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You must ensure that you have a Safety Certificate and that
your car is mechanically sound and has no major defects. You must obtain
a Safety Certificate before you can advertise your vehicle or even place a "For
Sale" sign on or in the vehicle. Significant fines can result from a
breach. [Trading-in your vehicle through Dan does not require you to obtain a
Safety Certificate.] |
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If there is money owning on
the vehicle then it is important that the finance company is notified
and aware of the impending sale and their advice is both sought and
followed. Seriously consider disclosing the fact to the potential buyer
and recommending that they obtain a "REVS" Certificate for the vehicle
prior to purchase. [Queensland Transport Inquiries - 132 380]. This will
immediately "clear the air" regarding the legal ownership of the vehicle
and the monies owing and will greatly build confidence in your buyer.
Monies owning will need to be fully paid out before the vehicle can be
legally transferred to the new buyer. |
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Have any
panel damage repaired. Even minor damage such as stone chips, or scrapes
in fenders or beaver panels can detract from the value of your vehicle.
Minor damage can be repaired at your own home using the services of a
mobile "Touch-Up" re-paint provider. Provided that they are
not severe it may be better to leave small stone chips as it helps
verify that the car has not recently had major panel work. |
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Arrange a
mechanical service. Service should include:
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Engine
oil and filter change |
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Air cleaner element |
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Radiator "Header Tank" coolant fluid (Caution - must be the same as
the coolant already present. If in doubt use demineralised water only.) |
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Windscreen washer tank |
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Clutch reservoir if manual transmission |
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Brake reservoir |
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Auto-transmission fluid levels if relevant and accessible.
Transmission may even require a fluid and filter change. (Note: Some
newer grearboxes are sealed and do not require servicing for the
life of the transmission) |
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Diff and manual gearbox oil levels. These may even need to be drained
and refilled |
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Battery fluid check and top-up |
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Check on all lights, including interior and traffic indicators |
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All normal functions of vehicle such as horn, cruise control etc |
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Hand brake adjustment |
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Make sure you keep the record of work done and your receipts |
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Ensure that
all tyres are inflated to the correct pressure - including the spare in
the boot! If you are using nitrogen then only top up using nitrogen
[defined by a red valve cap] and
do
not use the standard air at a Service Station. |
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Use an
engine bay cleaner followed by a low-volume high-pressure water spray to
thoroughly clean the engine compartment. Make sure that you do not
direct the water into electronic components or electric connections,
fuse boxes, etc. Run the engine immediately following the cleaning and
preferably drive for at least 20 kms. Don't forget to clean the engine
bay surrounds, the firewall, and the under-surface of the bonnet. |
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If the
under-surface of the vehicle is dirty or muddy beyond the "norm" then
use the facilities of the nearest commercial car-wash to pressure-clean
the underbody. |
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If you have adhesive vinyl
signage (or adhesive stickers) on your car carefully remove them so that
the underlying paint is not scratched or damaged. The use of hot air
from a hairdryer is often beneficial. Be careful using a thumbnail to
lift
the adhesive edge as even this can cause scratching. Use a light
cutting-back polish on the areas under the sticker as the paint may have
experienced a slight colour change due to the chemical reaction with
the adhesive. There may even be a noticeable "bleaching" zone around the
signage which will need to be gently and carefully cut back to blend
with the remaining paintwork. |
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Thoroughly
wash, dry, and polish the vehicle. Include all door openings and door
edges. Make sure that there is no "carry-over" polish dust on the outer
glass surfaces of the windows and that they are clean and buffed, |
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If the
windscreen wipers "smear" the screen or are badly deteriorated then
insert replacement rubbers. These can usually be purchased at any motor
"supermarket" and are cheap to buy. Don't be talked into buying
replacement holders or arms. They can cost the earth! |
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Take great
care to thoroughly clean the wheels. Make sure that all brake pad dust
is removed - especially with alloy wheels. Clean the tyres with a
quality cleaner, then dry with a soft clean cloth. Preferably do not use
tyre "paint" as this can cheapen the vehicle's appearance. |
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Vacuum the
interior, including under all seats and the surface of the upholstery.
Remove any litter, especially from the rear-base of seats, holding
pockets, and cigarette trays. Seats can also be cleaned using an
upholstery cleaner appropriate to the materials present. |
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If you're a
smoker pay particular attention to the ash trays and ensure that the
vehicle is well ventilated and deodorised. This is essential if you wish
to sell the vehicle to a non-smoker! |
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Ensure that
there are no damp spots in the interior. |
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Clean all
dash surfaces with a clean moist rag and wipe with a suitable "surface
restorer" if needed. |
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Clean all
interior glass surfaces including sun-roof if present. |
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Remove all
non-standard items from the boot. Ensure supplied tool kit, jack, and
spare wheel are present. Thoroughly clean the boot interior and ensure
there is nothing to squeak or rattle. |
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If you have
added "extras" to the vehicle it will help to provide a written list and
evidence, particularly if these modifications or additions can not be easily seen or
detected. |
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If you keep
a record of services and repairs/replacements (even fuel usage) make
sure these are available for viewing by a buyer. With newer vehicles the
owner's Manual and Service Logbook are essential. Older vehicles will
benefit from a written record of replacements or repairs, including
dates carried out. |
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Special
vehicles, particularly high-performance, may be provided with
certification. It is important to provide this for inspection by a
potential buyer. If your vehicle has a monetary value because of a
specific "history" then evidence of this is essential. |
