how to value a car in australia

Start with real comps: check recent listings and sold prices on Tradingpost and valuation guides like RedBook to set a sensible range. Adjust for the big hitters—kilometres, year, trim, options, condition, and service history—while accident damage, hail, or finance owing will drag it down. Registration, roadworthy, fresh tyres, and transparent records can lift the number because buyers like their drama on TV, not in the glovebox. Decide how you’ll sell: private usually nets more than a trade-in, and dealers add a margin for warranties and fancier coffee. Verify it all with a PPSR check and, for pricier metal, get a pre-purchase inspection so you’re not buying someone else’s deferred maintenance. Once you’ve got a range, price sharply, be honest in the ad, and let the market do the haggling for you.