5 ways to sell a luxury European used car

Is it time to move into the latest model? Maybe there’s a little one on the way and you need more room, or perhaps one of the cars in the driveway simply isn’t getting used anymore. Whatever the reason, once you’ve decided to sell your luxury European car, the next question is how.

There are plenty of ways to sell a car in Australia, but when it comes to a prestige European vehicle such as a BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi or Porsche, they aren’t all created equal. Some are quick but cost you money; others get you a better price but take far more time and effort. Here’s a rundown of the five main options so you can make an informed choice.

1. Selling to a dealer

Selling outright to a car dealership can feel like the quickest and easiest route, and in terms of convenience it often is. The catch is the price.

A dealer buying your car has to recondition it, hold it in stock and resell it at a profit, so their offer is built around that margin. They also know that convenience is exactly what you’re paying for. Don’t be surprised if the number is well below what similar cars are advertised for.

If you go down this path, get offers from more than one dealer. A franchise dealer for your car’s brand may be keener on a well-kept example of its own make than a general used car yard.

2. Trading it in

If you’re buying another car anyway, trading in your European car is tempting: one transaction, one visit, and you drive away in the new car.

The thing to watch with any trade-in, not just a luxury one, is how the numbers are presented. When the trade-in value and the price of the new car are bundled into a single changeover figure, a generous-looking trade-in offer can easily be offset by a smaller discount on the new car, or the other way round. It can look like an outstanding deal when it isn’t.

To protect yourself:

• Ask for the trade-in value and the new car’s drive-away price as separate figures, in writing.
• Know roughly what your car is worth before you walk in.
• Don’t sign on your first visit. Take the figures home and read through everything before you make a final decision.

3. Selling privately

A private sale is usually the way to get a higher price than a trade-in or a dealer offer. But if you’ve never sold a car privately before, be prepared for a longer, more drawn-out process than you might expect.

You’ll need to photograph and advertise the car, answer enquiries, field low offers, and arrange inspections and test drives, often with tyre kickers and time-wasters mixed in among the genuine buyers. Selling a high-end European car doesn’t make prospective buyers any less frustrating to deal with at times.

Buyers of prestige cars also tend to do their homework, so expect them to:

• Ask for a complete logbook service history and receipts
• Run a PPSR check to make sure there’s no finance registered against the car and that it isn’t recorded as written off or stolen
• Want an independent pre-purchase inspection

Depending on your state or territory, you may also need a roadworthy or safety certificate before registration can be transferred (Victoria and Queensland both require one, for example), and you’ll usually need to notify your state or territory’s transport authority once the car is sold. Be careful with payment too: make sure the funds have cleared in your account before you hand over the keys and papers.

Presentation makes a real difference to how quickly a private sale happens, so read our guide to preparing your car for sale before you list it.

4. Taking it to auction

Selling your car at auction can be a headache because of everything involved. There are fees to account for, the car has to be delivered and presented, and you have little control over who turns up on the day.

Most importantly, jumping through all those hoops doesn’t guarantee your car will actually sell. If bidding doesn’t reach your reserve, you may have paid fees and still have the car. Even when it does sell, you’re relying on the right buyers being there on that particular day.

5. Selling to a cash for cars buyer

There are quite a few “cash for cars” businesses out there, and they vary a lot. Some are best avoided: they substantially underquote in the hope that sellers haven’t done their research, or offer an attractive online estimate that shrinks once someone actually looks at the car.

A reputable cash buyer should:

• Be a licensed motor dealer
• Give you a genuine offer after talking with you about the car, not just an automated estimate
• Pay you before the car is collected
• Handle any finance payout with your lender

That’s how we work at Sell Your Car Australia, and we keep the process as simple and straightforward as possible:

1. Fill in a short form with your car’s details for a free, no-obligation valuation.
2. Our team calls you quickly to talk through the car.
3. You receive a genuine cash offer, not a data-driven estimate.
4. Once a price is agreed, a deposit can be paid quickly.
5. We inspect the car, then pay the balance into your account.
6. Your car is collected only after the funds have cleared.

Take it to the European car buying experts

Sell Your Car Australia is operated by Autohaus Australia Pty Ltd, a licensed motor dealer (MD 077404). Our owner has worked as a valuer, wholesaler and licensed dealer since 1992, so we know European cars and what they’re worth. You can read what past sellers have said on our testimonials page.

We consider all makes and models, and there is strong demand for European and prestige cars. We currently buy vehicles that are 2021 or newer with 100,000 km or less. If your car is still under finance, that’s fine: we work with your lender, and it usually takes two to three business days.

If that sounds like your car, get your free car valuation or call us on 1800 73 55 73 to talk it through. We buy Australia-wide, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, regional NSW, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania.