How to Sell Your Car in Brisbane: 5 Smart Ways to Get the Best Price
Not sure where to sell your car? We cover the 5 best options to help you sell quickly, safely, and for the best price.
When it’s time to move on from your car, choosing the right selling method can make all the difference. Whether you're after a quick sale, the highest possible price, or a hassle-free process, this guide will help you navigate the best options available in Brisbane.
Let’s dive into the top 5 ways to sell your car, including the pros and cons of each approach.
5. Trade-In at a Dealership 🚘
Trading in your car at a dealership is a convenient way to upgrade to a new vehicle. The dealership will appraise your current car and apply the trade-in value toward your next purchase.
While it's a quick and easy process, trade-ins usually offer lower values than private sales since dealers factor in reconditioning and resale costs.
✅ Pros:
- Fast & convenient
- No need to deal with buyers
- Can reduce the price of your next car
❌ Cons:
- Lower trade-in value compared to private sales
- Limited negotiation power
- Pressure to buy from the same dealer
4. Selling Through Consignment 🚗 🤝
If you want to avoid the hassle of selling privately but still aim for a better price than a trade-in, consignment selling is a great option. This method allows you to hand your car over to a dealership or a consignment service, where they handle the entire sale process for you.
✅ Pros:
- Professional marketing and handling
- Potential for a higher sale price than a trade-in
- No dealing with buyers or test drives
❌ Cons:
- Consignment fees or commissions reduce your final payout
- Can take longer than an instant sale
- Less control over the final sale process
💡 Best For:
Sellers who want to maximise their car’s price without the stress of listing, negotiating, and dealing with buyers directly.
3. Sell at a Car Auction 🎤
Car auctions are a fast-track option for selling, especially if you want a guaranteed buyer without dealing with the hassle of listing. Auctions attract dealers and private buyers, leading to competitive bidding.
However, there’s a risk of selling below market value, and auction fees can reduce your final payout.
✅ Pros:
Quick turnaround
Competitive bidding can drive prices up
Professional handling of paperwork
❌ Cons:
No guarantee of getting the price you want
Auction house fees cut into profits
You lose control over the final sale price
2. Sell to a Licensed Car Buyer (Fast & Hassle-Free) 💰
Selling to a licensed car buying service is the easiest and fastest way to get cash for your car in Brisbane. This option removes the hassle of listing, dealing with buyers, and handling paperwork.
While dealer offers may be lower than private sales, they’re usually better than trade-in prices and provide an instant, stress-free sale.
✅ Pros:
- Sell your car in one day
- No need for a roadworthy certificate (RWC)
- No dealing with private buyers
- Safe, secure payment
❌ Cons:
- Offer may be lower than a private sale
- Limited room for negotiation
💡 Best For:
- Sellers that want a fast, no-hassle car sale.
- Get a free instant valuation now 👉 Sell Your Car Today
1. Private Sale (Best for Maximum Price) 🏆
If you want top dollar, selling privately through Carsales, Gumtree, or Facebook Marketplace is the best way to maximise your sale price.
However, managing the entire process yourself—from advertising to test drives and finalising payment—can be time-consuming and frustrating.
✅ Pros:
- Highest sale price potential
- Full control over pricing and negotiations
- Directly deal with buyers
❌ Cons:
- Requires time and effort to find the right buyer
- Need to handle legal paperwork and transfers
- Some buyers may try to negotiate aggressively
What’s the Best Way to Sell?
Need a fast, hassle-free sale? Sell to a licensed car buyer for an instant offer.
Want the highest price? A private sale will get you more money but takes more time.
Looking for convenience? Trading in or selling at an auction might be the right fit.
| Rank | Platform | Price | Time to sell |
|---|---|---|---|
| #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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where’s the best place to sell my car in Brisbane?
A: 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?
A: 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
🚀 Get a fast, competitive offer without the hassle! Instead of dealing with time-wasters or negotiating with buyers, let us handle the process for you.
