip: Use more than one platform if you're not in a rush — just keep your pricing and details consistent.
When’s the Best Time to Move it On?
Timing your sale can boost your price or kill demand entirely.
Here's what works in QLD:
- Spring & Summer: Families shop for reliable SUVs, students prep for uni. It’s the busiest season.
- End of Financial Year (June): Tradies and businesses spend before tax time — great for dual cabs and vans.
- Before Major Expenses: If your rego, insurance, or service is due, it’s a great time to sell. Mention the savings to buyers.
Avoid December to mid-January. Everyone’s away or saving. If your ad is live then, it’ll likely sit untouched.
Preparing Your Car to Get More
A dirty or tired-looking car turns buyers off instantly. Here’s how to lift the value without spending big:
- Exterior: Wash, clay bar if needed, polish the headlights, and blacken the tyres.
- Interior: Remove clutter, deodorise, clean all surfaces — including vents and cup holders.
- Mechanical: Fix warning lights, top up fluids, and make sure the car starts smoothly.
- Paperwork: Have the service book ready. If it’s missing, get a basic oil change and receipt to prove maintenance.
Presentation = trust.
What You’ll Need When Selling in Queensland
Selling a car in QLD isn’t just about the handover — there are legal requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A valid roadworthy certificate (RWC) to complete a private sale in QLD
- Signed QLD registration transfer form (done online via QLD Transport or in person)
- Photo ID Drivers licence or 18+ card
- A signed bill of sale or receipt
- Finance payout letter (if your car is under a loan)
👉 For a detailed breakdown, check out our full article on
car selling paperwork.
How to Price Your Car Right (Not Wishfully)
Overpricing is the #1 reason listings don’t get traction. To set a realistic price:
- Look up Carsales and filter by your car’s year, badge, and km
- Compare prices on Marketplace and Gumtree to see local competition
- Use an online car valuation tool to get a well-researched estimate.
- If there’s finance owing, factor in what you’ll need to pay out
- Allow some haggle room — around 5–10% is fair
And remember: what your mate got for his Toyota Hilux in 2021 means nothing in today’s market.
Final Tips From a Licensed Dealer
After 15+ years of buying cars from Queenslanders, here’s my no-BS advice:
- Photograph it well: Use our guide on taking better car photos.
- Don't ghost interested buyers: Even a polite “sold” message helps you stay human and allows you to reach out if the sale falls through.
- If your car’s rough, say so: Nothing annoys a buyer more than wasting a trip. Rectify any outstanding recalls too.
- Don’t drop your price too soon: The first few days are your best window. If no bites after 7–10 days, then consider lowering.
- Be available: Flexible inspection times (evenings, weekends) help seal the deal faster.
- Get a second opinion: Sometimes the car buying service will offer more than a private buyer if it’s a weird spec or hard to finance.
You don’t need to be a car expert to sell well. You just need to be clear, prepared, and realistic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where’s the best place to sell my car in Brisbane?
Sell Your Car BrisbaneA: If you want the highest price, Carsales is a good choice. If you prefer a fast, stress-free sale, selling to a licensed car buyer is the easiest option.
Q: Do I need a roadworthy certificate to sell my car?
More on RWCsA: If selling to a licensed dealer, you don’t need an RWC. However, private sales do require one in most cases.
Q: How long does it take to sell a car privately?
A: It depends on demand, pricing, and your location. Some cars sell within days, while others may take months.
Sell Your Car the Fast & Easy Way
If all of this sounds like too much work — or you just want it sold without the drama — we’ve got you.
At Sell Any Car Fast, we offer fast quotes, no rwc required, and we take care of the paperwork for you. You’ll get a fair price and we can pay you today.
Finding Some of The Terms Confusing?
Get prepared and learn all the key terms you’ll hear during the car-selling process. This glossary breaks it down for you.
